Becoming an AI Engineer contractor

What does an AI engineer do?

Using machine learning models created by data scientists, an AI engineer will design, develop and implement AI applications and systems.

They use their expertise to create intelligence systems that can perform tasks and make decisions, with their role focusing on bridging the gap between research and real-world implementation.

How to become an AI engineer contractor

Gaining a bachelor’s degree is a common starting point for those wanting to become an AI engineer.

There are several different courses you can choose from, such as computer science, IT and data science, and many people will go on to take a master’s degree that specialises in AI or machine learning to further increase their knowledge and skills.

Your next step is to find clients!

It can be a bit daunting finding contract work for the first time, but once you know where to look and you start making connections with other professionals in your field, it will get easier.

Here are a few ideas of how to find work:

Recruitment agencies
Searching through jobs on recruitment sites and signing up for their job alerts can be really useful for finding contract work.

Don’t forget about recruitment agencies that specialise in your field too.

Networking
It’s worth signing up to LinkedIn so that you can network with those in your industry who may either be hiring or know of any jobs going.

Read our Finding work on LinkedIn page for help and advice on utilising the platform to its full potential.

As well as networking online, it’s important to build your contacts as you go along and keep in touch with anyone you have worked with or met through others, who may be handy to know when it comes to finding work.

Create your own website
Treat your website like a portfolio – it’s a great way to reach your audience and show off your skills.

Think about SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) to ensure you rank higher on Google, keep the design simple and easy to use and make sure you only include relevant content.

Benefits of becoming an AI engineer contractor

There are so many benefits to becoming a contractor, with rates of pay and flexibility usually the top reasons cited for people joining the self-employed sector.

In terms of financial benefits, a contractor’s rates of pay are often much higher compared to their permanent counterparts.

Plus, they are also able to take advantage of claiming back on expenses made for the running of their business, which will in turn reduce their tax bill at the end of each year.

For more information on expenses, read our Sole Trader Expenses page.

With so many people now prioritising a better work/life balance, working for yourself is perfect for giving you more freedom and flexibility compared to an employee – you’ll be able to choose the clients you want to work with, as well as pick the hours and days that you want to work.

For more information on what you can gain from self-employment, read our Benefits of Contracting page.

Do I need an accountant?

There are some who believe that hiring an accountant is a luxury, but a good accountant can be an essential tool and a great asset to your business – not only will they help you to keep on top of your financial liabilities and deadlines, but they’ll also be able to provide financial advice that could save you money in the long-term.

Just be sure to choose an accountant who:

• Specialises in contractor tax
• Has qualifications
• Has a good reputation
• Offers a fixed monthly amount so you avoid any surprise bills!

Read our Choosing a Contractor Accountant page for more help and advice on hiring the best accountant for you.