How to Build a Career in AI Research

By Nash Nithi

If you’re drawn to the future of technology, chances are Artificial Intelligence (AI) has already caught your eye. AI is driving real innovation in fields like healthcare, robotics, data analysis, finance and more. If you want to be part of that wave, building a career in AI research could be one of the most exciting paths you choose.

But how exactly do you get there? Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense.

Start with a Strong Foundation in Software Engineering

AI research begins with solid technical skills. Developing these at an undergraduate level prepares you to understand how intelligent systems work and how to build them.

Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours)

This UNIMY degree gives you practical and theoretical grounding in software development, a core skill if you want to excel in AI research later on.

Focus on Key Skills and Knowledge Areas

To thrive in AI research, you need a mix of technical and analytical abilities. Here’s how your studies can help build them:

Programming Languages

You’ll study languages like Java, Python, C++ and JavaScript, which are vital for AI work (Python in particular is used widely for machine learning and data analysis).

Algorithms and Logic

AI relies on algorithms. Step-by-step procedures that help systems learn and make decisions. Modules in Data Structures & Algorithms and Computer Science Theory introduce you to these building blocks.

Mathematics and Statistics

You’ll cover subjects like Probability & Statistics and Mathematics II, which help you understand the maths behind AI models and data processing.

Research Skills

Research & Innovative Thinking teaches you how to approach problems methodically — exactly what you’ll need for academic or industrial research roles.

All these modules together help shape your technical foundation, which makes the leap into AI research much more achievable later in your career.

Learn Through Projects and Hands-On Work

AI research isn’t just theory. You learn best when you do. Most software engineering degrees, including UNIMY’s — include practical elements such as:

Industrial workshops and placements
Final Year Projects that can focus on topics related to AI
Team-based development work that mirrors industry practices

These experiences help you apply what you’ve learned to real problems. You might even choose topics that touch on machine learning, data processing or automation, all relevant to AI.

Build Your Path Beyond the Bachelor’s Degree

While a Bachelor’s in Software Engineering sets you up with excellent skills, AI research often goes deeper into specialised areas like neural networks, deep learning or natural language processing. To move into research roles — whether in industry or academia, you’ll likely continue your studies with:

A Master’s degree focused on AI, data science, machine learning or computing
A PhD if you aim for advanced research or academic positions

Many employers and research labs prefer candidates with postgraduate qualifications, especially if the work involves developing new algorithms or publishing research findings.

Prepare for a Range of Career Opportunities

With the right skills and experience, AI research can lead you to exciting roles such as:

Machine Learning Engineer
AI Research Scientist
Data Scientist
Algorithm Developer
Robotics Specialist
Research Associate in Tech Labs, and more

Your software engineering background will give you a strong edge, because research work often involves designing, testing and improving code as part of intelligent systems.

Keep Learning and Stay Curious

AI is fast-moving. New techniques and findings emerge regularly, so a key part of building your career is continuous learning. This might include:

Online courses in deep learning
Attending tech conferences and workshops
Reading research papers in AI journals
Joining student tech communities or clubs

Curiosity and persistence go a long way, especially in research.

Building a career in AI research is both rewarding and challenging. It starts with a solid technical foundation, like the one you get from UNIMY’s Bachelor of Software Engineering (Hons). From there, your journey continues through advanced study, projects and hands-on experience. With commitment and passion, you can be part of the next generation of innovators who are shaping the future with intelligent systems.

References

https://www.unimy.edu.my/unimy/bachelor-of-software-engineering-hons/?utm_source=
https://www.ibm.com/cloud/learn/what-is-artificial-intelligence
https://stanford.edu/~jurafsky/slp3/ed3book.pdf