Become an AI Engineer

Build and ship apps on top of large language models.

Start with Python for Beginners - Learn Coding with Python in 1 Hour (60 min, Programming with Mosh), then Python Full Course for Beginners (122 min, Programming with Mosh). All 40 lessons in Become an AI Engineer are free. No degree. A laptop and patience with Python. A starter kit costs about $270. AI engineers are among the best-paid roles in tech; many start as freelancers.

To start: No degree. A laptop and patience with Python. Earning: AI engineers are among the best-paid roles in tech; many start as freelancers.

1. Python from zero

   The language almost all AI work is written in.

   • Python for Beginners - Learn Coding with Python in 1 Hour (60 min, Programming with Mosh, Beginner)
   • Python Full Course for Beginners (122 min, Programming with Mosh, Beginner)
   • Python Tutorial for Beginners - Learn Python in 5 Hours [FULL COURSE] (332 min, TechWorld with Nana, Beginner)
   • Python for AI - Full Beginner Course (316 min, Dave Ebbelaar, Beginner)
   • Python for Data Analytics - Full Course for Beginners (670 min, Luke Barousse, Beginner)
   • 👩‍💻 Python for Beginners Tutorial (63 min, Kevin Stratvert, Beginner)

2. Machine learning foundations

   What a model is, how it learns, how to tell if it works.

   • But what is a convolution? (23 min, 3Blue1Brown, Beginner)
   • But what is the Fourier Transform? A visual introduction. (20 min, 3Blue1Brown, Beginner)
   • Machine Learning Course for Beginners (592 min, freeCodeCamp.org, Beginner)
   • Harvard CS50’s Artificial Intelligence with Python – Full University Course (711 min, freeCodeCamp.org, Intermediate)
   • Python Machine Learning Tutorial (Data Science) (50 min, Programming with Mosh, Intermediate)
   • Entropy (for data science) Clearly Explained!!! (17 min, StatQuest with Josh Starmer, Intermediate)

3. How deep learning works

   Neural networks and transformers, built up from scratch.

   • Let's build GPT: from scratch, in code, spelled out. (116 min, Andrej Karpathy, Beginner)
   • But what is a neural network? | Deep learning chapter 1 (19 min, 3Blue1Brown, Beginner)
   • Create a Large Language Model from Scratch with Python – Tutorial (344 min, freeCodeCamp.org, Beginner)
   • Transformers, the tech behind LLMs | Deep Learning Chapter 5 (27 min, 3Blue1Brown, Intermediate)
   • Let's reproduce GPT-2 (124M) (241 min, Andrej Karpathy, Intermediate)
   • The Essential Main Ideas of Neural Networks (19 min, StatQuest with Josh Starmer, Intermediate)

4. Build LLM apps and agents

   APIs, retrieval, tools and agents: real products.

   • [1hr Talk] Intro to Large Language Models (60 min, Andrej Karpathy, Beginner)
   • How I use LLMs (131 min, Andrej Karpathy, Intermediate)
   • Run your own AI (but private) (22 min, NetworkChuck, Intermediate)
   • you need to learn MCP RIGHT NOW!! (Model Context Protocol) (39 min, NetworkChuck, Intermediate)
   • AI Agents, Clearly Explained (10 min, Jeff Su, Intermediate)
   • Build and Deploy Your Own ChatGPT AI App in JavaScript | OpenAI, Machine Learning (62 min, JavaScript Mastery, Intermediate)

5. Ship it

   Deploy, monitor, and show your work.

   • you need to learn Docker RIGHT NOW!! // Docker Containers 101 (23 min, NetworkChuck, Beginner)
   • Docker Crash Course for Absolute Beginners [NEW] (68 min, TechWorld with Nana, Beginner)
   • 60 Linux Commands you NEED to know (in 10 minutes) (11 min, NetworkChuck, Intermediate)
   • 25 VS Code Productivity Tips and Speed Hacks (12 min, Fireship, Intermediate)
   • AI Engineer Roadmap | How I'd Learn AI in 2024 (31 min, codebasics, Intermediate)
   • How I'd Learn AI (if I could start over) (18 min, Dave Ebbelaar, Intermediate)

6. Get hired

   A CV that gets read, interviews you are ready for, and the first offer negotiated.

   • Career Change to Code - The Complete Guide [Full Course for Aspiring Developers] (203 min, freeCodeCamp.org, Beginner)
   • If Your Job Interviewer Asks You THIS, BEWARE! (11 min, A Life After Layoff, Intermediate)
   • Write an Incredible Resume: 5 Golden Rules! (9 min, Jeff Su, Intermediate)
   • Can't Get A Job? You May Be On The "Do Not Hire" List! (18 min, A Life After Layoff, Intermediate)
   • Top 5 LinkedIn Profile Tips! (10 min, Jeff Su, Intermediate)
   • A Job Recruiter Critiques 5 Real Audience Resumes (23 min, The Financial Diet, Intermediate)

7. Money basics for your first pay

   Budget it, save it, and start investing early.

   • Investing 101 (20 min, Ben Felix, Beginner)
   • Using Your Money To Be Happier (21 min, Ben Felix, Intermediate)
   • 5 Things You Need To Do If You Make Less Than $100k (21 min, The Financial Diet, Intermediate)
   • 9 Things To Stop Spending On By 30 (26 min, The Financial Diet, Intermediate)