It's undeniable that AI, specifically generative AI, has been making its way into several industries, and the best we can do right now is to prepare by learning about it. One way to prove that you have knowledge of it is through Microsoft's certification program.
Generative AI Training
Several businesses have been impressed with the capabilities of generative AI, so much so that there are already instances when employees are replaced with them. Then again, big techs claim that although jobs are replaced, more are created because of the technology.
Microsoft is now offering a program that allows people to train and learn more about using generative AI. It even comes with a certification after finishing the course. The new program is part of the company's AI Skills Initiative, according to Engadget.
This adds a bit of an advantage to those who don't want to lose their jobs to tools like ChatGPT by learning to operate them instead. The course can be found on LinkedIn, and what's better is that the entire program is absolutely free.
The course will teach users to input the most effective prompts to generate the best results. It could also serve as a quick introduction course to those who are still not familiar with generative AI, which can be helpful since it is progressing quickly.
Other than the basic uses, the course will also teach participants about responsible AI frameworks. There is a training toolkit that can be downloaded as well for trainers to use, along with a separate course specifically made for people who mean to teach about AI.
The course is limited to English right now, but more are said to be released in the coming months. Microsoft intends to release the course in other languages like Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese.
This comes as the first Professional Certificate on Generative AI available in the market, and it could gain applicants points when they apply to a company that already uses generative AI in the business.
Why You Should Participate
A certification could prove useful when you plan to pursue a career that could potentially use generative AI. The course can also provide you with a useful skill you can use yourself, given that generative AI can open a lot of possibilities.
Since AI is mostly used as an optimizing tool for business, knowledge about it can also help you with areas like design research and copy generation, as mentioned by Accenture. It enhances efficiency in business process automation and boosts productivity as well.
Of course, the generative AI certification will not guarantee an advantage over competing applicants, nor will it keep companies from solely using generative AI without someone managing it, but it's still a good card to have.
There have been some unlucky circumstances for certain employees. For instance, there have already been cases where copywriters were laid off as they were replaced by ChatGPT. Then again, it's the same chatbot that caused a lawyer to get a $5,000 fine.
