Top 9 New Age Careers for Women - 1. AI Ethics and Governance Specialist

Shaping the Future of Responsible AI

AI Ethics and Governance Specialists play a crucial role in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. These professionals are at the forefront of ensuring that AI systems are developed and deployed in ways that are ethical, fair, and compliant with regulations. Their work spans across various domains, from identifying and mitigating biases in AI algorithms to developing comprehensive ethical guidelines for AI use. They also serve as key advisors on the broader societal impacts of AI technologies.

The Importance of Ethics in AI Development:

As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, the importance of ethics in their development cannot be overstated. AI has the potential to significantly impact various aspects of human life, from healthcare and education to criminal justice and financial systems. Without proper ethical considerations, AI systems can perpetuate or even exacerbate existing societal biases and inequalities.

For eg you may have noticed how your SM feed is largely guided by what you have liked and commented upon in the past. Only posts or content similar to that keeps on popping on your screen  and unknowingly for you it may influence your thought process or decision making ability. That's how polarization is also triggered and used by people using SM- particularly in field of politics. 

Some key ethical concerns in AI development include:

1. Fairness and non-discrimination

2. Transparency and explainability

3. Privacy and data protection

4. Accountability and liability

5. Safety and security

6. Human oversight and control

AI Ethics and Governance Specialists work to address these concerns, ensuring that AI systems are designed and used in ways that benefit society as a whole.

The Global Transition to AI and the Growing Need for Ethical Oversight:

Almost all companies worldwide are transitioning to the use of AI in some capacity. This widespread adoption spans across industries:

1. Healthcare: AI for diagnosis, drug discovery, and personalized treatment plans

2. Finance: for fraud detection, risk assessment, and algorithmic trading

3. Retail: for personalized recommendations and inventory management

4. Manufacturing: for predictive maintenance and quality control

5. Transportation: for autonomous vehicles and traffic management

6. Education: for personalized learning and administrative tasks

As AI becomes more deeply integrated into these sectors, the need for ethical oversight and responsible use becomes increasingly critical. This transition creates a growing demand for AI Ethics and Governance Specialists who can navigate the complex intersection of technology, ethics, and policy. And women do have some natural advantages which we will see in the later part of this article. 

Job/Business Opportunities and Income Potential:

The field of AI ethics and governance offers a variety of career paths:

1. AI Ethics Officer in tech companies: Oversee the ethical implementation of AI within the organization.

2. Policy Advisor for government agencies: Shape AI-related policies and regulations at local, national, or international levels.

3. Consultant for AI ethics in various industries: Provide expert advice on ethical AI implementation across different sectors.

4. Researcher in academic institutions: Conduct cutting-edge research on AI ethics and its societal implications.

5. AI Auditor: Assess AI systems for ethical compliance and potential biases.

6. Ethics Board Member: Serve on advisory boards for companies or organizations developing AI technologies.

Annual income potential for beginners typically ranges from $70,000 to $100,000, with the potential to increase significantly with experience. Senior roles in this field can command salaries well over $150,000, especially in tech hubs or leadership positions.

Education/Certification:

To embark on a career in AI ethics and governance, one typically needs a strong educational foundation:

1. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Philosophy, Ethics, or related fields

2. Master's degree or Ph.D. in AI Ethics, Tech Ethics, or similar programs

3. Certifications in AI ethics from organizations like IEEE or ForHumanity

Some renowned institutions offering courses in this field include:

1. Stanford University: "Ethics and Governance of AI" program

2. MIT: "Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Ethics, Business, and Policy" course

3. Harvard University: "Ethics of Artificial Intelligence" course

4. University of Oxford: "AI Ethics and Governance" program

5. UC Berkeley: "Human Contexts and Ethics of Data" course

In India the course is not yet being widely offered but increasing number of Indian institutions have started offering  courses in AI Ethics, IIT Delhi, IIM Lucknow , IIM Bangalore already have some courses in place. Additionally ofcourse  one can do certifications from Online educational platforms 

Skills and Competencies:

Success in this field requires a diverse skill set:

1. Strong understanding of AI technologies and their implications

2. Ethical reasoning and critical thinking

3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

4. Ability to analyze complex systems and their societal impacts

5. Familiarity with relevant laws and regulations

6. Interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration

7. Research and analytical skills

8. Problem-solving and decision-making abilities

9. Cultural awareness and sensitivity

10. Continuous learning mindset to keep up with rapid technological advancements

Advantages for Women:

The field of AI ethics and governance presents unique opportunities for women:

1. Diverse Perspectives: Women can bring unique viewpoints to AI ethics, particularly in identifying and addressing gender-related biases in AI systems. This diversity of thought is crucial for creating more inclusive and fair AI technologies.

2. Emotional Intelligence: Women's often-higher emotional intelligence can be beneficial in navigating the complex ethical landscape and in communicating sensitive issues to diverse stakeholders. This skill is particularly valuable when dealing with the human impact of AI technologies.

3. Addressing Systemic Biases: Women's experiences with systemic biases can inform more inclusive AI development practices. This firsthand understanding can lead to more comprehensive and effective ethical guidelines.

4. Increasing Diversity in Tech: As the field of AI ethics aims to increase diversity in the broader tech industry, there may be more opportunities and support for women entering this career. Many organizations are actively seeking to diversify their AI ethics teams.

5. Interdisciplinary Nature: The field's blend of technology, ethics, and social sciences may appeal to women who have diverse interests and backgrounds and may not prefer to be just tech nerds.

6. Leadership Opportunities: As a relatively new field, AI ethics offers opportunities for women to take on leadership roles and shape the direction of the industry.

7. Social Impact: The focus on ethical and responsible AI aligns well with many women's desire and ability  to make a positive impact on society through their careers.

The role of AI Ethics and Governance Specialist is becoming increasingly vital as AI technologies continue to shape our world. This career offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of ensuring that AI development benefits humanity as a whole. For women, it presents a chance to bring diverse perspectives to a field that will significantly impact future generations. As organizations worldwide recognize the importance of ethical AI, the demand for specialists in this area is likely to grow, making it a promising and impactful career choice for those passionate about technology and its ethical implications.

Avinash Deshmukh 

Career Coach 

Team BOLDNET India