AI Courses for Beginners
Your curated pathway to AI proficiency - from zero to AI-ready
Start Here: Foundation Courses (Weeks 1-4)
AI For Everyone by Andrew Ng
Platform: Coursera
Time: 4 weeks, 2-3 hours/week
Why: The gold standard introduction to AI for non-technical professionals
You'll Learn: AI terminology, capabilities, limitations, and business applications
Perfect For: Any professional wanting to understand AI basics
Introduction to Generative AI
Platform: Google Cloud Skills Boost
Time: 8 hours total
Why: Understand ChatGPT, Claude, and other generative AI tools
You'll Learn: How LLMs work, prompt engineering basics, ethical considerations
Perfect For: Professionals who want to use AI tools effectively
ChatGPT for Everyone
Platform: Coursera
Time: 2 weeks, 3 hours/week
Why: Hands-on practice with the world's most popular AI tool
You'll Learn: Prompt engineering, practical applications, productivity hacks
Perfect For: Immediate practical skills you can use tomorrow
Free Resources to Start Today
No Budget? No Problem:
Google AI Essentials
Free on Coursera (audit mode)
10 hours of content • Certificate available for fee
Microsoft AI for Beginners
GitHub-based curriculum
Completely free • Self-paced learning
Beginner: Introduction to Generative AI Learning Path
Google Cloud Skills Boost
Comprehensive learning path • Hands-on labs • Free access
LinkedIn Learning Free Trials
1-month free access
Hundreds of AI courses • Professional certificates
Weekly Time Commitment
Starter (2-3 hours/week)
- • One foundation course at a time
- • Focus on free resources
- • Practice with AI tools during work
Growth (4-6 hours/week)
- • Complete specializations faster
- • Add role-specific courses
- • Join course communities actively
Professional (8+ hours/week)
- • Multiple concurrent courses
- • Build portfolio projects
- • Mentor others in your learning
How to Actually Complete These Courses
1.Start with just ONE course
2.Block calendar time (treat it like a meeting)
3.Join the course community/forum
4.Apply learnings immediately at work
5.Share progress with accountability partner
6.Celebrate milestones (every module counts!)