As a 17-year-old considering a bachelor’s degree in AI, I’m still figuring out if the AI field is the right fit for me. I’ve been fascinated by AI as a user, especially breakthroughs like the discovery of 200 million protein structures or using AI to decode animal language. I love learning science and being amazed by it. My favorite subjects are physics, followed by math and biology. I also enjoy being in the tech space.
However, I’m not sure if I actually like coding. I enjoyed it until syntax came into the picture, and I didn’t like it. So, I dropped it as there was no rush or necessity.
My goal is to get into a role similar to a product manager or software architect, someone who leads a team specifically working on scientific discoveries and advancements using AI, plans and coordinates projects, and has deep knowledge of how AI works and can reproduce that knowledge to apply it well creatively into science development. I wouldn’t mind doing some technical work, but I don’t want my entire job to be pure engineering.
So, I’ve been wondering: does a job like this actually exist? If yes, is it highly competitive to get into? Is the path to it similar to becoming a product manager or software architect? Are these roles rare? How does the pay for such jobs compare to that of a product manager or solutions architect?
I’m still new to all of this, so I’d appreciate any insights you can share.