【You're the Apple in my AI】
Last year, Google's AI and search chief John Giannandrea made waves when he shared that he was stepping down from Google and stepping up for Apple instead as a direct report to Tim Cook. It looks like Apple has quite the strategy hiring from Google, as they recently announced that Ian Goodfellow, one of Google's AI experts, will be joining Apple to direct machine learning initiatives.
As the battle wages on between big companies to attract and retain the best AI talent, what does that mean for startups?
The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2022, 133 million jobs in artificial intelligence and machine learning will be created. Spending on AI will also rise from $12 million in 2017 to $57.6 billion by 2021. And many companies surveyed mentioned that Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence would be their company' most significant data initiative for the next year.
What all these numbers mean is that the there's no shortage of talents but being able to recruit and retain is another story. As jobs change, people will still be needed so it's important to remember to hire for the right skills such as analytical thinking, verbal & written communication, design, decision-making, interpersonal skills, and global operating. It's important to prepare for a hybrid workplace where humans and AI can work together and there are many things that AI can't (currently) do.
Once you've established a good environment where AI can thrive, the next step is establishing an AI pipeline. Many organizations turn to universities and learning projects to find good talent. Another option is to build from within the organization. Many startups train their younger employees who have aptitude and are open to a learning environment to take on AI initiatives and work on projects with an AI mentor or expert who can teach them more.
There's no playbook for hiring and retaining great AI talent. However, if you start prepping early, you might be able to anticipate this upcoming wave. If not, you can always pull an Apple and hire from your competitors.
- By Natalie Feng Lin, Analyst.
