AI for beginners: Getting started without technical skills

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world, powering innovations from self-driving cars to personalised shopping experiences. However, for many, diving into the AI field can seem like an impossible task, especially without a technical background. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a coder or a mathematician to get started in AI. In recent years, AI tools and learning resources have become more accessible, allowing curious beginners with no technical skills to explore and contribute to this field.

This guide will walk you through practical steps to get started in AI, focusing on accessible skills and resources, beginner-friendly tools, and strategies to build confidence and understanding. Whether you’re a business professional, a creative, or simply curious, you can make a start in AI today.

How to get started in AI without prior technical skills

1. Understanding the basics of AI

Before diving into AI tools or courses, it’s essential to understand foundational concepts. Familiarise yourself with terms like machine learning, deep learning, data science, and natural language processing (NLP). Resources like online articles, beginner-friendly videos, and podcasts can give you a solid grasp of AI terminology and applications without requiring any technical skills.

Quick resources:

• YouTube channels: Check out YouTube channels like “AI For Everyone” by Andrew Ng or “Lex Fridman Podcast” for beginner-friendly insights.
• AI glossaries: Sites like IBM or Google AI have glossaries that explain complex terms in simple language.

2. Learn with free AI resources

Many respected institutions and platforms offer free introductory AI courses. These courses break down complicated AI concepts into digestible lessons, making it easy for beginners without technical knowledge to follow along.

Recommended free courses:

• AI for Everyone by Andrew Ng (Coursera): A non-technical overview of AI and its potential impact on various industries.
• Elements of AI by Reaktor and the University of Helsinki: Covers AI basics in a simple, friendly format.
• Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course: Although slightly technical, it includes practical exercises that you can explore at your own pace.

3. Practical AI tools for non-techies

Today, AI-powered tools allow beginners to experiment without needing to write code. Many of these tools use drag-and-drop interfaces, enabling users to easily apply AI to real-world problems.

AI tools to explore:

• Teachable machine by Google: A user-friendly tool for creating image, sound, and pose models without coding.
• Runway ML: An intuitive platform for working with machine learning models for creative tasks like image and video editing.
• ChatGPT: OpenAI’s conversational AI, which you can use to simulate interactions or brainstorm ideas.

These tools help you understand how AI works in practice and can be a great confidence builder.

4. Join AI communities and forums

Connecting with others on the same path can provide motivation, support, and resources. AI communities are filled with enthusiasts and experts willing to share knowledge, answer questions, and offer project feedback.

Popular AI communities:

• Reddit: Subreddits like r/MachineLearning and r/Artificial offer a mix of technical and non-technical discussions.
• LinkedIn: Follow AI thought leaders and join relevant AI groups for industry news and insights.
• Discord and Slack: Many free AI servers on these platforms are beginner-friendly and include topic channels for specific interests like NLP or ethical AI.

5. Stay updated on AI trends

AI is rapidly evolving, and keeping up-to-date can help you understand current applications, ethical considerations, and potential career paths. You don’t need to read academic papers—opt for accessible news sources and newsletters that break down developments for non-technical readers.

Top newsletters:

• The Batch by DeepLearning.AI: Weekly updates and explanations of AI developments.
• AI Weekly: Curated news and articles for both techies and non-techies.

6. Take small, hands-on projects

One of the best ways to learn is by doing. Start with mini-projects that allow you to apply AI concepts practically. Many beginner-friendly AI tools offer templates and tutorials for getting started.

Example project ideas:

• Build a personal assistant: Use platforms like ChatGPT to create an AI chatbot that answers specific questions or helps with daily tasks.
• Image classifier: Create a simple model with Google’s Teachable Machine to recognise and classify objects.
• Text summariser: Tools like Hugging Face Transformers provide models to summarize long text documents. Try summarising an article or report.

7. Pursue certifications and micro-degrees

If you’re looking to add credibility to your AI knowledge, consider pursuing certifications or micro-degrees. Many institutions offer beginner-friendly AI certifications that don’t require a technical background.

Top programs:

• AI For Everyone (Coursera): Provides a certificate upon completion and is designed specifically for non-technical people.
• Introduction to AI (Microsoft): Covers AI concepts and applications, with an emphasis on real-world use cases.
• Professional Certificate in AI (edX): Courses from top universities offer a solid foundational understanding and certificates upon completion.

Conclusion: Moving forward in AI

Getting started in AI without technical skills is not only possible but can be incredibly rewarding. By focusing on the basics, exploring beginner-friendly tools, and building a network of resources and connections, you can grow your understanding of AI. Remember, AI is a field of lifelong learning—your journey will continually evolve as the technology does.

Embrace this opportunity to learn something new, explore emerging technologies, and maybe even shape the future of AI.