Artificial intelligence is no longer the future. It’s already shaping how we live, work, and learn. From smart assistants to personalised learning apps and automated hiring tools, AI is now part of everyday life. But here’s something many students still don’t realise — you don’t have to be a computer science genius to build a meaningful career in AI.In 2025, AI needs more than just coders. It needs people who understand ethics, design, communication, psychology, policy, and human behaviour. Whether you’re studying law, liberal arts, design, economics, or media, there is space for you in this fast-growing field. These emerging roles are all about making AI more responsible, more human, and more useful.Here are seven exciting non-tech career paths in artificial intelligence that you can start exploring now.

AI ethics specialist

AI systems make decisions that can affect real lives — from who gets hired to who receives a loan. That’s why companies and governments need experts who can guide them on what’s fair, what’s biased, and what crosses a line. Ethics specialists work closely with developers, legal teams, and product leaders to make sure AI is built and used responsibly.Best suited for: Students from philosophy, sociology, law, or political science backgroundsWhere to work: Tech companies, research institutes, policy think tanks, or digital rights NGOs

AI UX and UI designer

AI tools need to be easy to use, intuitive, and accessible. That’s where design comes in. AI UX and UI designers focus on creating smooth, human-centered experiences, whether it’s a chatbot, a virtual assistant, or a smart home interface. They use design thinking to make sure AI works well for real users.Best suited for: Students of psychology, graphic design, human-computer interaction, or visual communicationWhere to work: Tech startups, health-tech and ed-tech platforms, voice and interface design labs

AI policy analyst

AI raises big questions about privacy, rights, and regulation. Governments and organisations are racing to create smart policies that balance innovation with safety. AI policy analysts study laws, write guidelines, and advise decision-makers on how to manage the impact of AI in sectors like education, defense, healthcare, and finance.Best suited for: Public policy, law, international relations, or development studies studentsWhere to work: Government agencies, global institutions, research bodies, and policy units within companies

AI behavioural researcher

AI tools influence human behaviour — from how long we scroll to what we buy. Behavioural researchers look at how people respond to AI and what changes when technology gets smarter. Their insights help companies design better products and understand the social effects of automation and machine learning.Best suited for: Students of psychology, behavioural economics, sociology, or educationWhere to work: Tech companies, research labs, social impact startups, or mental health platforms

AI content strategist and explainer

AI is complex, and most people don’t fully understand it. That’s why companies need writers, educators, and content creators who can break it down. Whether it’s writing onboarding guides for AI apps or creating videos that explain how algorithms work, content strategists make AI easier to understand for everyday users.Best suited for: Students of journalism, English, media studies, marketing, or communicationWhere to work: Ed-tech and SaaS companies, AI product teams, digital agencies, or NGOs

AI program manager

This role is perfect for big-picture thinkers who love connecting people, processes, and purpose. Responsible AI program managers help companies build AI that meets ethical, legal, and user standards. They coordinate between tech, legal, and design teams and ensure that AI development stays aligned with values and global standards.Best suited for: Business, liberal arts, management, or public administration studentsWhere to work: Large tech firms, AI consultancies, corporate ethics teams, or international development agencies

AI research associate (non-technical)

Not all AI research is about coding. Many labs focus on the social, psychological, or economic impact of AI. As a research associate, you could be studying how AI affects jobs, education, privacy, or cultural behaviour. Your work might feed into policy, academic papers, or product design.Best suited for: Students from linguistics, anthropology, education, economics, or communication studiesWhere to work: Universities, research labs, global think tanks, or ethics institutesThe world of AI is expanding rapidly, and it’s no longer just about math, code, and machines. It’s also about people, systems, ethics, and storytelling. If you’re a student with curiosity, critical thinking skills, and a passion for meaningful work, there’s a place for you in AI — even if you’ve never opened a programming textbook.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.

• Google has upgraded its AI Mode with the advanced Gemini 2.5 Pro
• AI Mode has also added Deep Search, which can now run hundreds of background searches
• A new calling tool built into Search lets Google call businesses on your behalf

Google is continuing to try to get you to use its AI Mode when searching online with new and enhanced AI tools. The conversational search tool has made Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model available in AI Mode, along with the long-form report writing tool Deep Search.

Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. who are also part of the AI Mode experiment in Search Labs will now see an option to choose Gemini 2.5 Pro when asking tough questions as well.

DOVER, Fla. – A Dover woman said she lost $15,000 in an elaborate scam where criminals used artificial intelligence to impersonate her daughter.

What we know:

Sharon Brightwell said the ordeal began last Wednesday with a frantic phone call, and she said the voice on the line was unmistakable.

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“When I picked up the phone, it was my daughter’s voice,” Brightwell recalled. “It was her crying voice, she was hysterical.”

The caller claimed she had been in a car accident involving a pregnant woman while texting and driving and her phone had been confiscated by authorities, explaining why she was calling from a different number.

A man who identified himself as a public defender then took over the call, telling Brightwell that her daughter had been taken into custody and needed to post $15,000 in bail immediately.

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“I said, ‘You have got to be kidding me,’” Brightwell said. 

But desperate to help, she did as instructed, withdrawing the money from her bank account and waiting for a so-called “legal courier” to arrive at her home in Dover. She handed over the money. 

“When I saw them pull off, I had the most sick feeling in my stomach,” she said.

It wasn’t long before Brightwell reached her real daughter and realized she’d been scammed. She’s now sharing her story in hopes of warning others about the emerging threat of AI-based voice scams.

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“I absolutely don’t want anybody else in our community, in our state, or anywhere else to have to go through this,” she said.

How It Happened:

Brightwell believes the scammers used artificial intelligence to clone her daughter’s voice, possibly pulling clips from social media videos to create a convincing imitation.

“I’m telling you, there was nothing that could have convinced me that that was not my daughter’s voice that day,” she said.

She also suspects the scammers researched her family online before making contact.

“The agony I went through that day, that’s just evil for people to do that to a family,” she said.

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After taking the money, the scammers called again, demanding an additional $30,000. Brightwell didn’t send more and eventually called the authorities.

What’s next:

Hillsborough County detectives are now investigating the case. While they have not publicly confirmed the use of AI, law enforcement officials said these types of scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and harder to trace.

They warn the public to be cautious when anyone asks for money, even if the voice on the phone sounds familiar.