Top tips is a weekly column where we highlight what’s trending in the tech world today and list out ways to explore these trends. This week we’re looking at five ways ways you can build upon the basics and start incorporating AI in your everyday.
AI technology is now utilized in some form by almost 77% of devices.
Nearly every industry has incorporated, or is trying to incorporate, AI in some way or another. Adoption of AI has drastically cut costs, improved efficiency, reduced human error, and increased availability.
To have a competitive edge in today’s market, it’s essential to acquire AI skills, because the future of work will heavily rely on them. Here are some ways you can upskill in AI.
1. Start with the basics
Learning about a technology as vast as AI might seem intimidating at first, and that’s why it’s good to start with the basics.
Before you dive into specific subjects, learn what AI is and its various subfields, such as machine learning, deep learning, NLP, etc.
The best approach is to find an AI fundamentals course online. Online learning platforms such as Coursera and Udacity offer diverse courses on AI. Select the course that aligns with your requirements and dive in.
If you like reading, you can find books on AI fundamentals. “Artificial Intelligence: The Basics,” by Kevin Warwick is a simple and engaging read for anyone who’s interested in getting a baseline knowledge of AI.
2. Get certified
Certifications are proof that you’re proficient in AI, which holds value among employers. So, if you can, enroll in a course of your liking and get certified–it will enhance your credentials and help you capitalize on the AI skills gap.
If you’re wondering which course you should take, here are some AI certification programs that organizations will value:
3. Work on AI projects
What’s the use of learning about AI and not using it?
It’s not enough to have theoretical knowledge on the subject; it’s necessary to gain hands-on experience with AI projects to cement your learning. Work on AI-related projects and operations to gain real-world insights into how AI actually works.
Moreover, experience with AI is sought after by most employers. To showcase your skillset, you can build a portfolio on open-source platforms such as Github.
4. Join communities
Traditional methods of learning are great, but AI is no traditional subject. What you can’t learn from books, you can learn from people.
Join online AI communities and forums to help you connect with AI professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts from across the world. Having a community to rely on will further enrich your experience with AI. You’ll also be able to use these channels to share and troubleshoot any problems that you might face while working with AI.
5. Stay up to date with AI
Trends in AI are always evolving. That’s why it’s important to keep updated on what’s trending in the AI world. Read tech news, follow tech channels, subscribe to tech Substacks, and follow the AI market closely. In an ever-evolving industry, it’s imperative to keep your ear to the ground.
When it comes to learning about AI, start with the fundamentals. Online courses, hands-on projects, networking, and staying updated on what’s trending are some of the ways you can build upon the basics and start incorporating AI in your everyday. These skills cannot be learned overnight. But consistent, small efforts to upskill in AI will help you utilize this technology to enhance, if not revolutionize, the way you work.
A good start for now, I hope so.