AI for Earthlings: “How” to get started with Artificial Intelligence

There is so much hype around AI right now, and it probably feels like information overload. If you’re thinking about getting to grips with AI, it can be hard to know where to start. AI is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives; from the apps we use to the way businesses operate. Understanding AI, even at a basic level, can open up new opportunities and enhance your ability to adapt in a rapidly changing world.

I always recommend that people think about bums on rugby posts. Not because I’m a weirdo, but because thinking about 5 particular bums on a rugby post is a great way to get started. This clever little ideology defines 5 bums as the “Who, What, Where, Why, When and How.”

So, when people ask me “how” to get started, think about:

Who = “You”

What = “Artificial Intelligence”

Where = “At home or at work”

When = “Literally when are you fitting this in alongside work, family, pets, pub, grub—you need a plan.”

Pretty easy so far, right? Plus, I’ve just defined some variables in Python right there, but that’s another story.

Why = “This is the hard bit”

Why do I want to get started in AI?

AI is often portrayed as the gateway to becoming the next tech guru and master of the universe. Back on Earth, it’s much less glamorous. So, before you dive headfirst into learning, it’s essential to understand the “why.” Why should you even consider working with AI? This isn’t just about jumping on the latest trend or fearing that you’ll miss out. It’s about aligning AI with your personal and professional goals.

The don’ts for getting started with AI

Don’t get tangled in hype: Learning AI because everyone else seems to be talking about it isn’t a good enough reason. AI can be challenging, and without genuine interest, the learning curve might feel more like climbing a mountain than a gentle slope.

Don’t jump in blindly: Understand what AI truly involves. It’s an industry that often requires a foundation in maths, science, or programming. However, not everyone needs to dive deep into these areas to benefit from AI, and that’s okay.

The do’s for getting started with AI

Do research on yourself first: Before delving into AI, understand your own strengths and weaknesses. What aspects of technology excite you? Identifying your preferences will help you focus on areas of AI that align with your skills and interests.

Do research on AI: Artificial Intelligence covers a broad range of specialisms, and while it can be complex, you don’t necessarily need to be a developer to work with AI. If you enjoy problem-solving, and technology, you might find AI intellectually stimulating and rewarding. However, if deep technical work isn’t for you, there are still ways to be involved in AI without becoming a programmer. If you're just getting started, there are countless online courses, tutorials, and communities where you can learn more about AI at your own pace.

User vs developer: Understanding your role

If the idea of hardcore programming or complex algorithms doesn’t appeal to you, don’t be discouraged. There’s a distinction between being an AI developer and an AI user. To draw a cool parallel, let’s look back to the late 20th century when typewriters were ousted by computers. Office workers didn’t need to know how to design or build computers to use them effectively. They simply needed to learn how to operate new tools effectively. And those skills were highly sought after .

“How” to get started with AI

Now we’ve thought about the “why,” we can look at the “how”. To make your journey into AI more tangible, here are some practical steps and prompts you can use to start exploring AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, or Gemini. These are conversational AI models that can answer questions, help with tasks, or even simulate discussions on complex topics. To get started with ChatGPT, for example:

Start by asking simple questions: If you’re curious about a topic, don’t hesitate to ask. ChatGPT can help demystify complex subjects or give you straightforward explanations.

Explore AI concepts: Here are some prompts to get you started:

Understanding AI concepts: “Explain the concept of machine learning as if I were 12 years old.”

For career advice: “What are the key skills needed to become proficient in AI?”

To learn AI tools: “Can you suggest beginner-friendly programming languages for AI?”

For practical applications: “How can AI be used in data visualisation?”

Experiment with problem solving: Use AI to help solve problems or to automate tasks. Try these prompts:

Automation prompt: “How can I use Python to automate my current tasks [add task]?”

Data visualisation prompt: “Show me how to create a basic chart in Python using matplotlib.”

Learn by doing: As you grow more comfortable, challenge yourself with more complex tasks:

Build a simple AI model: “Guide me through building a basic machine learning model using Python.”

Keep it interactive

Don’t just read, interact! Ask follow-up questions, request examples and tweak the answers to better fit your needs. This hands-on approach will help solidify your understanding.

Explore, learn and choose wisely

Overall, AI is a vast and varied field, encompassing everything from data science to machine learning to software development. It’s important not to get overwhelmed or sidetracked by aspects that don’t interest you. Life is too short to spend time on things that don’t spark your curiosity.

Start by exploring AI tools and concepts that align with your interests. Ask questions, experiment with AI-powered applications and see what resonates with you.

Remember, getting started in AI is less about becoming the next master of the universe and more about finding where you fit in this ever-evolving landscape. Whether you become a developer or a savvy tech user, your place in AI should be a reflection of your unique skills and interests.