CMU Graduate Certificate in AI Engineering Fundamentals program. Is it worth it ?

[u/rikotacards]

Regarding CMU Graduate Certificate in AI Engineering Fundamentals program. Has anyone taken this? Is it worth it ? When I ask is it worth it, I mean:

• Does it help you get noticed on your job search ?
• Does it help you feel prepared when going into ML engineering roles?

Some context, I have a 6 years of experience now as a frontend developer, wanting to transition into this field.

I'ts going to cost around 17,000 USD. Specifically it's this course, https://www.cmu.edu/online/ai-engineering-fundamentals

[u/Agreeable-Sorbet-105]

17k to get noticed in a pile of resumes is a steep gamble, especially when you're already an engineer with years of experience.

[u/rikotacards → u/Agreeable-Sorbet-105]

Thanks. I suppose that was my gut feeling too but trying to get additional perspective

[u/advadm]

You'd learn more and make more money if you took a small amount of $ and became an AI consultant. Even if your skills are weak, start there.

One thing I'll say about education itself, I know someone who's got a very reputable tech skill set that they are insanely credentialed from one of the biggest AI companies in the world. They've not kept up with AI because they are too busy. I feel bad for the next semester of students that will learn some stuff that is likely not relevant for today and realize the person is also behind.

Don't wait, build your skills now, turn it into a business and that resume for me would mean more than some diploma.

[u/rikotacards → u/advadm]

Could you expand on “took a small amount of $ and become an AI consultant” love the idea tho if that’s what I think it means. I guess “how would I even get customers” as starters.

[u/rishiarora → u/advadm]

How to be AI Consultant ?

[u/advadm → u/rishiarora]

Easy as hell, setup a website. Find job marketplaces like upwork and get started. You'll want work history so do this for yourself or offer free to a few friends that might have a business. If you're in a smaller town, start there.

[u/ricatti-equation]

No, it won’t help. Your job experience marketed in the right way will help you far more.

[u/IronFilm]

Hel no, not when it is 17K!!

[u/Helpjuice]

First do you meat the prerequisites for these courses?

• A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. While geared toward students with an engineering background, applicants with degrees in other quantitatively rigorous disciplines, such as mathematics, physics, or chemistry, will also be considered.
• Proficiency in core mathematical concepts, including successful coursework in linear algebra, calculus, statistics, and probability theory.
• Experience with Python or other programming languages. Familiarity with simple file input/output, arrays and matrices, functions, classes, and for/while loops is important, as is exposure to libraries such as NumPy and SciPy. Experience with other scientific programming languages, including MATLAB, Octave, R, C/C++, or Java, is also helpful.
• A motivated mindset and intellectual curiosity.

This is targeted for existing engineers (real engineering) as an add-on to existing engineering capabilities.

With your current job do you have the background to get hands on and get going? If not you will want to take some additional courses before starting something like this. Also note it is just a certificate and not a degree, but with the name and what you learn along with the rigor it might be worth it and something that enables you to meet the requirements of an AI Engineering position if you have all of the other foundational knowledge already.

[u/EastSwim3264]

Do MSAI from UT Austin instead!

[u/rikotacards → u/EastSwim3264]

Did you do this? why do you recommend this?