Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, permeating every aspect of our lives, from simplifying business processes to helping your phone understand what you’re saying. We know it’s cliche, but…AI is here to stay. So, if you haven't begun learning yet, now is the perfect time for AI upskilling.
"I'm no tech genius…how do I even begin!?" might be running through your mind on a loop as AI becomes more and more prevalent. Fear not — AI upskilling is much more accessible than you may imagine, and anyone (we promise) can become proficient in AI with the right resources. This guide will show you some practical strategies to improve your knowledge of AI and provide you with the tools you need to get started.
Why should I upskill for AI?
AI is for everyone, not just engineers in Silicon Valley. And, since it’s everywhere, it’s being incorporated into everyday operations by companies in every industry, and employers are looking for workers that understand how to use AI.
No matter how you feel about AI, there’s AI that can help you make better decisions, be more productive, and even future-proof your career. Learning AI skills is a step toward remaining relevant in a job market that is changing quickly, regardless of your ultimate goals. Want to move into a new profession, or advance in your current one? AI skills on your resume can help you get there.
How to upskill for AI
Let's get into the specifics of how you may begin strengthening your AI skills. The best part? You don't require any special education to begin learning. The best strategies to upskill in AI are:
1. Take AI upskilling courses
AI is largely virtual, so it’s no surprise that online courses are probably the most clear and structured way to develop AI skills. Numerous AI upskilling courses are available, suitable for all skill levels and budgets. There are courses for every level of experience, from novice to expert.
We’ve collected some standout options to get started:
- Skillcrush AI courses: Beginner-friendly courses on AI basics and useful applications are available at Skillcrush. Since their courses are intended for beginners, they're an ideal place to start if you'd like a more gradual introduction to AI.
- Inclusive AI usage on PowerUp: Our very own PowerUp AI Usage course is designed to help you understand how to use AI responsibly and effectively in your work.The principles and practical tips for incorporating AI into your everyday tasks are both covered in this course. It's a great tool for you to increase your understanding of and proficiency with AI with the added bonus of understanding how AI can be used ethically.
- Coursera's AI for everyone: Andrew Ng's AI for Everyone course on Coursera comes highly recommended if you'd want a more comprehensive introduction. It's ideal for beginners because it provides an extensive introduction of AI without getting too technical.
For more ideas on where to find the best learning opportunities, check out our post on How to Create a Personalized Learning Journey for Career Growth.
2. Follow AI thought leaders on social media
Social media has also come a long way. If you’re still just using it to keep up with friends and family, you can expand it to include industry trends and career advice (and not just on LinkedIn!). You can learn a lot from social media, and many AI specialists post helpful trends, advice, and insights that will keep you up to speed.
Here are a few AI educators and influencers to follow:
- Andrew Ng: In his second appearance on our list, Andrew is one of the most prominent leaders in AI, plus he’s the founder of Coursera. Andrew frequently offers enlightening content about current trends in AI and how to advance your AI skills. Follow his Twitter feed to stay informed.
- Kate Strachnyi: Kate is a supporter of AI and data science education. She provides live streams, tools, and advice on LinkedIn to help you learn about the uses of AI in data analytics.
- Rana el Kaliouby: Rana is a pioneer in the fields of emotional AI and AI ethics. She regularly talks about how AI may be less prejudiced and more inclusive. Her social media accounts are filled with insightful conversations and helpful resource connections.
3. Read books on AI
Looking to expand your knowledge even more? Books offer a more thorough exploration of AI principles, morality, and practical uses. Whether you’re looking to grasp AI fundamentals or explore its ethical implications, there’s definitely a book for you.
A few of our suggested reads:
- "Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans" by Melanie Mitchell This book provides a thorough yet understandable introduction to AI, with a focus on demystifying how it works and its future potential.
- "Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies" by Nick Bostrom Bostrom takes a more philosophical approach, investigating the potential risks and rewards of AI, particularly as we go toward sophisticated AI systems.
- "AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order" by Kai-Fu Lee If you want a more comprehensive understanding of AI's global influence, this book explains how AI is reshaping the economic landscape, notably in China and the United States.
4. Listen to AI podcasts
Hang on - we mean podcasts about AI, not podcasts hosted by AI…at least not yet. If you're short on time or prefer an audio format, podcasts are an excellent method to learn about AI while commuting, exercising, or simply resting. There are various podcasts about AI that might help you stay up to date on trends, breakthroughs, and practical applications.
A list of must-listen AI podcasts includes:
- "AI Alignment" by Rob Miles This podcast delves further into AI ethics and the problems connected with establishing aligned AI systems.
- "Lex Fridman Podcast" Lex Fridman, an AI researcher, routinely conducts interviews with renowned AI specialists, including engineers, philosophers, and physicists. Each episode provides unique insights into the current status and future of AI.
- "The AI Alignment Podcast" A podcast that discusses the difficulty of ensuring AI behaves in ways that are consistent with human values. It's a little more technical, but ideal for people interested in the ethical implications of AI.
5. Practice AI on your own
Taking classes and learning from books and podcasts is great, but nothing beats hands-on experience. You don’t have to construct a groundbreaking AI system or anything, but starting with smaller tasks might provide you with valuable knowledge.
Start with these simple steps:
- Use pre-built AI tools: You absolutely don't have to start coding from scratch. Tools such as IBM Watson, Google Cloud AI, and Microsoft's AI platforms offer pre-built models for experimentation. These tools will help you comprehend AI's practical applications and how it may be integrated into various systems.
- Build simple AI models: Once you're comfortable, try creating a basic machine learning model with Python and tools such as TensorFlow or scikit-learn. You can use online lessons or work on projects such as designing a chatbot or developing a simple recommendation engine.
- Participate in AI challenges: Websites such as Kaggle host AI challenges where you may use your abilities to solve real-world problems. You'll also have the opportunity to interact with a community of like-minded learners.
6. Join AI communities
Joining AI groups allows you to connect with fellow AI enthusiasts, ask questions, and share information.
Check out some of these AI communities:
- Kaggle: Kaggle is well-known for its data science challenges, but it also serves as an excellent forum for AI learners to share work, pose questions, and access learning tools.
- AI Alignment Forum: If you're interested in AI ethics and safety, the AI Alignment Forum is the ideal location to connect with others working to ensure AI benefits humanity.
- Reddit (r/MachineLearning): Reddit's Machine Learning forum is one of the most active sites to talk about AI developments, share information, and get help. It's also an excellent venue for both beginners and pros.
Take control of your AI learning journey
Upskilling in AI shouldn’t be daunting or overwhelming. You don’t have to follow the above steps in exact order, but pick one and get running! Start with taking a course, following thought leaders on social, reading books, listening to podcasts, and practicing on your own allows you to steadily improve your AI skills and position yourself for future success. Looking for another boost? Check out the PowerUp AI Usage course, which offers even more tools, resources, and guidance for building your AI expertise.
Happy learning, and may your AI upskilling path be both illuminating and rewarding!
