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AI isn’t optional anymore
Just last year, I had an IT pro on my team with over 20 years of experience. Smart guy. Talented. But when it came to AI, he dug in his heels. “It’s a fad,” he told me. “In two years, people will go back to Google and search the web. They won’t trust AI.”
Yeah, right after fax machines and Blockbuster stage their glorious return.
He couldn’t see the writing on the wall. And in tech, or any industry, that’s the kiss of death.
You have to be able to innovate. To adapt. To grow with change, not fight it. That mindset clash is exactly why he’s no longer with the company.
AI isn’t just the future. It’s now. Here’s the best part: You don’t need a computer science degree to get going. Anyone can learn the basics. And yes, even you, with your 37 open tabs and a healthy fear of “technical stuff.”
There are free, powerful tools and courses that anyone can tap into. I’ll show you where to begin.
🤖 Why you should care about AI
According to McKinsey, at least 80% of businesses will use AI by 2030.
Even if you’re not a techie, learning how AI works will make you more valuable in your job, help you think more critically about the tech you use, and might even spark a career pivot.
🎓 Try these totally free AI courses
As you’re looking through these classes, you’ll see they’re free, but some offer optional certifications you can buy. Should you spend the money?
Here’s my take: Check out job postings in the field you’re interested in. If you see that certification popping up under the “qualifications” section, it might be worth it. Otherwise, just enjoy the free learning!
1. Elements of AI
Offered by the University of Helsinki, this fun and friendly course is designed for people who don’t have a tech background. It breaks down complex ideas into plain English.
🔗 elementsofai.com
2. IBM SkillsBuild
IBM is giving away tons of free AI, cybersecurity and data courses through this platform. You can also earn digital badges, which look great on LinkedIn.
🔗 skillsbuild.org
3. Coursera – AI For Everyone by Andrew Ng
One of the most popular beginner AI classes out there. It’s short, clear and shows how AI is already changing business and society.
🔗 coursera.org/learn/ai-for-everyone
4. Harvard’s CS50 AI
Want something more advanced? Harvard offers this free class through edX for those who want to dive into the techy side.
🔗 cs50.harvard.edu/ai
Pick one of the courses above and give it just 20 minutes a day. That’s less time than most people spend scrolling social media. Soon, you’ll understand what’s under the hood of today’s smartest tech. And that’s a very smart move.
😂 Reminds me of a Sunday school class. The teacher asked, “If I were to sell my house, my car, donate my possessions to charity and give my money to the church, would I get into heaven?” All the kids said, “No.” So the teacher asked, “So how do I get into heaven?” A little boy raised his hand and said, “You have to be dead!” There is that.
Tags: AI (artificial intelligence), business owners, online courses, tech industry, tools
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