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As someone new to the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), I have a basic understanding from using tools like ChatGPT, Grok, Midjourney, and Canva in my personal business. I also keep up with daily news updates. However, given the rapid advancements in AI, I realize this isn’t sufficient. With a background in marketing and design, I’m aware that AI could transform these industries. Therefore, I’ve decided to delve deeper into AI and Machine Learning (ML) to adapt and possibly transition into roles like AI developer or scientist.
Setting Goals vs. Creating a Plan
Inspired by the book Atomic Habits by James Clear, I’ve learned that setting goals alone isn’t enough; developing a structured plan is crucial for achieving meaningful change. With this insight, I’ve formulated a comprehensive plan tailored to my learning journey.
Step 1: Building a Strong Foundation in AI
To grasp AI concepts, I need to revisit foundational subjects like linear algebra, probability, and statistics. Although I studied these topics in high school and university, I’ve lost touch over the years. To rebuild this foundation, I’ve enrolled in the following online courses:
- Khan Academy: Offers free courses on mathematics relevant to science.
- Coursera: Provides the “Mathematics for Machine Learning” course from Imperial College London.
Based on the course durations and content, I anticipate dedicating 10 to 15 hours per week over approximately three months to master these basics.
Step 2: Advancing to AI and Machine Learning
With a solid mathematical foundation, I’ll progress to specialized AI and ML courses. I’m considering the following options:
- Coursera: “Machine Learning” by Andrew Ng (Stanford University).
- edX: “CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python” from Harvard University.
- Fast.ai: Offers a free course on deep learning.
This phase may require 6 to 12 months of dedicated study, as these courses are pivotal to my learning plan.
Step 3: Specialization and Portfolio Development
My goal is to work in the AI field to accelerate my learning and apply my skills practically. This step involves choosing a niche that aligns with my interests and experience. Potential areas include:
- Computer Vision: Focuses on enabling machines to interpret and process visual information from the world, such as images and videos.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): Involves the interaction between computers and human language, enabling machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language.
- Data Science/AI in Marketing: Utilizes AI to analyze and interpret complex data to inform marketing strategies and decisions.
I’ll undertake projects to demonstrate my capabilities, such as developing a chatbot for my website or creating an automated WooCommerce platform. To showcase my work, I’ve set up a GitHub account: https://github.com/MaxHoangAu, where I plan to publish my projects.
Step 4: Networking and Seeking Opportunities
Expanding my professional network is crucial in this new field. I plan to attend local IT events, connect with companies via LinkedIn, and engage with online communities. My goal is to secure an entry-level position, such as a Data Analyst or Junior AI Engineer, to apply and deepen my knowledge. Additionally, I’ll join forums like Reddit’s r/MachineLearning and AI-focused Facebook groups to learn from others and stay updated.
Conclusion
This outline represents my personal plan to learn AI and ML, serving as a milestone in my career transition. While the journey may be challenging and its duration uncertain, I’m committed to achieving this goal. If you resonate with my journey, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or Facebook. I’ll also be updating this post and sharing progress regularly. If you’re interested in following along, please subscribe to updates via the website footer. Thank you!
