If you have followed me for a while, you know I believe AI literacy is starting to function a lot like financial literacy. So I decided to get formally trained. I am starting with Google AI Essentials because it is practical and accessible. Then I plan to deepen into data analytics, engineering exposure, and even enterprise implementation (if I can find time!).
If you are thinking about doing one of these with me, let me know. I may turn this into an AI Series for Moms. And if you want part two, I will break down exactly how I am using AI in my career and in life right now.
What I Am Doing Right Now
I am currently completing the Google AI Essentials certification offered through Coursera
🔗 Google AI Essentials (Coursera):
https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/google-ai-essentials
This is a beginner friendly but strategic program focused on:
• Practical uses of generative AI
• Prompt engineering fundamentals
• Using AI for productivity
• Responsible AI practices
• Applying AI to real workflows
It is designed for non technical professionals, which makes it helpful for senior managers, directors, consultants, and corporate leaders who want to understand how to use AI strategically.
How I Got It Free
I am completing this certification for free through the Google Small Business Program, which provides funded access to AI training.
🔗 Google Small Business AI Training:
https://grow.google/smallbusiness/
If you are a small business owner, or entrepreneur, check this out.
What I Plan To Do Next (More Technical)
Once I finish the Google AI Essentials certification, I plan to level up into more technical programs. Not because I want to code but because I want strategic depth.
Here are the three I am planning to pursue next:
1. Google Advanced Data Analytics Professional Certificate
🔗 https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/google-advanced-data-analytics
Cost: Approximately 39 to 59 dollars per month on Coursera
Best for:
• Business leaders who want to understand predictive analytics
• Professionals working with large datasets
• People who want deeper statistical and machine learning foundations
This one is more technical. It introduces Python, machine learning models, and data storytelling. I think this pairs well with AI literacy because understanding data is understanding leverage.
2. IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate
🔗 https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/ai-engineer
Cost: Approximately 39 to 59 dollars per month on Coursera
Best for:
• People who want hands on machine learning
• Those interested in neural networks and deep learning
• Professionals transitioning into AI strategy roles
This is significantly more technical. It includes Python, TensorFlow, model development, and deployment. I do not necessarily want to become an engineer, but I do want to understand what is happening in the details.
3. Microsoft Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI 102)
🔗 https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/azure-ai-engineer/
Cost: Exam fee approximately 165 dollars
Best for:
• Corporate leaders in enterprise environments
• Professionals working with AI deployment in companies
• People managing AI integrations inside large organizations
This one is powerful if you operate in enterprise settings. It is less about theory and more about implementing AI solutions responsibly and at scale.
Three Other Strong AI Certification Options (Depending on Your Field)
Here are three other excellent options depending on your goals.
AWS Certified Machine Learning Specialty
🔗 https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-machine-learning-specialty/
Cost: Approximately 300 dollars
Best for:
• Engineers
• Data scientists
• Cloud architects
• Anyone working deeply in AWS environments
This is technical and cloud focused. Ideal if you work in infrastructure heavy roles.
Stanford University Machine Learning Specialization
🔗 https://www.coursera.org/specializations/machine-learning-introduction
Cost: Approximately 79 dollars per month
Best for:
• Founders
• Product managers
• Strategists
• People who want theoretical grounding
This is more academic and concept driven. It builds foundational understanding of how machine learning actually works.
MIT Professional Education Applied Generative AI
🔗 https://professional.mit.edu/course-catalog/applied-generative-ai
Cost: Typically 2,500 dollars and up
Best for:
• Executives
• Senior leaders
• Policy professionals
• Corporate strategy teams
This is premium. High level. Strategy oriented. Strong if you are making enterprise level AI decisions.
