The use of machine learning has increased exponentially across the globe over the past ten years or so, with many businesses using the technology to optimize operations, improve forecasting and predict demand. It is a branch of Artificial Intelligence, but just because it sounds complicated, it doesn’t mean that you can’t master it with a good understanding of data science and some experience of theoretical modeling. Anyone familiar with data will know at least a little about analytics, and what you’re teaching the computer to do is continuously educate itself on how to analyze data accurately. To do this, you’ll need to learn how to program algorithms into your computer to extract data correctly and relevant enough to help you do a good job. Naturally, there are several branches of machine learning, such as deep learning and neural networks, but start with the basics first. 

Of course, learning something new takes time, mainly if it’s something complicated like machine learning. Achieving this while in full-time employment is challenging, although many employers will realize that it’s important to you and could be beneficial to them as a company too. You could think about requesting study leave, especially if you’re taking a course requiring exams or essays, or you might even want to think about a career break if you’re hoping this takes you in a new direction. Either way, by undertaking this challenge, you’ll not only feel yourself becoming smarter but will open yourself up to new job opportunities as a result of your enhanced skillset. One way of managing both work and study is to set up a scheduling tool to enter your commitments and figure out how much time you can devote to mastering machine learning.

If machine learning is just a passing fancy, then there is plenty to learn through textbooks and online courses, but if you want to take that interest to the next step, you may want to think about a career change. You don’t need to leap all at once, of course, and there are several routes to a career in machine learning. If you’re content with earning a little money on the side, you could consider freelance opportunities, of which there are numerous, and would help build up your experience of the industry. Another alternative, particularly if you are starting in the world of work, is to consider an internship at a company specializing in technology or one that actively uses machine learning. It could assist you in obtaining your dream job sometime in the future!