A career in AI can be worth it if you enjoy technology and working with data. Many people think AI jobs are all about developing advanced algorithms and training machine learning models. Those jobs exist, and they usually require a university degree. But many other tech jobs have AI as a core part of the work, like data analytics and software development. College training can help you build the skills for entry-level roles in these fields.

These days, AI shows up in almost every job. An office assistant might use it to draft emails. A bookkeeper might use it to sort receipts.

But using AI at work doesn’t make it an AI career. A career in AI means working on the technology side. You might help organizations manage their data, build their software, or put AI tools to work.

In this post, we look at what AI careers really look like in Canada, what skills and training they require, and how to know if this path is right for you.

IN THIS POST

• Isn’t AI Part of Every Job Now?
• What Does a Career in Artificial Intelligence Actually Look Like?
• Do You Need a University Degree to Work in AI?
• What Skills Do You Need for an AI Career?
• Is a Career in AI Worth It?
• How Can You Start Training for an AI Career in Canada?
• FAQs

ISN’T AI PART OF EVERY JOB NOW?

More and more jobs use AI. But there’s a big difference between using AI in your job and working in AI.

AI use is growing fast in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, almost one in five Canadian businesses used AI to produce goods or deliver services in 2026. That’s triple the rate from 2024.

So what’s the difference between using AI and working in AI?

• Using AI in your job: You use AI tools to do your main job faster. A nurse, accountant, or office assistant might use AI every day. But their main job is healthcare, finance, or administration.
• Working in AI: AI is at the centre of what you do. You prepare the data AI depends on, build software that uses it, or analyze what it produces. These are technology jobs, and they’re the focus of this post.

WHAT DOES A CAREER IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

You don’t have to build AI from scratch to work in AI. Many AI-related jobs are about using, managing, or improving AI tools within a technology role.

Here are some common career paths:

Here’s how that looks in real life. A data analyst might use an AI tool to sort through thousands of customer reviews and spot common complaints. A software developer might add a chatbot to a company’s website. Both work with AI every day, but in very different ways.

Want to dig deeper into one path? Read our guide to career paths in data analytics.

DO YOU NEED A UNIVERSITY DEGREE TO WORK IN AI?

Not always. It depends on whether you want to build AI or work with it.

Jobs that build AI, like machine learning engineer or AI researcher, usually need a university degree. Many also require advanced studies in math or computer science.

Jobs that work with AI often have more flexible paths. College programs in data analytics and software development can help you build the technical skills these roles need. Employers often look at your mix of training, practical skills, and experience.

Here’s a simple way to check. Search for an entry-level job, like junior data analyst, on a job site. Then make a list of the skills and education that show up again and again.

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED FOR AN AI CAREER?

Knowing how to use one AI tool isn’t enough. Employers want people who understand the technology behind the tools and can use it to solve real problems.

The exact skills will depend on your path. But these technical skills are useful in most AI-related tech jobs:

• Programming: Writing code in languages like Python and understanding how software works.
• Data analysis: Organizing, interpreting, and visualizing information.
• Databases: Storing and finding data with tools like SQL.
• AI basics: Understanding how machine learning works and what AI tools can and can’t do.
• Digital tools: Using software for analytics, automation, and development.

Soft skills matter too. Critical thinking, communication, and attention to detail help you check your work and explain it to others.

You also need to know AI’s limits. For example, an AI tool might summarize a sales report but miss a key number. Part of your job is to catch mistakes like that, and to watch for bias and privacy risks.

IS A CAREER IN AI WORTH IT?

It can be, but it depends on your interests and goals. Training takes time and money, so it’s smart to look at both sides.

Here are some reasons why it may be worth it:

• Your skills can transfer. Programming and data skills are useful in many tech jobs, not just AI-specific ones.
• AI use is growing. As more organizations adopt AI, they need people who know how to manage and use it well.

And here are a few things to keep in mind:

• More AI doesn’t always mean more jobs. Demand depends on the role, the industry, and where you live. The Government of Canada Job Bank can show you the job outlook and wages for specific jobs in your region.
• The tools change fast. The AI tool you learn today may look different next month. Strong basic skills help you keep up.

A career in AI may be a good fit if you enjoy technology, solving problems, and learning new things. If you’d rather focus on people or hands-on work, you may be happier using AI as a tool in another field.

HOW CAN YOU START TRAINING FOR AN AI CAREER IN CANADA?

If you don’t have a tech background, start by building strong basic skills. Career-focused training teaches you the tools and processes used on the job. Practical assignments help you see how those skills work in the real world.

Herzing College offers technology programs that can help you get into AI-related work, including:

• Data Analytics With AI: Learn to work with data and build analytical skills, including the use of AI-supported technologies.
• Software Development: Learn programming and software development skills that give you a strong base for working with AI.

Each program leads to a different kind of tech career. An admissions advisor can discuss your interests and goals and provide details on program content and requirements.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AI CAREERS IN CANADA