Artificial Intelligence
Employers in many different industries are now using artificial intelligence platforms as AI technology has advanced. This has created both new opportunities and new skill requirements in the labor market.
A UChicago education gives you the skills you need to succeed in the age of AI, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.
The Careers in AI program provides additional support to help students develop the AI competencies needed for their specific career path. This includes resources for students who want to build advanced technical skills for specialized careers in AI development and those who want to learn how they can integrate AI into nontechnical industries.
Download the AI Industry Guide to start exploring resources and opportunities!
Which AI Skills Do I Need?
Use the tiers below for a general guide to AI skill requirements by job type. These tiers can also help you identify which Careers in AI programs will be most helpful for you. For information about AI competencies required for your specific career interests, reach out to your career adviser.
Build and Deploy AI Tools
AI Integration Program
Application deadline: November 16
Workshops will take place on January 6, January 20, February 10, and February 24
Open to 2nd Years
No previous technical experience required
In this Winter Quarter workshop series, students will identify a problem or inefficiency that could be improved or automated through AI. Over the course of the 4-part series, students will learn how to map an AI workflow and then use technical tools to build it out. The program will culminate in a demo day where students will showcase their projects.
IBM SkillsBuild Program
UChicago students have full access to IBM’s SkillsBuild AI Campus Platform which includes on-demand classes and live sessions with employers. Learn to build a chatbot, discuss ethical considerations of AI, and hear from top companies like L’Oreal and the NBA about how they are using AI. To get started, students can register here with their UChicago email address and code IBMCHICAGO.
AI Development Program
Applications open now and close Jan. 4, 2026
Workshops take place in Winter Quarter
Open to 2nd and 3rd Years
Previous technical experience and coursework required - application will list specific pre-reqs
In collaboration with instructors from the Data Science Institute, students will complete four workshops focused on skills required for technical AI roles at leading tech firms. They will gain hands on experience leveraging common foundational models and learn approaches to handling issues around hallucinations, operational guardrails, and AI-human interactions.
Connect AI to Industries
AI in Finance
Applications open now and will close Dec. 22
Workshops take place in Winter Quarter
Open to all class years
Two track options:
Traders Learning Tech: this cohort will support students with a finance background and focus on upskilling them in AI and coding; no technical skills required
Techies Learning Trading: this cohort will support students with a technical background and focus on upskilling them in trading and finance; basic Python coding skills required
Each group will go through targeted training during the winter quarter in either AI or finance and trading depending on their existing skillset. Both cohorts will come together during the spring quarter to apply their skills towards building an AI-driven portfolio. Learn more.
AI Industry Challenges
Applications open in January
Challenges will take place during Winter Quarter
Open to all class years
Previous technical experience recommended - specific pre-reqs will be included in applications
These weekend-long, team-based challenges will task students with developing an AI-driven solution to a discipline-specific problem. Two competitions will be offered, one focused on robotics and another on molecular engineering.
Internships and Research
The ways students can apply AI are as diverse as the number of career paths. Students can engage in AI-focused work across sectors, completing internships and projects like those listed those listed below. Learn how you can find an internship or get involved with research!
Put AI into Practice
AI in Asia Summer Internship Immersion
Applications close November 30
Open to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Years
Students in technical majors and with prior AI experience are encouraged to apply!
Students will complete a funded summer internship in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shenzhen, or other major metropolitan hub in the region. With a focus on AI, opportunities include roles in business, finance, technology and startups at top employers such as Oracle, JAKA Robotics, Bank of China, and Tencent.
Technical Interview Prep
Students can sign-up for hour-long technical practice interviews to get ready for internship and full-time job interviews! Our team of practice interviewers includes graduate-level computer science students with experience at Citi, Amazon, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, and more! Students can visit this page to sign up.
UChicago Vibe Coding Hackathon
Sign up by Dec. 5 and attend the info session on Dec. 1 to learn more!
Hackathon takes place January 23-25
Open to all class years
No previous technical experience required
This weekend-long hackathon-style event will challenge students to develop and pitch an AI project in one of four tracks: Economics & Data Science, Legal Tech & Document Security, Campus Life & Student Security; and Productivity & Automation. Technical and non-technical divisions available. Students will engage in two training workshops before competition weekend to learn key tools to develop their ideas and will have access to AI mentors to support their projects.
Meet AI Employers
Join a Spring Break Trek to Connect with Employers and Alumni
San Francisco Tech & AI Trek (Group 1: March 16-17; Group 2: March 18-19)
Amsterdam AI & Innovation Trek (March 16-18)
Applications open in December and close January 20, 2026
Open to all class years
No previous technical experience required
During these immersive trips, students will meet with industry leaders and alumni innovators working in AI. They will get a first-hand look at how companies are deploying AI to solve business challenges and drive growth. Host firms include companies such as Open AI, Meta, Scale AI, Cruse, ASML, Philips and more!
Learn More
For more information about Careers in AI, please contact Brittany Wisniewski at bwisniewski@uchicago.edu.
