What career paths have our fellow PP's taken?

[Stewie]

Last 1 year I have been studying how brain works(passtime), with the help of couple of books (Upward Spiral) and AI and you are right on how brain is getting impacted.

If you are unable to enjoy a lot of activities that excited you before, I can assure you its social media and the continuous dopamine producing activites.
Even if your work and challenges aren’t exciting you, and you reach out for the phone or procrastinate a lot of brain circuitry is unfortunately responsible.

The weirdest activity I have been told is stop frying/stimulating the brain, that even after I’m working/Studying, to take a break just relax by staring at an empty wall for 5 mins , insanely it actually worked and I felt amazing to get back to work/studying.

I do Instagram at night with my partner (time controlled), and it still affects me, nothing beats sleeping after reading.

The brain is getting affected, even the black cab drivers in London who had to memorise the map, had better brain health than us.

I’m sure you already noticed how older folks in US give directions in Intersection(lunch talk)..whereas the newer generation almost gives it in a retarded way.

I do not wish to derail the thread so one last comment from me on this topic. The negative effects of this trend will most be observed in the upcoming generations. I think people of my generation and those who are perhaps born a decade or so after me are still the transitional group. I fear the long term impact of this change will be more visible in the next 15-20 years as genZ takes over senior positions in the work force.

 

[FollowThru]

Any one in physical sciences here?

I know @Dr_Bassim and @Mamoon are physicians

@bones is in involved in tech industry.

could be good wiki area

I'm a doctor, consultant physician. Currently halfway through to fulfill an ambitious dream of establishing the first ever fully equipped Medical Emergency in my remote-town.

 

[hks222]

Financial Planning & Analysis.

I have ACCA qualification, and over seven years of FP&A experience

 

[hks222]

We need to evolve and adapt with ERP.

Bookkeepers / accountants have evolved into controllers / corporate reporting managers with evolution of ERPs that charges expenses upon receiving without someone putting debits/credits.

We need to use AI to advantage as well with best fit prompts to be efficient and work, and maximize value - it will be us navigating our business problems to AI.

 

[hks222]

We need to evolve and adapt with ERP.

Bookkeepers / accountants have evolved into controllers / corporate reporting managers with evolution of ERPs that charges expenses upon receiving without someone putting debits/credits.

We need to use AI to advantage as well with best fit prompts to be efficient and work, and maximize value - it will be us navigating our business problems to AI

 

[JaDed]

We need to evolve and adapt with ERP.

Bookkeepers / accountants have evolved into controllers / corporate reporting managers with evolution of ERPs that charges expenses upon receiving without someone putting debits/credits.

We need to use AI to advantage as well with best fit prompts to be efficient and work, and maximize value - it will be us navigating our business problems to AI.

I Integrate with various ERPs, ERP is one of the hottest markets right now due to proprietary data sitting across from Oracle to SAP , orgs dont know how to use it lol.

I see massive Big 4 accounting firms consulting on this in near future.

 

[IMMY69]

I Integrate with various ERPs, ERP is one of the hottest markets right now due to proprietary data sitting across from Oracle to SAP , orgs dont know how to use it lol.

I see massive Big 4 accounting firms consulting on this in near future.

Can you translate everything you just said... I'm interested but have absolutely no idea what you just said

 

[hks222]

I Integrate with various ERPs, ERP is one of the hottest markets right now due to proprietary data sitting across from Oracle to SAP , orgs dont know how to use it lol.

I see massive Big 4 accounting firms consulting on this in near future.

ERPs are just tools like an application - users make it too complicated for themselves.

More you get into it, more you explore it and get hold of how to use it for maximum business economic / operational value.

 

[JaDed]

Can you translate everything you just said... I'm interested but have absolutely no idea what you just said

Lol sure :

Example in Manufacturing there is a lot of company specific data sitting in Database/ERP systems, that is everyday utilised by various stake holders in the company to sell the products or check the terms etc and depend upon 100s of custom reports they create or have created over the years.

Scenario(basic): A Sales person assigned a specific region in Europe and is responsible for all Purchase Orders for all the partners(companies) in that area.
For him to make better decisions sales etc he runs reports to check data.

Now imagine if Agentic AI can help with everything he needs just by him writing it out: “give me the data for this customer for s specific month with the terms”.. the Agentoc AI created will be able to fetch and parse such data for the user through phone, letting him/her make quicker decisions as he doesn’t have to go check reports.

Now the SAP consultant could come in make these AI agents to do just that for the specific user..


The above is a very basic case, actual business can involve Accounts Payable, Receivable, Warehouse , Inventory etcc

 

[JaDed]

ERPs are just tools like an application - users make it too complicated for themselves.

More you get into it, more you explore it and get hold of how to use it for maximum business economic / operational value.

In States its commonly used across Companies.

Even Amazon has a separate ERP for various divisions, like Robotics(being setup) and Whole foods etc.

It might just be an application but it depends upon how deep you know the system.

Oracle EBS is a pretty tough nut to know entirely.

 

[hks222]

Lol sure :

Example in Manufacturing there is a lot of company specific data sitting in Database/ERP systems, that is everyday utilised by various stake holders in the company to sell the products or check the terms etc and depend upon 100s of custom reports they create or have created over the years.

Scenario(basic): A Sales person assigned a specific region in Europe and is responsible for all Purchase Orders for all the partners(companies) in that area.
For him to make better decisions sales etc he runs reports to check data.

