What do you do if you're a late career professional wanting to break into AI?

Transitioning into AI from a late-career investment banking background may raise concerns about acquiring new skills, competing with younger professionals, and adapting to a rapidly evolving industry. However, with strategic planning, continuous learning, and leveraging transferable skills, these worries can be addressed effectively.

If you're a late-career professional looking to break into AI, start by gaining foundational knowledge through online courses or certifications in data science and machine learning. Focus on understanding key concepts and programming languages like Python. Engage in practical projects or hackathons to apply your new skills and build a portfolio. Network with AI professionals and attend industry conferences to gain insights and make valuable connections. Consider leveraging your existing expertise in a specific industry by focusing on AI applications relevant to that sector, positioning yourself as a bridge between AI technology and industry-specific challenges.

Breaking into AI later in your career can seem daunting, but it's very doable with the right approach. Start by learning the basics. There are plenty of online courses that can introduce you to AI and machine learning fundamentals. Focus on understanding concepts rather than getting stuck in technical details initially.

Breaking into AI as a late career professional is definitely achievable! Start by assessing your existing skills and experiences that can be advantageous in AI, such as analytical thinking, industry expertise, or leadership. Highlight any transferable skills and consider upskilling in specific areas like programming or data analytics to make yourself a more compelling candidate in this field

If you've got a few more grey hairs than your AI savvy colleagues, let that play to your advantage. Your business and commercial experience will give you perspectives others don't. Learn how Answer Engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Copilot or Gemini augment and enhance your everyday tasks. Discover how different types of AI are being leveraged across various industries. Attend meet-ups, lectures and workshops to immerse yourself in this remarkable new tech.

Next, apply your existing skills. Whatever your background, it has value. Find ways to integrate AI with what you already know, whether that’s in business, healthcare, or any other field. Networking is key. Join AI-related groups and attend industry conferences. Connecting with professionals in the field can provide insights and opportunities that are not visible online.

Absolutely, networking is key in transitioning into AI. Engage with industry professionals through platforms like LinkedIn, attend AI-focused events, and participate in discussions. Your vast experience brings a unique perspective that can enrich collaborations and open new pathways in the AI domain.

Lastly, start small. Try simple AI projects that interest you. This hands-on experience is invaluable and will build your confidence as you grow your skills in AI.

To gain practical AI experience, dive into projects in your current field, like using machine learning for data analysis in marketing. This approach not only builds your technical skills but also showcases your ability to apply AI to real-world challenges.

Explore specific AI niches where your existing expertise can be combined with new technical skills. You could excel in areas such as ethical AI, augmented BI, robotic process automation, etc.

Considering further education in AI is a wise step for a thorough understanding and gaining a competitive edge. Look into specialized programs or courses offered by reputable institutions to deepen your expertise and obtain the credentials that highlight your dedication and capability in the AI field.

If you want a thorough education in AI, think about going back to school. Numerous academic institutions provide advanced concepts and technology in-depth through specialized courses or degrees in artificial intelligence (AI) and related topics. Attending school again demands dedication, but it can also have a transforming effect by giving you the skills and certifications you need to succeed in the AI job market.

Absolutely, staying curious and embracing continuous learning are key to success in the ever-evolving field of AI. Keep up with the latest advancements by following industry leaders and engaging with new technologies. This proactive approach will not only keep you informed but also vibrant and relevant in your new AI career path.

?? E se, em vez de ver a curiosidade como um meio para um fim, a víssemos como o fim em si mesma? —Em vez de se concentrar no destino, concentre-se na jornada. Aproveite cada oportunidade para aprender algo novo, para fazer perguntas, para explorar ideias e conceitos que você nunca encontrou antes. —Comece cada dia com uma pergunta que você quer responder, um problema que você quer resolver, uma ideia que você quer explorar. E no final do dia, reflita sobre o que você aprendeu. —Use sua curiosidade para se conectar com outras pessoas. Aprenda com os outros e compartilhe suas próprias descobertas. ?? No final do dia, a verdadeira medida de sucesso n?o é o quanto você sabe, mas o quanto você está disposto a aprender. #ai #ia

Start paying attention to LinkedIn and follow the innovators, look to see who they follow, and so forth. Start investing time here and there to learn how to interact with the different LLM, just start playing with them. Learn the basics of prompting which is saying: just start talking to the chatbot and let it know what you need and then see what the output is and go from there; very much like a conversation with a colleague. Take free AI courses from Linkedin, Google, Microsoft, and AWS. Subscribe to newsletters and attend free webinars and presentation and join a professional organization or two if you can.