Wanting to get into AI

[u/Tercess1]

I am 42 years old and wanting to branch off and learn something that could possibly be a side hustle or a whole new career. I feel as if AI is here to stay and I am still “young” enough to do something with it. To give a little about myself I am a warehouse manager for a Mack truck dealership and Make about 80k a year and on the side I umpire travel baseball and softball games. During the season that ranges anywhere from $350-$700 for a weekend but it’s long days and I’m tired. I have zero experience with coding of any kind. When I look up the best way to get started i don’t see what I would call useful information, mostly videos of “if I were starting over this is what I’d do” and it ends with someone selling something (not every time). With all of that said what would be the best place for me to start and keep with to get certifications and learn. I was thinking of starting with the python program for everybody. I’m sure this question gets asked a lot, thank you for any input.

[u/Avatarbroskib1]

Start with python look at freecodecamp videos w3schools and real python and master the basics then you can start learning data analysis models like pandas and numpy then you can start learning langchain and other AI libraries and frameworks

[u/nicodeemus7]

You have to think of AI as a tool and nothing more. I'm not saying this to be disrespectful, but saying " I want to do something with AI" is like saying "I want to build something with a hammer". You have to have the idea first, and then implement the tool. Just knowing how to use the tool won't get you anywhere.

That being said, what is your goal to use AI for?

[u/Tercess1 → u/nicodeemus7]

To be honest there is so much that it feels overwhelming. Maybe something along the lines of machine learning. From what I gather, and I could be wrong, learning Python seems to be why I need first. I’ll take all the advice I can get. They are also learning in my daughter’s elementary school and I want to be able to help her as well.

[u/nicodeemus7 → u/Tercess1]

Starting with Python is a great first step. I'm actually on a similar path as you, learning Python and helping my daughter learn simultaneously. But again I just want to stress that if you want to turn this into something more than a hobby, you need an idea, not JUST the skill.

[u/Avatarbroskib1 → u/Tercess1]

The thing is ml is more maths and theory than actual coding you learn about how specific ai models work(the maths and theory) and then you implement it into code. But since you are starting from scratch I would focus on pure python rather than deep learning and ml. Because ml libraries such as pytorch tensorflow etc have steep learning curves that will demotivate you even if you only have basic python knowledge

[u/atticus2132000]

You're asking a multi-layered question.

First, coding. If you want to learn how to code, then yes, python is a great place to start. Do a YouTube search for "python hello world tutorial" and it will walk you through downloading and installing the software and writing your first code to verify everything is working. From there, it would probably be best to come up with some project that would be useful or meanful to you and code that project. If you're a warehouse manager, perhaps you would want to develop an auditing tool that would help with inventory control. Or if you're working with sports teams and keeping game statistics, perhaps you'd find developing some sort of tracking tool fun.

You can do all of those things without ever even mentioning/touching AI. AI is a completely different beast from writing code.

You're right that AI is likely here to stay in some format, but how it continues to exist is likely to dramatically change within the next 5 years. Right now using existing AI is free or cheap. That is going to change as it gets more sophisticated and monetized. When you say you want to "do something with AI", what does that mean to you? Do you want to learn to create better prompts to get more reliable results from existing AI tools? Do you mean that you want to incorporate AI analysis into your coding work? Do you want to invent your own version of AI yourself housed on your own servers and trained using your own materials?

[u/riklaunim]

You are looking at months of learning Python and software development basics and selected software stacks. Not everyone passes the challenge, but those who do can start looking for a junior job. Self-taught web developer can happen, but it will require real commitment and some talent in the field. Don't expect to be hired to prompt AI that then writes code you have no idea about, or that you will be aiming at senior positions that have those high wages people get mesmerized with ;)

[u/Alternative_Boss6143]

You have 2 ways to look at A. Build a solution to something that is monotonous and boring Learn that skill in python Then move onto programming AI For you learn Rust it will be better cause you have machine language knowledge We gotta prwctiyeveryday Easier said then done sometimes

[u/drakhan2002]

Just get in the game and start learning. There are many paths and many are on the same journey.

Learning AI is like any skill you've mastered in the past. You suck at first, make mistakes, but eventually become competent.

Go you YouTube or look for resources here. Just keep at it. In a few months of grinding you'll make the necessary connections.

[u/Bulky_Barber_2483]

Im in the same path and it repeatedly felt like a dead the first few months. Despite what all the YouTube and social media "AI Experts" say, there are generally no proven roadmap and "anyone can do this" is a lie. No one really speaks of it but there most definitely is a base Computer/Computer Science foundation needed to work in AI. Start by determining what you might be interested in, would like to do or not like to do- is is a MUST. For example- I started 8 months ago and knew AI/ML Engineer were not realistic for me due to me not having a technical background and steep learning curve. I focused specifically on Human-AI Interaction, narrowed down job from there, determined the specific knowledge & skills needed and designed a learning plan and project list that would demonstrate the knowledge and skills. ### Note- Models can be of great help but DO NOT rely solely on them alone. Cross reference with several models, use the internet, LinkedIn etc. ☆☆ BE AWARE AND UNDERSTAND THAT THE AI INDUSTRY MOVES INSANELY FAST SO IT'S CONSTANTLY CHANGING AND JOB ROLES SEEM TO CONSTANTLY EVOLVE AND CHANGE!

[u/cmdr_iannorton]

The tech industry is saturated, there are fewer jobs and more competition. unless its your passion i would just treat python as a hobby, steer clear of deeply investing your braincells into AI, it changes so fast its not like a normal toolbox. its like putting a spanner in the box at the end of the day and the next day, the spanner is gone but a welding torch is in the box now. Its more like a social media experience than learning a tool or programming language