Now imagine if Agentic AI can help with everything he needs just by him writing it out: “give me the data for this customer for s specific month with the terms”.. the Agentoc AI created will be able to fetch and parse such data for the user through phone, letting him/her make quicker decisions as he doesn’t have to go check reports.

Now the SAP consultant could come in make these AI agents to do just that for the specific user..


The above is a very basic case, actual business can involve Accounts Payable, Receivable, Warehouse , Inventory etcc

Or bro, if AI agents can be deployed over outlook and SAP with a three way integration.

Vendor sends invoice for power bill i.e. electricity every month - AI agent picks up from outlook landing, and books into SAP AP module.

 

[hks222]

In States its commonly used across Companies.

Even Amazon has a separate ERP for various divisions, like Robotics(being setup) and Whole foods etc.

It might just be an application but it depends upon how deep you know the system.

Oracle EBS is a pretty tough nut to know entirely.

I worked as an oracle user extensively for a telecom here. Obviously for budget management, and analysis / cost control and deep dives.

 

[JaDed]

Or bro, if AI agents can be deployed over outlook and SAP with a three way integration.

Vendor sends invoice for power bill i.e. electricity every month - AI agent picks up from outlook landing, and books into SAP AP module.

Honestly I have done that with Oracle, this one is simple because there are functions.

Mailbox created listening to Invoices, the invoice comes in (pdf/csv)we use Integration here to retrieve and parse based ln the attachment in the email, we then map the values and either call Oracle API or place the converted file that can be run by the ERP systems timely process.

Similarly can be done for SAP but have to do via something called idoc.(converting from pdf/csv to SAP idoc).

 

[hks222]

Honestly I have done that with Oracle, this one is simple because there are functions.

Mailbox created listening to Invoices, the invoice comes in (pdf/csv)we use Integration here to retrieve and parse based ln the attachment in the email, we then map the values and either call Oracle API or place the converted file that can be run by the ERP systems timely process.

Similarly can be done for SAP but have to do via something called idoc.(converting from pdf/csv to SAP idoc).

That is awesome bro.

I'm not into technical / API side. But if you did that kudos, impressive process efficiency.

 

[JaDed]

That is awesome bro.

I'm not into technical / API side. But if you did that kudos, impressive process efficiency.

Thanks that is being done consistently in companies with huge ERP dependency and large number of users atleast in US.

 

[Stewie]

I remember ERP was all the rage years ago, Oracle, PeopleSoft, SAP, and I didn't realize it still is. I think ERP is really the backbone of operations of any corporation. So its not a surprise really its still that huge.

Community colleges here in the states will offer ERP courses for administration, programming, etc for ERP platforms to those who didn't want to go the 4 year school route. I think its still a big market out there for such courses.

 

[Bewal Express]

I remember ERP was all the rage years ago, Oracle, PeopleSoft, SAP, and I didn't realize it still is. I think ERP is really the backbone of operations of any corporation. So its not a surprise really its still that huge.

Community colleges here in the states will offer ERP courses for administration, programming, etc for ERP platforms to those who didn't want to go the 4 year school route. I think its still a big market out there for such courses.

My nephew has a Maths degree from LSE and joined a bank to develop software but has since left. He has joined another Software development company but he still looks confused, any advice on what areas are worth looking at.

 

[Stewie]

My nephew has a Maths degree from LSE and joined a bank to develop software but has since left. He has joined another Software development company but he still looks confused, any advice on what areas are worth looking at.

I think that's what we have been discussing here. It is hard to say what is good. It all depends on the market as well, as in where you live.

The best advice someone gave me years ago (and I forward it on when I can) is to just do what you love and what you are good at. Everything else falls into place. Don't go around chasing money. Tell your nephew to try different things and eventually one will seem like the ideal fit. A math degree is great to have though. You can get into data analytics, machine learning, actuarial sciences, etc. I named only some of the areas closely related to the software industry where he has already worked. There is plenty more you can do with that education and experience that's not coding or development -- because it seems to me he did not enjoy doing that stuff.

 

[Bewal Express]

I think that's what we have been discussing here. It is hard to say what is good. It all depends on the market as well, as in where you live.

The best advice someone gave me years ago (and I forward it on when I can) is to just do what you love and what you are good at. Everything else falls into place. Don't go around chasing money. Tell your nephew to try different things and eventually one will seem like the ideal fit. A math degree is great to have though. You can get into data analytics, machine learning, actuarial sciences, etc. I named only some of the areas closely related to the software industry where he has already worked. There is plenty more you can do with that education and experience that's not coding or development -- because it seems to me he did not enjoy doing that stuff.

IA he makes good decisions for his future.

 

[JaDed]

I remember ERP was all the rage years ago, Oracle, PeopleSoft, SAP, and I didn't realize it still is. I think ERP is really the backbone of operations of any corporation. So its not a surprise really its still that huge.

Community colleges here in the states will offer ERP courses for administration, programming, etc for ERP platforms to those who didn't want to go the 4 year school route. I think its still a big market out there for such courses.

