Artificial intelligence, commonly known as AI, has become one of the most sought-after technologies worldwide and is increasingly being used in several industries. This has raised the demand for professionals with expertise and skills in AI. Many organizations are looking for candidates who can help them integrate this technology into their systems and improve their products and services. Those looking to enter this exciting field can consider completing AI courses and certifications.

Tips to choose a suitable AI course
Many educational institutions and online platforms offer courses to teach students how AI works and how it can be used. Some reputable tech companies specializing in this technology also offer AI courses and certifications. So, those who want to learn more about this technology can choose from many options. That said, one must research well before selecting a course and keep a few things in mind.

1. Know the reason for learning AI technology
The key to finding the right course is determining why one wants to learn this technology in the first place. For instance, one may want to advance in their current job role or use AI to improve their business. Setting clear goals helps one define the AI skills they need to learn and choose a course accordingly.

2. Find a specialization
One must also identify the specific area of AI in which they want to specialize. For example, some might want to focus on natural language processing, while others might be interested in machine learning and computer vision. Individuals must look for courses that focus on their area of interest.

3. Choose between theoretical and practical courses
When choosing an AI course, one must decide whether they would like to learn only the theoretical aspects of AI or gain practical experience, too. Figuring this out is crucial since the level of hands-on training and practice offered by different AI courses vary.

4. Check the skill level required by the course
Many forget to check the skill level of the course before signing up. Then, may find it difficult to get the most out of the course content . Typically, one can choose between beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses. Each type has its own prerequisites in terms of skills, knowledge, and expertise in AI. While beginner courses do not require one to know anything about AI, intermediate and advanced courses require some understanding of the technology. In e ither case, one must have a basic understanding of algebra and computers. If one has substantial experience in coding or AI, they can skip beginner courses that offer an introduction to the technology and look for intermediate and advanced ones.

5. Read through the course curriculum
An AI course must cover the key areas of the technology, such as deep learning, machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. In addition to these fundamentals, one must check whether the course covers all the concepts and skills they are interested in learning. For example, if one is keen on picking up practical skills related to AI technology, the course must have hands-on training and lab activities. It must also include projects that let one practice the skills they have learned.

6. Focus on the course format
Most AI courses are conducted online. Yet, not all online courses are similarly designed. One will find several formats while searching for an AI course, such as boot camps and massive open online courses (MOOCs). Even in MOOCS, there are ones that have live sessions and ones that are self-paced . Individuals may also find traditional classroom courses and workshops that usually have fixed schedules and do not offer much flexibility. Each of these formats is compatible with different learning styles. When choosing a format, individuals must ensure their schedule and personal or professional commitments are not affected.

7. Check the cost and duration
While some courses end in a few weeks, others can run for a year or more. Shorter courses usually focus on one skill or concept and cost less. On the other hand, longer courses dive deeper into AI and have higher prices. So, one must pick a suitable course depending on their budget and career goals.

Popular AI courses to explore
Several online platforms and reputed institutions offer AI courses, some of which are highly popular.

• Artificial Intelligence Program by Carnegie Mellon University
• Professional Certificate Program in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence by Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Machine Learning and AI with Python by Harvard Business School
• Artificial Intelligence Professional Program by Stanford School of Engineering
• The Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence on Udemy
• Machine Learning Specialization on Coursera