A Beginner’s Guide to AI Learning

The rapidly growing demand for AI expert is believed to increase further at a drastic rate in the coming years. Most companies started to use AI technology, resulting in the emergence of AI consultants, AI engineers, and more new roles. The Forbes Advisor survey reported that 97% of businesses believe that ChatGPT will positively impact at least one of their business aspects. So, now is the best time to enter the AI job market and start a growing career.

In this post, you will get an essential guide to learning in artificial intelligence and start a journey towards becoming an AI professional.

Start with the Basic Skills.

If you are a beginner and want to dive into AI, then first you must have expertise in specific areas. These foundational skills help easily understand advanced AI concepts and form the backbone of AI capabilities.

1.      Statistics

Concepts such as statistical methods, probability, regression models, and distributions are widely used in various AI applications. These statistical concepts help in interpreting and working with data in artificial intelligence, and deriving meaningful insights.

2.      Mathematics

AI depends on mathematical concepts such as geometry, algebra, differential equations, etc. to create AI models and algorithms.

3.      Data management

AI aspirants often need basic data management and preprocessing skills such as data cleaning, storage, extraction, visualization, and management.

Acquire Advanced AI Skills.

Have you learned the AI prerequisites? Now take time to gain knowledge of the following advanced artificial intelligence skills:

1.      Data structures

Data structure helps with effective data storage, retrieval, and manipulation. So, learn data structures such as lists, arrays, queues, and trees to write code and develop complex AI algorithms.   

2.      Programming

AI implementation requires a good knowledge of programming. So, learn popular programming languages, mainly R and Python, to develop AI algorithms, manipulate data, and use AI libraries and tools.   

3.      Data manipulation

It includes data cleaning, transforming, and manipulation for effective data preparation and analysis. Abilities in using libraries for data manipulation are important for working in artificial intelligence.

4.      Machine learning

Understanding machine learning (ML) is important to learn about different ML algorithms, how they work, and when to use them to improve prediction accuracy and performance.

5.      Deep learning

It uses neural networks with multiple layers to model and interpret complicated patterns in large datasets. From self-driving cars to voice assistants, most advanced AI applications use deep learning today.

Develop Knowledge of Important AI Tools and Packages.

Understanding the right tools and packages is important to developing and deploying AI models. This table features some key frameworks and libraries.

Tools and Packages

Uses

Pandas

Data cleaning, transformation, and statistical analysis

NumPy

Data manipulation and analysis

PyTorch

Deep learning research

Scikit-Learn

Data mining and machine learning

Keras

Neural network modeling

Seaborn and Matplotlib

Data visualization

 

What Ways Can I Follow to Learn AI?

        Bachelor’s or master’s degree in related fields

Obtaining an academic degree (bachelor’s or master’s degree) in data science, mathematics, computer science, or related fields from accredited universities or colleges is one of the best ways to learn artificial intelligence. Industry-recognized experts provide deep and updated knowledge based on a rigorous curriculum with complete training in AI and associated subjects.

        Top AI courses and certifications

Lots of online AI certification courses are available to learn AI and work on hands-on projects. Online and self-paced certifications provide the flexibility to learn from anywhere and anytime. These programs are designed to help aspirants get specialized training in a specific field and equip themselves with competencies and tools essential to excelling in an AI career.

Some artificial intelligence certifications even offer shareable digital certifications after completing the exam to improve their resume quality. The certification is proof that a person is interested in expanding his/her existing knowledge and passionate about developing additional skills. 

        Bootcamp

Full-time or part-time bootcamps are designed to fast-track AI learning. They help in developing practical skills, receiving intensive learning, building an effective portfolio, and getting access to job placement.

        Self-learning options

Some people choose self-learning methods such as online forums, YouTube videos, structured courses, etc. to learn AI because they are customizable and highly cost-effective. However, many industry professionals recommend using these sources as supplementary in the beginning and focusing on them completely after reaching an intermediate level because self-learning can be highly challenging. 

How Long Does It Take to Learn Artificial Intelligence?

The time AI learning requires depends on a learner’s dedication and hard work, the route they are taking, and the quality of resources they are using. Learning through university courses and academic degrees requires pursuing a formal education in data science, computer science, or an associated discipline.

The duration may differ when you opt for a self-taught route because it relies on earlier knowledge and learning resources and support available. Usually, self-paced learning through social media learning videos, tutorials, online courses, or practical projects takes some months to a year or more.

Conclusion

 

AI and ML professionals are among the fast-growing jobs over the coming five years, according to the Future of Jobs report of the World Economic Forum. With the wide adoption of AI technologies and models in business operations, the demand for AI professionals is expected to rise further in many more years. So, start learning artificial intelligence and enter the competitive AI job market with in-demand skills and knowledge. 

July 26, 2024