It made a comeback due to cloud , (SAP is making it mandatory by 2027 everyone needs to migrate) and all the company specific data being available.
Basically majority new IT projects are ERP based ;Ai , cloud, Upgrades etc

 

[hks222]

It made a comeback due to cloud , (SAP is making it mandatory by 2027 everyone needs to migrate) and all the company specific data being available.
Basically majority new IT projects are ERP based ;Ai , cloud, Upgrades etc

AI is integrated anywhere they need to automate as simple as teams app where you can use AI for multiple purposes including minute notes

 

[JaDed]

AI is integrated anywhere they need to automate as simple as teams app where you can use AI for multiple purposes including minute notes

Yes, and subtitles etc. But agentic AI is more - its like two or more AIs talking to each other via Model context protocol.

Don’t think of it as one AI but multiple AI agents, now the communication between them, like finance with inventory, logistics with Warehouse etc etc..

Your AI agents should be able to make decisions..

 

[hks222]

Yes, and subtitles etc. But agentic AI is more - its like two or more AIs talking to each other via Model context protocol.

Don’t think of it as one AI but multiple AI agents, now the communication between them, like finance with inventory, logistics with Warehouse etc etc..

Your AI agents should be able to make decisions..

This actually sounds scary. Lol

But I think with human beings, if you lead the change and find how you fit into leading that change - you can thrive no matter what.

 

[Mamoon]

I think that's what we have been discussing here. It is hard to say what is good. It all depends on the market as well, as in where you live.

The best advice someone gave me years ago (and I forward it on when I can) is to just do what you love and what you are good at. Everything else falls into place. Don't go around chasing money. Tell your nephew to try different things and eventually one will seem like the ideal fit. A math degree is great to have though. You can get into data analytics, machine learning, actuarial sciences, etc. I named only some of the areas closely related to the software industry where he has already worked. There is plenty more you can do with that education and experience that's not coding or development -- because it seems to me he did not enjoy doing that stuff.

A romanticized advice that is always given by pseudo-intellectuals, motivation speakers and life coaches but it doesn’t apply to most people in this world because doing what you love will not always put food on the table and pay the bills.

Some people might have the privilege to invest in what they love without worrying about how much money they are making, but for the majority, it doesn’t work like that.

 

[Red-Indian]

I Integrate with various ERPs, ERP is one of the hottest markets right now due to proprietary data sitting across from Oracle to SAP , orgs dont know how to use it lol.

I see massive Big 4 accounting firms consulting on this in near future.

Interesting. I recently accepted an additional role as AI Champion (sounds fancy I know) for Finance across my Fortune 500 employer. I told the CFO I was a weird choice because I'm an AI skeptic and AI dinosaur. I use ChatGPT maybe once or twice a week and have banned my 10 year old daughter from using it for school stuff. I was told that was why I'm the right choice to avoid all the hype and be a cynic about the actual spending.

I'm using a Big 4 Accounting firm (EY) as a consulting partner on this and I can tell you that while I'm co-ordinating maybe 15 GenAI projects across Finance - all the way from GenAI enabled variance commentary to Agentic process automation to call note transcription etc. and I have yet to see a solid use case that has realised promised benefits. We use a lot of ERP data but getting something useful from it has still been a challenge.

Long story short, there's still a lot of maturity to come for GenAI to move from a novelty to a genuine business tool especially on the ERP and Finance side.

 

[ads101]

I am self employed and have a business.

It’s a bit of a weird job. And I do have regrets I wanted to be a doctor and went to medical school but dropped out after first year it didn’t work out. Was my dream when I was younger to be a doctor and I never found anything new to replace it.

I’ve tried a lot of different stuff and managed to make things work. But I do feel a bit directionless and lack identity.

Having said that I’m probably more financially secure than a doctor and a better work life balance. So I’m grateful for that.

 

[Stewie]

A romanticized advice that is always given by pseudo-intellectuals, motivation speakers and life coaches but it doesn’t apply to most people in this world because doing what you love will not always put food on the table and pay the bills.

Some people might have the privilege to invest in what they love without worrying about how much money they are making, but for the majority, it doesn’t work like that.

I think you failed to understand the comment. It was about picking the right area of study in college, that will lead to a rewarding profession. Or picking a “position” after college that you like.

I love to watch movies but that doesn’t pay the bills and I had to go to college.

 

[hks222]

A romanticized advice that is always given by pseudo-intellectuals, motivation speakers and life coaches but it doesn’t apply to most people in this world because doing what you love will not always put food on the table and pay the bills.

Some people might have the privilege to invest in what they love without worrying about how much money they are making, but for the majority, it doesn’t work like that.

Seems apt as well now. I mean despite loving our work and going all in, we have AI to takeover. Lol

 

[JaDed]

Interesting. I recently accepted an additional role as AI Champion (sounds fancy I know) for Finance across my Fortune 500 employer. I told the CFO I was a weird choice because I'm an AI skeptic and AI dinosaur. I use ChatGPT maybe once or twice a week and have banned my 10 year old daughter from using it for school stuff. I was told that was why I'm the right choice to avoid all the hype and be a cynic about the actual spending.

I'm using a Big 4 Accounting firm (EY) as a consulting partner on this and I can tell you that while I'm co-ordinating maybe 15 GenAI projects across Finance - all the way from GenAI enabled variance commentary to Agentic process automation to call note transcription etc. and I have yet to see a solid use case that has realised promised benefits. We use a lot of ERP data but getting something useful from it has still been a challenge.

Long story short, there's still a lot of maturity to come for GenAI to move from a novelty to a genuine business tool especially on the ERP and Finance side.

Currently everyone is trying to figure that out.. how can the data be utilised.
I agree on lot of maturity required, recently my team tried the same and it didn’t give the desired output as well.

