Top Machine Learning Skills for Successful AI Career in 2025

Last updated by Nitin Grover on Nov 07, 2024 at 04:29 PM | Reading time: 7 minutes

Machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) uses algorithms and statistical models that enable computers to perform specific tasks without explicit instructions. Specialized machine learning engineer skills are required to design and train models that allow computers to self-learn from data.

Expertise in programming languages, knowledge of data processing techniques, machine learning frameworks and software engineering practices are some machine learning skills one needs to excel in this AI field,

In this article, we provide information about the essential machine learning skills and outline the necessary steps to build a successful career in machine learning.

Machine Learning Engineer Skills: Machine Learning As a Career

Machine learning is a high in-demand field that offers a lot of lucrative career opportunities. At the beginning of their career, candidates take on machine learning engineer roles and responsibilities as interns or entry-level machine learning engineers, focusing on foundational skills that help them progress over time

Just like other AI disciplines, machine learning is evolving at a rapid pace. Those pursuing a career in machine learning need to stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in this field.

By continuous learning and skills enhancement, professionals can progress in their careers and attain top management positions like principal machine learning engineer or chief machine learning officer.

Also Read: What is Machine Learning? A Comprehensive Guide‍

Typical Machine Learning Engineer Career Paths

Machine Learning Career Paths

In-Demand Machine Learning Engineer Skills

What machine learning skills one must possess to excel in this field? Typically, to pursue a career in machine learning, one must first graduate in computer science, data science or any related field. Although its not a prerequisite but a preferred qualification.

In addition, a machine learning engineer must be an expert in various technical and soft skills:

Machine Learning Skills: Technical

Technical skills are special skills acquired to efficiently perform tasks in a specific field or work area. In-demand machine learning engineer skills include programming, data processing, deep learning frameworks, and software engineering practices.

Mathematics and Statistics:

Linear Algebra: For many ML algorithms, understanding of vectors, matrices, and operations is essential
Calculus: ML training models use optimization techniques that employ calculus concepts
Probability and Statistics: Required for data distribution, statistical tests and the foundations of machine learning algorithms

Developing these core mathematical foundations is crucial for machine learning engineer skills and understanding ML algorithms.

Programming Languages:

Python: Extensively used in machine learning due to its simplicity and support for extensive libraries and frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn.
R: Excellent choice for data analysis and statistical modeling. Its built-in functions for statistical analysis and plotting graphs make it a preferred choice for visualization, a must have skill for ML.
Other Languages: Knowledge of languages such as Java and C++ can also be beneficial in machine learning.

Data Preprocessing:

Data Transformation: Prepare data for modeling with normalization, standardization, and other relevant techniques.
Feature Engineering: Creation of new features or selection of the most relevant ones to improve model performance.

Core Machine Learning and Deep Learning Skills:

Supervised learning, Unsupervised learning and Reinforcement learning techniques
Neural networks, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN)
TensorFlow, Keras, or PyTorch frameworks

Big Data Technologies:

Knowledge of Hadoop and Spark for handling and processing large datasets.
Proficiency in SQL and NoSQL databases for database management and query languages.

Software Engineering Practices:

Utilize tools like Git, HelixCore or Subversion for managing code versions
Ensure code reliability and correctness with unit testing, integration testing, code reviews and continuous integration
Use tools like Docker and Kubernetes to deploy models into production environments

Domain Knowledge:

Understanding of specific industries or domains that specifically require the application of ML concepts. For instance, AI in healthcare is making great strides and stands as a testament to valuable lessons for other industries.

Also read: Machine Learning Career Path: 5 Job Types

Machine Learning Skills: Managerial (Soft Skills)

Soft skills are non-technical skills that are equally important to succeed in any career, let alone machine learning. The following table shows the essential soft machine learning skills necessary for a successful in this domain.

Soft Machine Learning Skills

Also Read: How to Answer Conflict Interview Questions

How to Acquire Machine Learning Skills

The previous section provides a comprehensive list of machine learning skills to put in your resume. However, to acquire these in-demand machine learning skills one can follow a step-by-step procedure mentioned below:‍

Start Doing Background Research

Aspiring machine learning engineers should start their journey by gathering data and knowledge related to their field. This includes learning core concepts like calculus, algebra, at least one programming language, and ML algorithms, as well as understanding machine learning vs deep learning vs generative AI distinctions to apply the right techniques.

If you are already working in a certain role in an organization, identify ways to migrate to an entry-level machine learning role that the company may announce through internal job posting.

Obtain a Relevant Certification

Opt for a certification that offers comprehensive guidance to clear machine learning interviews. Such certifications train the users with hands-on machine learning projects and give them much-needed practical experience. One such machine learning certification is offered to candidates who clear the machine learning interview masterclass of Interview Kickstart.

Attend coding bootcamps that provide intensive machine learning knowledge and practical skills to succeed in the machine learning role. These bootcamps provide proper guidance on key machine learning topics such as programming languages, machine learning and deep learning concepts, and ML architectures.

Build Your Network

Once you’ve gained the required practical experience, you can start engaging in conversations with professionals associated with the machine learning profession. Join online machine learning communities and connect with people who generally welcome newcomers and are eager to share their experiences.

A few online communities are Reddit.com and Stack Exchange.

Build a Targeted Resume and Start Applying for Jobs

Now it's time to identify the machine learning skills to put on your resume and showcase them. The resume is a reflection of your achievements so provide all the information about the machine learning certifications you’ve pursued and the bootcamp experience you’ve gained thus far.

Build Your AI/ML Skills with Interview Kickstart!

Opt for a comprehensive machine learning course offered by Interview Kickstart, a global leader in career upleveling. This course covers everything from fundamental concepts to advanced machine learning techniques. It also provides hands-on experience with various machine learning projects.

Other notable courses offered by Interview Kickstart are Data Science, MLOps Training, Data Engineering. Applied Gen AI, and Advanced Gen AI to name a very few.

All these courses offer comprehensive training from FAANG instructors. So, these courses are ideal tech interview prep courses for any AI/ML aspirant.

Read the Interview Kickstart Reviews to understand how we can add value to your journey to becoming a machine learning engineer.

FAQs: Machine Learning Skills

Q1. What Are Four Types of Machine Learning Algorithms?

Machine Learning algorithms self-learn to optimise their operations to improve performance. Over due course, they developing 'intelligence' over time. There are four types of machine learning algorithms: supervised, semi-supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement learning.

Q2. What Is The Most Important Machine Learning Skill To Be Mentioned In The CV?

One of the most important machine learning skills to be mentioned in the CV is related to hands-on projects. In this highly competitive market place, one can only gain an edge over others if he gains proper hands on experience of live projects.

Q3. Does ML Need Coding?

One basic machine learning skill is the ability to code with various programming languages like Python, R, Java and to some extent C++.‍

Q4. How to Improve Machine Learning Skills?

To improve your machine learning skills, focus on hands-on projects, stay updated on industry trends, practice coding in key languages like Python and R, and leverage ML tools like TensorFlow or PyTorch. Regularly participate in online communities, courses, and competitions.

Q5. Is Machine Learning a Technical Skill?

Yes, machine learning is primarily a technical skill. It encompasses knowledge of programming, mathematics, statistics, and understanding algorithms, which are essential for designing and implementing ML models.

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