AI & ML as a CS Graduate

During my studies at Trent University, the topic of AI and ML wasn’t really at the forefront as it is today. I remember ChatGPT and AI becoming mainstream in my final year of studies. It seems much of the AI and ML talent and research is (historically and) currently coming out of post-graduate avenues. However, that is slowly starting to change as universities have quickly mobilized to update their curriculum to include AI and ML courses and programs for undergraduate students.

That leaves CS graduates like myself in an awkward position. We can pursue post-graduate studies with a focus in artificial intelligence, redo an undergraduate degree with the updated curriculum, or register to online courses to expand our knowledge in this rapidly blossoming field. In my case, the latter was best suited option for my current situation.

Enter Andrew Ng and Coursera.

As of the date of this writing, a search online for the best online course to get started with AI and ML will yield countless hits praising Andrew Ng, dubbed as a ‘leading figure’ in AI and ML. After doing some research on Andrew Ng, I discovered he certainly has the credentials: a Stanford professor, cofounder of the Google Brain Deep Learning Project, chief scientist at Baidu, and the list goes on. I was sold and decided I would enroll in his course Machine Learning Specialization on Coursera.

To hold myself accountable, I have announced my enrollment on LinkedIn, where every minor accomplishment is posted and celebrated with virtual champagne toasts in typical LinkedIn fashion of course.