I do think there is a lot of FOMO among companies and hence consistent building of agents not working.

 

[JaDed]

This actually sounds scary. Lol

But I think with human beings, if you lead the change and find how you fit into leading that change - you can thrive no matter what.

That’s the goal but it will take time, unable to utilise data as needed , as you can see in above post as well.
But I think in 5 years it should possible as all AI gen companies are focusing on enterprise.

 

[BreadPakoda]

Good on you to do full time.

On MBA , To move up the ladder of business decision making, strategies etc.

Right now kind of stuck in the Technical layer. Would want to mostly do Online with Flex probably.

Does moving up the ladder in Engineering require an MBA? Or do you plan to pivot to a PM / strategy role?

If you’re in the US, there are plenty of options here for an online / executive MBA.

 

[Technics 1210]

My nephew has a Maths degree from LSE and joined a bank to develop software but has since left. He has joined another Software development company but he still looks confused, any advice on what areas are worth looking at.

Tell him that AI will replace software engineering so he's best to change his skill set to cyber security.

 

[Technics 1210]

Networks/Cyber security for me.

Part time bedroom trader as a side hustle.

 

[anikrc1]

Dreamt of being a mathematician, but during my bachelors and masters found out that I am nowhere intelligent enough for that, so shifted to cryptology.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Does moving up the ladder in Engineering require an MBA? Or do you plan to pivot to a PM / strategy role?

If you’re in the US, there are plenty of options here for an online / executive MBA.

Just to add to this @JaDed there is a websit findmba.com on the forums there is food advice on programs and how to find the best fit. There is a dude on the website called Duncan who gives good advice for free or paid online coaching

 

[JaDed]

Just to add to this @JaDed there is a websit findmba.com on the forums there is food advice on programs and how to find the best fit. There is a dude on the website called Duncan who gives good advice for free or paid online coaching

Thanks Will definitely check it out.

 

[JaDed]

Does moving up the ladder in Engineering require an MBA? Or do you plan to pivot to a PM / strategy role?

If you’re in the US, there are plenty of options here for an online / executive MBA.

Yeah I’m in States I know the Online MBA with flex options are pretty good.

I want to pivot to a strategy tole or was thinking around that.

 

[Vikram1989]

Dreamt of being a mathematician, but during my bachelors and masters found out that I am nowhere intelligent enough for that, so shifted to cryptology.

I always thought to become one.really loved the network security .especially ciphers and algorithms. I envy u bro

 

[JaDed]

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[sweep_shot]

I initially got enrolled in "Bachelor of Environmental Geography". But, I didn't like it and I switched to business after 1 year. I eventually graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in business.

A few years later, I finished a 2-year diploma in computer programming. I also did a certification in software QA Testing later on.

So, that's my background (business + IT).

I am currently looking to change my career and go into AI field. I am studying for that. I am not going back to school since I already have an IT diploma. I am doing some AI/data science bootcamps and hopefully I will be ready for a new AI career. Let's see how it goes.

What about you guys? What did you guys study in colleges/universities?

 

[mominsaigol]

I initially got enrolled in "Bachelor of Environmental Geography". But, I didn't like it and I switched to business after 1 year. I eventually graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in business.

A few years later, I finished a 2-year diploma in computer programming. I also did a certification in software QA Testing later on.

So, that's my background (business + IT).

I am currently looking to change my career and go into AI field. I am studying for that. I am not going back to school since I already have an IT diploma. I am doing some AI/data science bootcamps and hopefully I will be ready for a new AI career. Let's see how it goes.

What about you guys? What did you guys study in colleges/universities?

Business and Management and then Digital Marketing and E com for Masters.

Although I wanted to do Game Development. Issue was that Game Dev is dead in the water in Pakistan and at the time I did not know that I'd be going abroad.

Not that it mattered anyway as after getting my Au passport I came back eventually.

But I don't regret my field mainly cause Digital Marketing is fun and techincal. And it's an underrated field.

Just like doctor, engineer, every business needs a Marketing expert. Every business needs video, Search, post, Tweet and Email to function.

Can't survive without posting and advertising on these platforms so the job market is never dry in this field.

Even with AI, I don't see how AI is going to solve and replace Digital marketing experts?

 

[Major]

A business degree Bachelors with a majors in Marketing, and a did a masters in project management

Wanted to go into branding, but turns out not that many jobs in branding in pakistan.

Eventually got a job in investor relations for a foreign fintech start up that than got acquired by a major corporate.

 

[mominsaigol]

A business degree Bachelors with a majors in Marketing, and a did a masters in project management

Wanted to go into branding, but turns out not that many jobs in branding in pakistan.

Eventually got a job in investor relations for a foreign fintech start up that than got acquired by a major corporate.

Lucky, my whole life is Shoes now . Shoes, shoes shoes .

After I gain experience I'm quitting this job and looking for a better one. Too many shoes .

 

[Kianig89]

Finance , some of the courses i've studied

1. Business Finance
2. Corporate Finance
3. Finance Theory
4. Financial Mgmt.
5. Financial Reporting & Analysis
6. Seminar in Finance
7. Behavioral Finance
8. Enterprise Risk Mgmt.
9. Investment & Portfolio Mgmt.

