What does “AI experience required” mean?
Companies and organizations worldwide are embracing AI to increase efficiency and streamline work. Dive into what "AI experience required" means on job postings in 2025.
Why is AI experience required for jobs?
"AI experience required" for jobs means more than experience using ChatGPT or another popular large language model (LLM). Companies with AI job postings want applicants with programming skills in Python and C/C++. Other requirements may include an academic or professional background in machine/deep learning, data analysis, and natural language processing.
This shift in job requirements has significantly impacted U.S. workers' career plans. An August 2025 edX survey report reveals that about half of workers plan to start upskilling or reskilling in the next six months. AI anxiety is driving this trend, with 54% of those surveyed reporting that AI skills are important to career advancement.
Fortunately, 60% of respondents feel confident that AI tools can help them learn in-demand skills and stay competitive in the job market. If you're unsure how to reskill in an uncertain economy, start by exploring tech skills and creating a plan to determine what AI experience you need for career success.
How to determine what AI experience you need
1. Research job postings
Even if you're not actively looking for work, researching job postings can give you an insider's view into what AI experience employers want in 2025. Take note of common skills and experience employers list in job postings. Are you noticing trends around specific programming languages or soft skills, like problem-solving?
Problem-solving is one of many essential soft skills STEM professionals may overlook in preparing for a first job or new position. Improving soft skills is especially important for workers between jobs, as they can help you stand out during interviews and on the job.
2. Determine your AI skill and experience level
Once you know what employers mean by "AI experience required," it's time to determine your AI skill and experience level. Compare what you've learned about various jobs' AI experience requirements with your own expertise. An AI knowledge quiz can help you find out your understanding of basic AI features and processes.
Beyond taking quizzes, consider the AI experience you've gained at your current job, if any. You can include times you've asked LLMs for information or used them to help you solve a work-related problem. Although this experience may not involve any technical skills, your AI comfort level shows employers that you are open to using the technology to become more efficient at your job.
3. Make a plan
It's time to decide what AI experience you need for career success. Depending on your background and career goals, you may need to:
- Complete one or more courses.
- Earn a college or university certificate.
- Complete a bachelor's or master's degree program.
- Enroll in an executive education program.
Gaining the AI experience you need may require more than one of these options. That's why making a custom-tailored education plan is necessary. If you need help, reach out to:
- Coworkers and managers
- Program or degree admissions counselors
- Career or academic advisors
4. Upskill or reskill with edX
Use your plan to choose appropriate AI courses and programs on edX. edX's courses feature a self-paced curriculum and focus on in-demand knowledge and skills. A typical course lasts 4–12 weeks and costs $50–$300.
Executive education programs are a great option for managers looking to upskill. Coursework helps learners become subject-matter experts and improve their leadership skills. Executive education programs last 6–8 weeks and cost $2,500–$3,500.
Although courses and executive education programs can help you improve your résumé, the former may also award undergraduate or graduate credit. Starting a bachelor's-completion or master's program in AI with credit in hand may help you save time and money.
| If ... | Then … |
|---|---|
| You lack experience with AI | Take an introductory course. |
| Have used AI for some work-related tasks | Take an intermediate course or complete a college certificate. |
| If you want to apply to a job with an AI experience requirement | Complete a college certificate or bachelor's degree. |
| If your career goals require in-depth knowledge of computer science and programming | Enroll in a bachelor's or master's in AI program. |
| If you want to become an AI leader in your company or organization | Complete an executive education in AI program. |
Program options for learning AI
Bachelor's programs
Research online bachelor's degrees if you are a recent high school graduate, hold an associate degree, or have some undergraduate credit. A bachelor's in artificial intelligence lasts 4–6 years and costs $10,000–$200,000, depending on your course load and graduation requirements. Core courses may include:
- Java programming
- Data structures
- AI and ethics
- Applied decision and optimization theory
Joining a club or organization can help you network with like-minded students and explore potential careers. Another way to prepare for an AI career in college involves combining your passion for AI with another subject. Doing so can help you develop expertise in your chosen industry.
Job opportunities for graduates include:
- AI trainer
- AI product manager
- AI sales and marketing specialist
Master's programs
Consider an online master's in AI if you have an academic or professional background in computer science and want to upskill. A typical master's program costs $10,000–$200,000 and lasts 12–36 months. In class, you may study:
- Law and ethics of big data
- Interactive machine learning and AI
- Cloud computing security
- Interpretable machine learning
Find the right master's program by comparing curricula and concentration options. The latter can have a significant impact on your career path.
Job opportunities for graduates include:
- Computer and information research scientist
- Computer systems designer
- Computational scientist
- AI engineer
These and related positions may require a master's degree and/or additional experience. Program and university career advisors can help you create a career map tailored to your needs.