Home Articles From Engineering Students to AI Engineer: How to Make the Transition?

From Engineering Students to AI Engineer: How to Make the Transition?

General

Suman Saurav
Suman Saurav

Table of Content

From Engineering Students to AI Engineer: How to Make the Transition?

The rise of AI has given birth to several exciting career opportunities. AI engineering is one such emerging career. This industry is booming in India. The demand for skilled engineers is higher than it has ever been. AI Engineers are being hired across sectors in various top companies like Google, Microsoft or startups like Haptik or SigTuple. Even research organisations like the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) and IIT research centres are looking for talented AI professionals. Such growth opportunities and lucrative salary prospects make AI engineering one of the most attractive careers for engineering students.

But how can students become AI engineers? What are the major skills required to break into this field? What are their major responsibilities? In this article, we are breaking down how engineering students from India can become AI engineers and step into this developing field.

What Does an AI Engineer Do?

An AI engineer is someone who builds, tests and deploys algorithms that make up artificial intelligence systems. AI engineers perform tasks like designing and managingthe AI development process, automating important functions and processes, conducting statistical analysis and interpreting results, coordinating with other professionals like coders, data scientists, and more, transforming models into APIs, and explaining the usefulness of AI models to individuals within organisations.

Basics for Becoming an AI Engineer

a. Bachelor’s degree in B.Sc., IT or computer science

To become an AI engineer, one needs a degree in either B.Tech in AI/ IT/CS or a B.SC. degree. Engineering students often opt for a degree in IT or computer science with a specialisation in AI+data science or AI+ML. This helps them build a base for an AI career.

To pursue a bachelor’s degree in the above-mentioned fields, students may need to qualify for entrance exams to get admission into top colleges. Many colleges in India are now also offering specialised AI engineering courses, seeing the popularity of AI.

Mirai School of Technology also offers a one-of-its-kind of AI-first 4-year B.Tech degree program. To qualify for this exam, students have to pass the Mirai National Screening (MAINS) test. To know more, visithttps://msot.org/admission.

b. Mathematical and programming skills

AI Engineers need mathematical and programming skills as well as analytical and critical thinking to excel in this field. As AI models are built using algorithms, engineers need to know statistics, algebra and calculus to understand such algorithms. Programming skills such as learning C++, Java, and Python are also equally important for AI engineers as these languages are used to develop and deploy AI models.

c. Certifications

An easy and effective way of gaining more skills is through pursuing AI-related certificate courses or diploma programs. Several great AI courses are available on Coursera and Udemy for engineering students to pursue. These certificate courses can help you gain practical AI skills like machine learning, NLP, computer vision and familiarity with AI tools/frameworks.

d. Communication skills and Collaborative Attitude

AI engineers are required to work with a variety of individuals and explain technical information to them. For this purpose, AI engineers need to be good communicators who can break down complex ideas and concepts when required. Collaboration is an important skill to have as well because AI engineers rarely work alone. They collaborate with a team of coders, developers, and ethics specialists while developing AI models.

Key Technical Skills Required

a. Programming Languages

AI Engineers need to be proficient in programming languages like Python, Java, and C++. These programming languages are essential tools for AI engineers working with AI models.

b. Machine Learning Frameworks

Machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch are widely used for the development and training of AI models. Hence, these tools are necessary for students looking to build a career as an AI engineer.

c. Data Science Tools

Tools such as Pandas, NumPy, and Jupyter are critical for data processing, interactive coding and data visualisation. These tools are widely used by AI engineers. Hence, gaining some experience in these data science tools can help you in your AI engineer career.

Mirai School Of Technology

Mirai School of Technology is an AI-powered institute built for the upcoming innovators of tomorrow. The curriculum at Mirai Institute is developed to be immersive, hands-on, and led by industry veterans, exactly everything that you need to grow your skills in an emerging field like AI engineering. Here at Mirai, students work with AI and machine learning projects from day one. This is because we understand that engineers are not built only through theory. They need real-life skills and experience.