 

[Bhaijaan]

One day I’m saving lives in the emergency room, the next I’m fixing a leaky faucet with such ferocity it borders on civic duty. I’ve served the nation in uniform, delivered pizza with the urgency of a national mission, guided souls as a yoga instructor, and pushed bodies to their limits as a gym trainer. I’ve enlightened young scholars with biology lessons that never made it into textbooks, closed deals as a real estate agent with charm sharper than any sales pitch, and even walked paths that stretch from hospital wards to the edge of outer space. While others spend lifetimes clawing their way up corporate ladders, I conquered massive mountains and canyons alike, forging a legend not with diplomas or titles, but with the perfect costume and the indispensable tools of my trade.

 

[Hitman]

I initially got enrolled in "Bachelor of Environmental Geography". But, I didn't like it and I switched to business after 1 year. I eventually graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in business.

A few years later, I finished a 2-year diploma in computer programming. I also did a certification in software QA Testing later on.

So, that's my background (business + IT).

I am currently looking to change my career and go into AI field. I am studying for that. I am not going back to school since I already have an IT diploma. I am doing some AI/data science bootcamps and hopefully I will be ready for a new AI career. Let's see how it goes.

What about you guys? What did you guys study in colleges/universities?

Why don't you rather help your parents in managing your family business? I know I would have done so if I were in your place.​

 

[Major]

Lucky, my whole life is Shoes now . Shoes, shoes shoes .

After I gain experience I'm quitting this job and looking for a better one. Too many shoes .

Sir if u can take this as an oppurtunity to launch your own start up.

There is a big market gap in sneakers and casual wear sports shoes in pakistan.

Nike, addidas shoes last long but we cant afford them in Pakistan. Servis bata shoes are not durable and hardly last 6 months to an year. But its obly affordable.

Interestingly Pakistan has an economy where people buy thrift shoes of nike addidas.

If someone starts a local brand for casual sportswear shoes, it would be a hit. They need to be durable and last long while affordable aswell

 

[mominsaigol]

Sir if u can take this as an oppurtunity to launch your own start up.

There is a big market gap in sneakers and casual wear sports shoes in pakistan.

Nike, addidas shoes last long but we cant afford them in Pakistan. Servis bata shoes are not durable and hardly last 6 months to an year. But its obly affordable.

Interestingly Pakistan has an economy where people buy thrift shoes of nike addidas.

If someone starts a local brand for casual sportswear shoes, it would be a hit. They need to be durable and last long while affordable aswell

Well for starters my family already has a billion businesses to boot.

But yes I do want to start my own start-up and I will. But it is not shoes related. It's different. Will update you in due time.

 

[hks222]

Sir if u can take this as an oppurtunity to launch your own start up.

There is a big market gap in sneakers and casual wear sports shoes in pakistan.

Nike, addidas shoes last long but we cant afford them in Pakistan. Servis bata shoes are not durable and hardly last 6 months to an year. But its obly affordable.

Interestingly Pakistan has an economy where people buy thrift shoes of nike addidas.

If someone starts a local brand for casual sportswear shoes, it would be a hit. They need to be durable and last long while affordable aswell

Bro - a local affordable alternative to sketchers with similar quality has a huge potential too.

 

[Major]

Bro - a local affordable alternative to sketchers with similar quality has a huge potential too.

naa sketchers i also find expensive and are US brand

 

[gazza619]

As we are all aware, AI is not only the present but also the future, and I am seeking some guidance on the best educational path after school to ensure a successful career in AI.

My nephew is in school and his future plans are to go to university, which would inevitably result in substantial student debt, something I am not particularly in favour of. Therefore, I am curious to know if any of you, or anyone within your immediate family or friends circle, has pursued a degree or courses in AI (or any other technology platform) that have led to a highly lucrative job.

Any advice, personal experiences, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ElRaja]

i dont think AI in its own is a valid career choice at the moment, the safest bet is to do whatever you enjoy, but learn to utilise AI effectively in it, and moreso than your peers.

 

[Rajdeep]

As we are all aware, AI is not only the present but also the future, and I am seeking some guidance on the best educational path after school to ensure a successful career in AI.

My nephew is in school and his future plans are to go to university, which would inevitably result in substantial student debt, something I am not particularly in favour of. Therefore, I am curious to know if any of you, or anyone within your immediate family or friends circle, has pursued a degree or courses in AI (or any other technology platform) that have led to a highly lucrative job.

Any advice, personal experiences, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I am no expert but a bachelor degree in computer science/data science will be a good start. There he can learn basic programming languages like Python and R. Then can do masters specializing in statistics, Machine Learning or big data like Hadoop etc. That should place him in a very good place in life career wise. All these skills can be utilized to build or work in AI.

 

[KB]

As we are all aware, AI is not only the present but also the future, and I am seeking some guidance on the best educational path after school to ensure a successful career in AI.

My nephew is in school and his future plans are to go to university, which would inevitably result in substantial student debt, something I am not particularly in favour of. Therefore, I am curious to know if any of you, or anyone within your immediate family or friends circle, has pursued a degree or courses in AI (or any other technology platform) that have led to a highly lucrative job.

Any advice, personal experiences, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Let them follow their own interests - that would be my general advice. Deep study in any subject enables the cultivation of the mind and the learning of key generic skills. If they enjoy the subject - whatever it is - they will go more deeply into it and get more out if it. With the power of the mind sharpened, there will be lots of things a person can do in their working life.

 

[sweep_shot]

As we are all aware, AI is not only the present but also the future, and I am seeking some guidance on the best educational path after school to ensure a successful career in AI.

