Half of these companies were about big data/data science. But applications of AI/ML always attracted me more :)
Personally I've always been fascinated with AI/ML, because of reading too much SciFi as a kid :) Plus modern LLMs are a bit like magic - you can make computer do amazing things if you just manage to say the correct incantation :)
I've also spent a large chunk of my career around big data (worked in a couple of startups). Data is interesting and important, but it was boring for me.
Long story short. If you like learning a lot of things - AI/ML would be a wonderful field. But you'll need to keep on learning. If you like messy code - also AI/LLM.
If you like working with data, predictability and stability. Then big data might be your thing. Also if you like digging into different business domains and connecting numbers to processes and people.
If you already have a coding background and want to focus on practical applications, there is surprisingly little to catch up with LLM/ML/ChatGPT.
Here is my quickstart on LLM/ChatGPT for developers: https://abdullin.com/llm/faq-chat-gpt-quickstart-for-program...
Don't hesitate to ping me with questions, too!
in particular this: https://abdullin.com/llm/how-to-get-into-ml-for-developer/
i find it surprising that you can't find people who can do what you suggest at the bottom. it doesn't look like it should take more than a few weeks to learn that.
i sent you a connect request on linkedin.
On the side, as a technical consultant, I help teams to ship products with ML under the hood.
I live in Vienna, so that makes it convenient for evening calls with USA/Canada, where my three clients operate.
Usually this involves weekly 30min calls with the teams to show them shortcuts, working recipes and save time by avoiding pitfalls. Mostly around ChatGPT/Local LLMs and RAG/Business automation type of things.
I run a newsletter [1] to try extending my client base. Not very efficient yet, since all clients came through the LinkedIn [2] and personal contacts.
[1] https://abdullin.substack.com/ [2] https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullin