Acquiring certifications or completing relevant courses can significantly boost your understanding and skills, thereby enhancing your ability to manage AI/ML projects effectively. Here are the three key certifications/courses which I completed recently and I found can be highly beneficial for Project/Program managers engaged in AI/ML projects. These 3 courses provide a holistic overview with foundational aspects of AI/ML, technical aspects of LLMs powering GenAI, and AI product management best practices.
To begin with, the ‘Azure AI Fundamentals Certification’ offered by Microsoft serves as a primer to the basics of AI/ML, in addition to introducing to Azure Services for developing AI applications.
Following this, the ‘Generative AI with Large Language Models’ course by Deeplearning.AI, focuses on the technical aspects of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI.
Lastly, the ‘AI Product Management Specialization’ facilitated by Duke University on Coursera, presents real-world examples and industry best practices for effective management of AI/ML projects.
Azure AI Fundamentals Certification AS 900
Overview: Azure AI Fundamentals is a certification offered by Microsoft aimed at individuals seeking to validate their basic understanding of AI and ML concepts, particularly within the Azure ecosystem. This certification covers a broad range of topics, including AI workloads, machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), and conversational AI, providing a comprehensive foundation in AI technologies and their applications on Azure.
Relevance to AI/ML Project/Program Managers: This certification equips project managers with the knowledge needed to efficiently manage AI projects on Azure, from identifying the right AI services and tools to understanding how to integrate these technologies into their projects. It's particularly valuable for managers looking to leverage Azure's cloud computing for scalable, efficient AI solutions.
Exam Format and Preparation: The AI-900 exam consists of 40-60 multiple-choice questions, to be completed within 60 minutes. To prepare, Microsoft offers free online learning paths and paid instructor-led training sessions. Topics include understanding AI workloads, fundamental principles of machine learning on Azure, features of computer vision and NLP services, and an introduction to Azure's conversational AI capabilities.
Fee Details: The exam fee is approximately $99 USD in US and 4000 INR in India. Prices vary by location. Microsoft also occasionally offers free exam vouchers to participants who complete certain training events.
Generative AI with Large Language Models
Overview: This course is tailored for those interested in exploring the frontiers of AI through the lens of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT-3. Offered by DeepLearning.AI on Coursera, it delves into how these models work, their applications across various sectors, ethical considerations, and the future of generative AI.
Relevance to AI/ML Project/Program Managers: For project managers, understanding generative AI is key to harnessing its potential in creating innovative solutions, whether in content creation, data analysis, or enhancing customer experiences. This course provides the insights needed to navigate the practical and ethical implications of deploying LLMs in real-world projects.
Course Format and Content: The course is structured around weekly modules that include video lectures, case studies, and quizzes. Topics cover the basics of what LLMs are, how they are trained, applications ranging from creative content generation to business analytics, and a critical look at the ethical implications of AI's increasing role in society.
Fee Details: Access to the course requires a Coursera subscription, which ranges from $39 to $79 per month after a 7-day free trial, depending on your location. This gives you access to all course materials, including graded assignments and a certificate upon completion.
AI Product Management Specialization
Overview: This specialization, offered by Duke University through Coursera, is designed for those looking to lead the development of AI-based products. It encompasses the entire AI product lifecycle, from ideation and data collection to model building, evaluation, deployment, and monitoring. The courses are grounded in real-world applications, ensuring learners can apply their knowledge in practical settings.
Relevance to AI/ML Project/Program Managers: Navigating the complexities of AI product development requires a solid understanding of both the technical and managerial aspects of projects. This specialization focuses on critical areas such as defining product vision, working with data scientists and engineers, user experience design for AI, and the ethical considerations of AI products, making it invaluable for project managers in the AI field.
Course Format and Content: The specialization consists of three courses, each taking approximately 4-6 weeks to complete at a recommended pace of 2-3 hours per week. Key topics include AI product strategy and lifecycle management, integrating AI with product design to enhance user experience, and the ethical and societal implications of AI products.
Fee Details: Enrollment in the specialization is part of Coursera's subscription model, costing between $39 and $79 per month. This includes access to all specialization content, peer feedback, projects, and a certificate of completion.
These AL/ML Foundational Certifications for Project Managers offers unique insights and practical knowledge for AI/ML project and program managers, catering to different aspects of AI/ML project management. Whether you're looking to deepen your technical understanding, explore new AI technologies, or enhance your product management skills in the AI context