My nephew is in school and his future plans are to go to university, which would inevitably result in substantial student debt, something I am not particularly in favour of. Therefore, I am curious to know if any of you, or anyone within your immediate family or friends circle, has pursued a degree or courses in AI (or any other technology platform) that have led to a highly lucrative job.

Any advice, personal experiences, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I have a bachelor's in business and a diploma in computer programming. So, my academic backgrounds are in both business and computer programming.

However, I ended up doing administrative/clerical jobs for the last 4-5 years.

I am now trying to switch to a career in AI field. Just like you. May we both succeed.

Regarding AI education, I suggest you learn from Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera etc. You can learn for much cheaper. You can maybe build a portfolio.

I have bought 2 AI bootcamps on Udemy. I also bought 1 year membership at DataCamp where I am learning AI, data science, machine learning etc. I may buy more courses but these are the ones I am currently focusing on.

 

[sweep_shot]

As we are all aware, AI is not only the present but also the future, and I am seeking some guidance on the best educational path after school to ensure a successful career in AI.

My nephew is in school and his future plans are to go to university, which would inevitably result in substantial student debt, something I am not particularly in favour of. Therefore, I am curious to know if any of you, or anyone within your immediate family or friends circle, has pursued a degree or courses in AI (or any other technology platform) that have led to a highly lucrative job.

Any advice, personal experiences, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Here is ChatGPT's answer to your question:

==================================
You're absolutely right that AI is both the present and the future. It's a rapidly evolving field that touches nearly every industry, and the demand for talent is growing. Your concern about student debt is valid—especially when there are increasingly viable alternative pathways to high-paying careers in AI and tech without a traditional (and expensive) university degree.


Here’s a breakdown of educational paths, alternatives to university, and personal examples/success stories that may help you guide your nephew:

---

Traditional University Path: Pros & Cons​

Pros:​

• Solid foundation in math, computer science, and theory.
• Internships and networking opportunities.
• Recognized credential for large tech companies and research roles.

Cons:​

• High cost, especially in the U.S. or UK.
• 3–4 years before earning potential kicks in.
• Some curricula are slow to adapt to the fast-changing AI industry.

---

Alternative Paths to AI Careers (Without a Full Degree)​

1. Online Bootcamps / Certifications​

• Examples: DeepLearning.AI, Udacity Nanodegrees, Springboard, MITx, Harvard CS50
• Focused, hands-on training with portfolios.
• Duration: 3–12 months.
• Cost: $1,000–$5,000 (often much cheaper than a degree).
• Some offer job guarantees or career support.

2. Self-Taught Route (Free or Low Cost)​

• Platforms: Coursera, edX, Khan Academy, YouTube (e.g., 3Blue1Brown, Sentdex), fast.ai.
• Great for disciplined learners.
• GitHub portfolio, Kaggle competitions, and open-source contributions can replace a CV.
• Self-pacing = freedom + flexibility.

3. Community College + Specialization​

• Start with affordable computer science fundamentals.
• Then specialize in AI via online platforms or part-time courses.
• Transfer to a university later if needed.

4. Apprenticeships & Internships​

• Companies like Multiverse, Amazon, and others are starting to offer paid tech apprenticeships (especially in the UK and U.S.).
• Get paid to learn while working.

---

Real-Life Success Stories​

• Jeremy Howard (co-founder of fast.ai): Started as a philosophy student, became a data science leader by self-teaching.
• Kaggle Grandmasters: Many top-ranked Kaggle competitors are self-taught, without formal degrees.
• Reddit / LinkedIn Communities: Numerous examples of individuals breaking into AI from non-traditional paths—art, economics, biology, etc.—via online courses + projects.

Many people are now getting jobs at Meta, Google, OpenAI, or startups without a degree, but with strong portfolios (GitHub, Kaggle, open-source work), certificates, and a growth mindset.

---

Best Skills to Learn for an AI Career (2025 and beyond)​

1. Mathematics (Linear algebra, Calculus, Probability)
2. Programming (Python is king; libraries like PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn)
3. Data Handling (SQL, Pandas, NumPy)
4. Machine Learning / Deep Learning
5. MLOps & Deployment (Docker, Git, AWS, etc.)
6. Soft Skills (Problem-solving, communication, collaboration)

---

Recommended Path (for Your Nephew)​

If you want minimal debt but maximum opportunity, here's a realistic hybrid plan:

1. Gap year or part-time study post-school.
2. Take free/affordable online AI/ML courses (start with Coursera or fast.ai).
3. Start building a GitHub portfolio with projects (e.g., AI models, games, automations).
4. Compete in Kaggle competitions or contribute to open-source.
5. Apply for internships, remote freelance work, or paid apprenticeships.
6. Consider a bootcamp only if more structure/support is needed.

After 1–2 years, he could be employable as a junior data scientist, AI engineer, or ML Ops specialist without ever stepping into debt.

---

Final Thought​

A university degree can be a great path—but it’s not the only or even the best one for everyone anymore. In AI and tech, skills + projects > credentials.

If your nephew is motivated and curious, there are more resources than ever to succeed debt-free.


Would you like a tailored learning roadmap or list of beginner-friendly AI courses I’d recommend?

Answer: Yes.

Great! Here's a tailored learning roadmap for your nephew to get started on a debt-free path to a career in AI. This is designed for someone who is just finishing school (around 16–18 years old), with little or no prior experience in coding or AI, but a strong interest in tech.