Mirai currently offers 2 kinds of engineering programs at 2 different locations. Mirai School of Technology Bangalore offers BE CSE in AI/ML, and Mirai School of Technology, Ghaziabad offers B.Tech CS in AI/ML. With both of these undergraduate program options should can go on and develop the necessary knowledge and skills required for a tech career in AI. The highly selective criteria of selecting students ensure that only the top 20% of students are selected for a healthy and productive learning environment. So students also learn collaboration and effective communication.

Excited to know more? Visit https://msot.org/mirai-school-of-technology, Mirai School of Technology’s official website for more academic updates, curriculum, and current tech happenings.

Conclusion

AI engineering is an exciting career opportunity for engineering students in India. It combines the programming skills of engineers with the interesting field of AI. If you are searching for the answer to how to transition into a career in AI, this role is the perfect gateway. To become an AI engineer, engineering students must gain the necessary educational requirements with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or AI, learn programming languages, take courses for extra training and work on real-life projects which improve their skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an AI Engineer do and what are their main responsibilities?

An AI Engineer builds, tests, and deploys algorithms for artificial intelligence systems. Their tasks include designing and managing the AI development process, automating functions, conducting statistical analysis, interpreting results, and collaborating with data scientists and coders. They also transform AI models into APIs and clearly explain their benefits to different teams within an organisation.

What educational background is needed to become an AI Engineer in India?

To become an AI Engineer in India, you typically need a Bachelor's degree like B.Tech in AI, IT, or Computer Science, or a B.Sc. Engineering students often choose IT or Computer Science with a specialisation in AI+data science or AI+ML. Many colleges now offer specialised AI engineering courses, often requiring entrance exams for admission.

What are the most important skills for an aspiring AI Engineer?

Key skills include strong mathematical knowledge like statistics, algebra, and calculus, alongside programming proficiency in languages such as Python, Java, and C++. Analytical and critical thinking are crucial. Soft skills like effective communication and a collaborative attitude are also essential, as AI engineers frequently work in teams and need to explain complex technical concepts.

Can certificate courses help me gain AI skills for a career?

Yes, pursuing AI-related certificate courses or diploma programs is an effective way to enhance your skills. Many excellent courses are available on platforms like Coursera and Udemy. These programs can provide practical experience in areas such as machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, and familiarity with various AI tools and frameworks, boosting your career prospects.

Why is AI Engineering considered a great career opportunity in India?

AI Engineering is booming in India with exceptionally high demand for skilled professionals. Top companies like Google and Microsoft, along with innovative startups and research institutions, are actively hiring. This field offers tremendous growth opportunities and attractive salary packages, making it a highly desirable and lucrative career path for engineering students looking for future-proof roles.

Which programming languages are essential for AI Engineers?

AI Engineers need to be proficient in several programming languages to effectively build and deploy AI models. Key languages include Python, Java, and C++. Python is particularly vital due to its extensive libraries and frameworks specifically designed for machine learning and data science, making it a cornerstone for AI development and data manipulation.

Does Mirai School of Technology offer specialised AI engineering courses?

Yes, Mirai School of Technology provides specialised AI engineering programs. They offer a BE CSE in AI/ML at their Bangalore campus and a B.Tech CS in AI/ML at their Ghaziabad campus. Their curriculum is designed to be immersive and hands-on, with students engaging in AI and machine learning projects from day one, led by experienced industry professionals.

Show More

Similar Articles

D Pharmacy: Subjects, Eligibility, Fees, Jobs, Top Recruiters By - Nikita Parmar21st April, 2025, 5 min read Read More
Comprehensive Pilot Training and Career Insights in India 2025 By - Suman Saurav07th September, 2025, 9 min read Read More
Chartered Accountant (CA): Full Form, Courses, Exams, Salary, Recruiters By - Ravi Upadhyay05th August, 2025, 13 min read Read More
View All
Start AI Enroll Now