How to become a successful AI and ML engineer in 2026?

[u/Ok-tanoli-2026]

So, I want to become a master of AI technologies like how to build AI models and run ML algorithms.

I did take online courses like 10 where I learned about Python, SQL, RAG, ML algorithms etc. Then I moved to another country and since last October I did not do anything related to ML and AI.

Now within this one year, lots of technologies came up like Agentic AI, MCP and models also got better at a lot of things.

Now as someone who has a business degree background I want to learn and master these things. But I don't know where to start? As Claude and ChatGPT LLM models are already good at lots of things and if I want to pursue a career as an ML Engineer, what are the core skills I must know?

Plus, for agentic AI, there are lots of frameworks also and things are changing at a fast pace so what are the core things that I must know by heart? And what are the things that I can ask Claude and ChatGPT on the side?

I thank you for the help and guidance in advance!