---

AI Career Roadmap (No Degree, Debt-Free)​

Phase 1: Foundation (0–3 months)​

Goal: Build the core skills in programming, math, and problem-solving.
​

1. Learn Python Programming (Beginner Friendly)​

• Harvard CS50P – Introduction to Programming with Python (Free)
• freeCodeCamp - Python Full Course (YouTube)
• Practice: HackerRank, LeetCode Easy

2. Math for AI​

• Focus on: Linear Algebra, Probability, Statistics, Basic Calculus
• Khan Academy – Precalculus, Linear Algebra, Statistics (Free)
• 3Blue1Brown – Math for Machine Learning (YouTube)

---

Phase 2: Intro to AI & Machine Learning (3–6 months)​

Goal: Understand what AI is and build your first ML projects.
​

1. Core ML Concepts​

• Coursera – Machine Learning by Andrew Ng (Free)
• fast.ai – Practical Deep Learning for Coders (Free)

2. Hands-on Practice​

• Start building projects:
  • Image classifier
  • Movie recommendation system
  • Stock price predictor

3. Portfolio on GitHub​

• Create a GitHub profile and upload your projects with:
  • A clear README
  • Screenshots, video demos
  • Jupyter Notebooks or scripts

---

Phase 3: Specialization & Real-World Skills (6–12 months)​

Goal: Learn advanced tools, build real-world apps, and work on open-source or competitions.​

1. Deep Learning & NLP​

• DeepLearning.AI Specialization (Coursera)
• NLP with HuggingFace Transformers: Course here

2. Kaggle Competitions​

• Start competing or doing exercises:
  • Titanic ML Competition
  • Kaggle Learn Tracks

3. AI Project Ideas​

• AI chatbot
• Game-playing AI (like Tic Tac Toe)
• AI art generator (using Stable Diffusion or DALL·E)
• Real-time object detection with webcam

---

Phase 4: Job-Ready Skills (9–15 months)​

Goal: Be ready to apply for jobs, freelance gigs, or internships.​

1. MLOps & Deployment​

• Learn to deploy models with:
  • Docker
  • Flask / FastAPI
  • AWS / Heroku / Streamlit

2. Soft Skills​

• Build a CV and LinkedIn profile
• Write blog posts on Medium (documenting projects)
• Practice interviews (behavioral and technical)

3. Apply for Jobs / Internships​

• Roles to target:
  • Junior ML Engineer
  • Data Analyst / Data Scientist
  • AI Intern (even unpaid for 3 months if needed)
  • Remote freelance jobs (check: Upwork, Turing, TopTal)

---

Summary: Resources List​

Skill Area	Resource	Type	Cost
Python	CS50P / freeCodeCamp	Course	Free
Math	Khan Academy	Course	Free
Machine Learning	Andrew Ng’s ML / fast.ai	Course	Free
Deep Learning	DeepLearning.AI / HuggingFace	Course	Free/Paid
Projects	GitHub + Kaggle	Practice	Free
Deployment	Streamlit / Docker / AWS	Docs + YouTube	Free

---

Bonus Tips​

• Daily Practice: 1–2 hours a day is plenty.
• Join communities: r/learnmachinelearning, [AI Discord servers], Kaggle forums.
• Mentorship: Try to find a local developer meetup or online mentor (LinkedIn, Reddit, GitHub).

 

[Cover Drive Six]

After 10 years in my professional career, when I look back, I can see a lot of twists and turns.

I studied Mechanical Engineering in India with deep passion and even got selected for a JLR internship in the UK. I completed the internship successfully but didn’t continue in the automobile field. One of my friend’s relatives in the UK was working in SAP at that time, and he suggested switching to IT if I wanted to earn well. I fell for that advice, and after my internship, I joined a small IT firm in the UK with the help of that guy.

After one year, I returned to India despite having a valid work visa, due to some personal reasons. I came back with almost nothing in hand, just enough to clear my education loan, and had no savings. Fortunately, I got a good offer from a MNC in India with a very good package. Initially, I planned to move back to the UK after working for 2–3 years in India, but gradually I lost interest in relocating.

I started my career as a Functional ERP Consultant, but during COVID, a lot changed. I learned AI/ML, Python, and Big Data virtually through IIT and completed PG, initially just to pass the time during lockdown but that opened new doors for me. After changing organizations, I moved completely into Data Analytics and Data Science within the ERP domain.

What’s funny is that I have never stuck to one technology. Over the last 5 years, I have worked on various platforms and roles, sometimes Azure, sometimes AWS, in some projects as an ERP Data Architect, and even worked on integrating Snowflake with ERP..lol Now I am working on AI/ML solutions in Azure.

Tbh, nothing feels particularly exciting anymore, I am just working for the money, I have been frequently traveling to Europe and the UK for business trips. Sometimes, when I see my friends, I feel I should’ve continued in Mechanical Engineering, less pressure.

I am not sure where my career will go in the next 10 years, but I don’t want to work for too long. I am already preparing a plan for early retirement and setting up a base to settle in my village in Tamil Nadu.

 

[Cover Drive Six]

A business degree Bachelors with a majors in Marketing, and a did a masters in project management

Wanted to go into branding, but turns out not that many jobs in branding in pakistan.

Eventually got a job in investor relations for a foreign fintech start up that than got acquired by a major corporate.

