Before jumping into acquiring AI and data skills, it’s crucial to seek advice from a professional career coach with industry experience. The outcome of this coaching phase ideally suggests recommended career paths and the necessary skills and tools for each path.
Deciding where to invest your time and money in learning these skills is critical. I’ve applied various approaches throughout my learning journey, some of which I wish I could undo for more effective investments.
But first, let me shed light on my educational background.
I share this not to brag but to provide context for my perspectives on the learning approaches to gaining skills and learning tools.
This is the go-to approach for many due to societal expectations. While I’m not discouraging it, I spent three years on a bachelor’s degree and five years on two master’s degrees, gaining skills that I’ve possibly applied less than 10%. Consider the expenses associated with quality university programs; they might lead to significant career-related debts.
The democratisation of the internet has made education accessible to almost everyone. You can now learn the same skills from anywhere globally. However, from my experience, this approach requires a lot—overcoming distractions, maintaining accountability, managing time effectively, and more. While it’s affordable and great for advancing skills, it may not be suitable for beginners.
Enrolling in courses taught by experienced industry professionals, especially through live lessons, is invaluable. Learning directly from someone practicing the skills in the real world ensures practical, industry-oriented training. While this approach can be expensive, the knowledge gained in a short period often surpasses what might take months or years through other methods.
In my journey, I’ve applied all three approaches, each contributing to the significant job opportunities I’ve secured.My advice on which to choose:
Author: Ivo Kubam
Date: 19-01-2024