The Non-Engineer's Guide to Learning AI, Part 1
Discover why AI literacy is essential for all business leaders, not just tech experts. Curated guide to kickstart your AI learning journey
Image by Leizle Blanco
In recent discussions, both in my private consulting practice and at public forums on Artificial Intelligence (AI), I've noticed a common theme: a blend of curiosity and unease about the technology.
A myth persists that AI is predominantly for those in the technology industry or engineers adept at coding.
My career path from finance to engineering leadership proves otherwise.
As a finance professional turned tech innovator, my work in AI has ranged from working with clients to envision the future and implement digital transformation powered by AI to leading an engineering team at LinkedIn that developed AI-centric products -
Despite not being an engineer.
Though I knew little about AI initially (read my AI data breach adventure here), I realized that my curiosity, effort, and dedication to learn could demystify AI for me.
This “learn anything” ethos not only helped me through AI's complexities
as a non-engineer but also serves as a valuable life philosophy.
Learning AI is akin to learning a new, global language; one that is crucial for anyone aiming to excel in the digital future.
I’m sharing a roadmap to kickstart your own AI learning journey. Dive into a wealth of resources, many of them free, that I've curated for you to get started.
Go for it!
Why Is AI Important for Non-Engineers?
AI's importance extends beyond engineering and the world of technocrats. AI's seamless integration into our daily lives and its proliferation across diverse sectors worldwide underscore the importance of familiarizing oneself with its applications and implications.
AI is in everything: AI is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Avoiding it would take conscious effort. AI powers companies from Google to Microsoft and enriches experiences in unexpected places, such as its integration in the Formula 1 fan experience.
Everyone is using AI: AI's adoption rate across industries is a testament to its transformative potential. When OpenAI released ChatGPT it attracted 100 million users within two months of its launch—a milestone that took Facebook over two years to accomplish. Businesses are quickly recognizing the value AI can bring—from streamlining operations to driving unprecedented levels of customer personalization.
AI is accessible everywhere: AI's accessibility heralds a new era of inclusivity in technology. Advanced tools like ChatGPT are now within reach for anyone with Wi-Fi, breaking down geographical barriers and democratizing access to AI's transformative potential.
A person sitting in Silicon Valley has the same access to free AI tools such as ChatGPT as someone sitting in a remote mountain area of the Philippines.
As AI becomes more accessible, it empowers individuals across disciplines to innovate, collaborate, and grow in the digital age.
Pro tip
Getting Started: A Curated Learning Guide for Non-Engineers
Whether you're seeking foundational knowledge, business insights, or advanced topics, resources are plentiful. Here's my curated guide to streamline your learning journey and help you get started.
Courses: All free with certifications!
Pro tip: check this link for other courses by industry and paid certifications
Newsletters/Communities:
Superhuman: My go-to daily news dose for all things AI
Ultimate GPT-4 Resources: Great collection of tutorials, articles, and tools related to Chat GPT-4
Seeking Wisdom: Jana is the best at simplifying complexities. I recommend articles 1, 2, and 3 sequentially. I imagine you’d want to read many more
Other notables: Machine Learning is Fun, The Atlas, Generative AI, Apple Machine Learning Journal
Where to Play
Cheat Sheets
Studies & Predictions
Leadership is about creating an environment for continuous learning.
Technologies change, but good learning habits are timeless.
Maximizing Your Learning Journey
Last year I took a course on Storytelling with AI - Create your own illustrated book in a weekend. While the title says it all, the point is that AI's utility spans a broad spectrum, so pick a fun way to start.
Here are a few strategies to make the most of your learning investment:
Set Objectives: Are you looking to understand AI's impact on your industry, explore opportunities for implementation, or understand its impact on your team workflow? Or perhaps you're interested in something fun, like creative writing or visual arts projects using AI.
Engage: Join online forums, webinars, volunteer for a project. Active participation enhances learning and fuels exploration. Plus you’ll meet kindred spirits and grow your own AI learning network!
Apply Your Knowledge: Look for opportunities to apply AI insights within your business. Whether it's through strategic planning, innovation projects, or enhancing customer experiences, the real value of knowledge lies in application.
Share With Others: Encourage your team (and friends and family!) to explore AI. Shared learning can amplify your organization's capacity to innovate and adapt.
Conclusion
The journey to mastering AI isn't exclusive to engineers; it's accessible to anyone prepared to learn, adapt, and take the lead. Becoming "bilingual" in this tech language will open doors to endless possibilities.
While you may not be well-versed in AI now, you will soon!
Share your learning adventures with us on our new LinkedIn Page.
Read widely, learn deeply, be On Point.
Joselle
Be the leader you aspire to be with On Point.