Not Skynet: Just Real AI Skills
The future isn’t set… but I did get the badge.
I’ve been wanting to learn more about AI - not just from using ChatGPT and rolling my eyes at AI slop-writing. I wanted the bigger picture:
Where AI came from
How it actually “learns” (or whatever it does!)
How it generates content
And why that Grok-bot spewed such racist, antisemitic nonsense
The Program I Found
I discovered a free program from IBM Skillsbuilder called Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals. It’s approachable, no-cost, and comes with a digital credential (and yes, a badge—woot!).
What the IBM Course Covers
According to IBM, this credential shows that the earner understands:
Core AI concepts: natural language processing, computer vision, machine learning, deep learning, chatbots, and neural networks
AI ethics: what responsible use looks like—and where it goes wrong
Practical application: how to run a simple AI model using IBM Watson Studio
Career perspective: job outlook in AI-related fields and the skills needed to succeed
Description: “This credential earner demonstrates knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) concepts, such as natural language processing, computer vision, machine learning, deep learning, chatbots, and neural networks; AI ethics; and the applications of AI. The individual has a conceptual understanding of how to run an AI model using IBM Watson Studio. The earner is aware of the job outlook in fields that use AI and is familiar with the skills required for success in various roles in the domain.”
What I Took Away
I found the course worth the time. Here’s why:
I now have a clearer grasp of the history and mechanics of AI
I understand the ethical pitfalls - and why ugly incidents (like Grok’s mess) keep happening
I see how AI has been evolving for decades, not just in the past two years
Most importantly, I feel better equipped to evaluate the good and bad we’re seeing today because I understand how it predicts and “thinks.”
Why This Helps at Work
Learning the basics of AI isn’t just “nice to know”—it can make you more useful and valuable at work. Here’s why:
You can tell the difference between useful AI and total garbage, which makes your judgment more trusted.
You gain confidence because you know how AI actually works - and then you’re not just one of the group that criticizes AI without understanding it.
You’re getting ahead of the curve—AI is creeping into every corner of work, and you’ll already have the basics down.
You can spot risks and red flags early—before they blow up into legal, ethical, or PR messes. You’ll also know how to spot AI-generated content more easily.
You’ll see real ways to make your job easier, whether it’s cutting down busywork, finding insights faster, or improving how you serve people.
Bottom line: Learning the fundamentals makes you more valuable.
Check it out and let us know if you take the course and what you think. Follow this link.
