There’s been a lot of discussion about the employment that artificial intelligence (AI) may change or eliminate, but not as much about the new vocations that AI may bring to Europe.
The European Parliament recently approved the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, the first set of regulations globally for businesses developing AI technologies, putting Europe on the map when it comes to AI.
These five AI positions could or have already begun hiring in Europe, based on reports from independent research or recruitment firms, given how swiftly the continent’s digital scene is evolving.
Engineer of Artificial Intelligence
According to a Microsoft definition, an artificial intelligence engineer creates, programs, and trains AI algorithms so that “they can function like a human brain.”
Microsoft states on its website that candidates for this position must be proficient in programming, data science, data engineering, and software development.
Artificial intelligence engineers ranked second and third, respectively, among the top-growing professions in Italy and Switzerland, according to LinkedIn’s 2024 Job Market Prospects for Europe report.
According to the paper, candidates for these positions in both nations would require proficiency in computer vision, machine learning, and natural language.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Cybersecurity Analyst
According to LinkedIn’s 2024 projections, one of the occupations with the quickest rate of growth in Europe is cyber security analyst/security operations analyst, along with artificial intelligence engineers.
In Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the Netherlands in particular, this is accurate.
Cyber security analysts safeguard businesses and organizations against external cyberattacks by implementing security standards, identifying and evaluating risk factors, and finding weaknesses within them.
Although this isn’t necessarily a new field brought forth by AI, those with an AI background will benefit, according to Sebastian Mayer of Protiviti.
Mayer stated in a statement, “There is always a risk that the large amounts of data fed into AI will fall into unauthorised hands.”
“AI will not fundamentally turn cybersecurity on its head, but AI developers who take security aspects into account will be in particular demand.”.
Prompt Engineer
Protiviti, a recruitment business, refers to prompt engineers as “AI translators” since they ensure that humans and AI can communicate effectively.
To ensure that the AI provides them with the most correct responses possible, they will improve the prompts provided to large language models (LLMs), such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
According to a prognosis from UK-based firm Robert Half, these prompt engineers might also create more detailed descriptions for ChatGPT so that they can develop something more specific to what the business requires.
Prompt engineers could, for instance, outline the format, points, and synopsis length of every part in a business whitepaper.
Therefore, “the Prompt Engineer is both an IT expert and a business analyst in one,” according to Christian Schmitz, a Robert Half recruitment consultant.
“In addition to technical knowledge, he or she brings communication and analytical skills to the table.”.
While a university degree is not a prerequisite for entry into the engineering field, Protiviti and Robert Half will both offer specialized programs over the next five years.
AI Ethics Officer
Ethics officers, according to Robert Half, would ensure that the application of AI in the recruiting process and its other effects on workers are equitable and well-rounded.
Given that historical data favors white men between the ages of 30 and 40, one application for AI in recruiting could be to assess potential biases that may arise. This was detailed in a forecast on Robert Half’s website.
Prior to the EU AI Act, the SHERPA project, which brought together specialists from six European nations, suggested that the EU appoint and establish AI Ethics Officers to “oversee AI ethics within organizations.”
According to their research, while giving advice on the usage of AI systems, internal roles known as AI Ethics Officers should “combine scientific and technical understanding with ethical and human rights awareness.”
They believe that the position ought to be autonomous and capable of speaking up when there is a potential for harm.
The post would resemble those of a Chief Ethics Officer or Data Protection Officer, roles that are now filled by the European Commission, Parliament, and other organizations.
AI Technology Expert or Advisor
In Luxembourg and Belgium, the European Commission is already employing consultants, or, as they refer to them, artificial intelligence technology specialists.
This action was taken just one week after the EU AI Act, the world’s first legal framework to handle the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies, was passed.
Tech specialists will oversee and enforce “new rules for general-purpose AI models” and create “state-of-the art codes of practice” for the application of AI, according to the job description made available through the recently established European AI office.
These positions also develop instruments, protocols, and standards for gauging the applicability and hazards of general AI models.
The European AI office is seeking candidates with experience in assessments, investigations, and AI “ecosystem” monitoring for this kind of role.
For these positions, the European Commission is primarily seeking research scientists, computer scientists, software engineers, and data scientists with some prior experience in artificial intelligence.
