Black Friday is almost here, so instead of spending on products, why not invest in your future?
With technology evolving faster than ever, knowing the basics of Artificial Intelligence is becoming a game-changer for anyone looking to thrive in the digital world.
Whether you’re building a brand, starting a side hustle, or leveling up your career, AI skills can boost your potential and impact.
Here are eight free AI courses that can help you level up your career, brand, or business—and maybe even boost your income along the way.
These courses will give you hands-on tools and knowledge to stay current with the latest tech advances and keep you competitive, plus certifications that can make a real difference in the job market.
Sneak Peek: From Google to Salesforce, IBM, and Coursera, these courses come from some of the biggest names in tech, designed to keep you at the cutting edge!
Why should you enroll in these AI courses?
In today’s job market, AI skills are more valuable than ever. Companies across industries are actively seeking professionals with AI expertise, and a recent Amazon Web Services (AWS) study found that employees with these skills can earn up to 47% higher salaries.
These free AI courses can give you a career advantage, offering both knowledge and certification that can open new doors.
By mastering AI, you’ll gain tools to streamline work processes, increase productivity, and drive efficiency—whether you’re advancing in your current job, building a business, or managing your own brand.
8 Essential free AI courses
Following, there’s a curated list of some of the best *free AI courses available right now (*terms and conditions apply; please see below).
1. Introduction to generative AI – Google Cloud
- Platform: Google Cloud Skills Boost.
- Ideal for: Those interested in the AI behind creative tools.
- Entry: Free.
- Details: This course is an excellent starting point for those new to generative AI. You’ll discover what generative AI is, how it works, and how it differs from traditional machine learning. Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience with Google’s tools to start building your own generative AI applications.
2. AI foundations for everyone – IBM
- Platform: Coursera.
- Ideal for: People interested in learning about AI basics.
Entry: Free with financial aid.
Details: This introductory course from IBM covers essential AI concepts, including advanced topics such as machine learning and neural networks. You’ll also gain practical experience using IBM Watson to create AI solutions, like chatbots, without the need for coding skills.
3. AI for everyone – DeepLearning.AI
- Platform: Coursera.
- Ideal for: Non-technical professionals looking to understand AI’s impact on business.
- Entry: Free with financial aid.
- Details: This course teaches you how AI can revolutionize your workplace. You’ll learn essential AI terminology, how to spot AI opportunities within your organization, and how to collaborate with AI teams to implement effective solutions. The course also covers the social and ethical considerations of AI, empowering you to make informed decisions about its application.
4. Introduction to AI and data – Salesforce
- Platform: Trailhead.
- Ideal for: Professionals looking to use AI and data for strategic decision-making.
- Entry: Free upon completion (please see terms on the website).
- Details: This Salesforce course teaches you how to leverage AI and data to improve business decision-making. You’ll learn to use AI for data analysis, process optimization, and prediction-making, ultimately improving business outcomes. This course is perfect for those seeking to integrate AI and data to boost business competitiveness and efficiency.
5. AI for Project Management – LinkedIn Learning
- Platform: LinkedIn Learning.
- Ideal for: Project managers looking to optimize workflows with AI.
- Entry: Free for LinkedIn Premium subscribers (1-month free Premium subscription available; check website for details).
- Details: This course shows how to incorporate generative AI into project management to boost efficiency and streamline processes. You’ll learn how to use AI to automate repetitive tasks and make data-driven decisions. The course also explores how AI can provide a competitive advantage and help you adapt to the ever-changing professional landscape.
6. Generative AI with Large Language Models by Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Platform: Coursera.
- Ideal for: Those looking to enhance user experience and improve processes.
- Entry: Free with financial aid.
- Details: This course by AWS introduces you to generative AI and large language models (LLMs), such as those behind ChatGPT. You’ll learn the fundamentals of generative AI and explore its applications in areas such as customer service, automation, and content creation. The course also dives into how companies are leveraging these advanced technologies to drive value, with guidance from AWS experts working on real-world AI projects.
7. AI Applications in Marketing and Finance – Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
- Platform: Coursera.
- Ideal for: Marketing and finance professionals looking to apply AI to their strategies.
- Entry: Free with financial aid.
- Details: This course explores how to integrate AI into marketing and finance, with practical applications such as campaign optimization and financial analysis. You’ll also learn how AI can aid in fraud detection, credit risk assessment, and personalized marketing strategies. Taught by experts, the course provides hands-on skills that can be applied directly to your role, helping you enhance your impact in these critical business sectors.
8. Machine Learning Specialization – Andrew Ng, Stanford University
- Platform: Coursera
- Ideal for: Individuals with a technical background seeking a deeper understanding of machine learning.
- Entry: Free with financial aid.
- Details: In this advanced course, you’ll learn to build machine learning models with tools like NumPy and scikit-learn, and to train neural networks using TensorFlow for classification tasks. You’ll also explore unsupervised learning techniques, such as clustering and anomaly detection, and develop recommendation systems using collaborative filtering and deep learning. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills to apply machine learning to real projects and solve complex problems with AI.
Unlock the full potential of your AI training: Practical tips for everyday use
Every day, more companies are on the lookout for professionals who can apply AI skills directly to their work.
As you progress through these courses, consider how AI can revolutionize your daily tasks.
Automate repetitive work to save time or explore tools that boost your creativity and productivity.
It’s not just about mastering technical concepts—it’s about applying them effectively to achieve your goals, whether you’re streamlining your current job or scaling your business.
With the increasing demand for AI expertise, these free courses are a smart investment in your future. Enjoy the learning journey!
