Im first year CS student from EU. So far im fascinated by AI and i know it’s not going anywhere and it’s only gonna get stronger. I’m planning on learning python and getting my feet wet with AI and machine learning this summer. My questions is, how will this field change in 5-10 years, will getting a job be easier or harder?

Will PhD still be a pre-req for high-end stuff? I don’t have problem with work that needs to be put in, but with time to get a PhD (7+ years in my case). With these online resources that are growing by the day i think i can get a solid foundation in this field by the time i finish Uni and would like to work in the field by then. Does this sound possible?