Marketing and branding have become really good career options in India. Earlier, I used to laugh at that profession, but over the past 10 years, the demand has grown tremendously. Even small local businesses like ice cream and tea manufactures also now approaching branding and marketing consulting firms to expand their market reach.

One of my relatives, who did a diploma in finance, is working in this domain. He frequently travels across India on domestic flights to meet clients in different cities. He says that these days, every product-based company is focusing on building its brand in unique ways and is willing to invest heavily in it. Now, he is even planning to take a franchise from one of the successful ice cream startups.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

After 10 years in my professional career, when I look back, I can see a lot of twists and turns.

I studied Mechanical Engineering in India with deep passion and even got selected for a JLR internship in the UK. I completed the internship successfully but didn’t continue in the automobile field. One of my friend’s relatives in the UK was working in SAP at that time, and he suggested switching to IT if I wanted to earn well. I fell for that advice, and after my internship, I joined a small IT firm in the UK with the help of that guy.

After one year, I returned to India despite having a valid work visa, due to some personal reasons. I came back with almost nothing in hand, just enough to clear my education loan, and had no savings. Fortunately, I got a good offer from a MNC in India with a very good package. Initially, I planned to move back to the UK after working for 2–3 years in India, but gradually I lost interest in relocating.

I started my career as a Functional ERP Consultant, but during COVID, a lot changed. I learned AI/ML, Python, and Big Data virtually through IIT and completed PG, initially just to pass the time during lockdown but that opened new doors for me. After changing organizations, I moved completely into Data Analytics and Data Science within the ERP domain.

What’s funny is that I have never stuck to one technology. Over the last 5 years, I have worked on various platforms and roles, sometimes Azure, sometimes AWS, in some projects as an ERP Data Architect, and even worked on integrating Snowflake with ERP..lol Now I am working on AI/ML solutions in Azure.

Tbh, nothing feels particularly exciting anymore, I am just working for the money, I have been frequently traveling to Europe and the UK for business trips. Sometimes, when I see my friends, I feel I should’ve continued in Mechanical Engineering, less pressure.

I am not sure where my career will go in the next 10 years, but I don’t want to work for too long. I am already preparing a plan for early retirement and setting up a base to settle in my village in Tamil Nadu.

That's an amazing journey. You have been out of your comfort zone a lot, and did very well.

Have no regrets about Mechanical Engineering. Yes it is less pressure, but It is no longer a high paying field, especially in the UK. The route you have taken has opened you up to better opportunities, and future proofed you.

 

[Major]

Marketing and branding have become really good career options in India. Earlier, I used to laugh at that profession, but over the past 10 years, the demand has grown tremendously. Even small local businesses like ice cream and tea manufactures also now approaching branding and marketing consulting firms to expand their market reach.

One of my relatives, who did a diploma in finance, is working in this domain. He frequently travels across India on domestic flights to meet clients in different cities. He says that these days, every product-based company is focusing on building its brand in unique ways and is willing to invest heavily in it. Now, he is even planning to take a franchise from one of the successful ice cream startups.

Branding is such a great field because its all psychological and soo much to learn. Sadly in Pakistan it does not exists and maintaining just a website and social pages are considered branding here.

Indian advertisements are one of the best advertisements out there. Mý favour ad from recent time was the airtel ad, keo kay har aek friend zaruri hota hai.

 

[Zorro]

Portfolio Manager, been a long journey, but it was worth it in the end.

 

[Cover Drive Six]

That's an amazing journey. You have been out of your comfort zone a lot, and did very well.

Have no regrets about Mechanical Engineering. Yes it is less pressure, but It is no longer a high paying field, especially in the UK. The route you have taken has opened you up to better opportunities, and future proofed you.

Thank you.

My first foreign experience working in Coventry is still vivid in my mind.
During my internship, we were given shared accommodation. Polish guy and I joined around the same time, I was assigned tasks related to Car dashboard design and he worked on bumper crash test analysis. We used to share a lot and learned from each other; it was a great experience.

After a few weeks, I found a local cricket club where Indians and Pakistanis played together (most of them were Pakistanis), and I joined them for a couple of months. Both Indians and Pakistanis spoke Punjabi. Since I wasn’t fluent in Hindi either, Pakistani captain often translated things into English for me, he is very nice guy and still in contact with me.
At first, I was surprised, I wondered how Pakistanis were speaking Punjabi. When I asked one of the Indian players, he laughed and explained that there’s a Punjab in Pakistan too, and most people there speak Punjabi.

My geography and history knowledge was quite poor back then as we were trained to focus mainly on math and science during our studies.

I know I have written a lot, but I just couldn’t resist sharing this memory. Coventry, what a beautiful place!

 

[jamie smith fan]

I am still a high schooler

 

[sweep_shot]

I am still a high schooler

Study well.

What's your goal in terms of career?

 

[jamie smith fan]

Study well.

What's your goal in terms of career?

Abhi kuch nahi socha
Just chilling

 

[sweep_shot]

Abhi kuch nahi socha
Just chilling

I think that's not a good strategy.

I was thinking like you at one point and it really delayed many things for me.

You should know your goal when you are in high school. I am saying it from my experience.

 

[sweep_shot]

I am going back to school to study cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. It is a one year graduate certificate program.

I may also get Security+ from CompTIA.

Is there any other cybersecurity or AI certification I should look to get? @JaDed

 

[JaDed]

View attachment 159391

I am going back to school to study cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. It is a one year graduate certificate program.

I may also get Security+ from CompTIA.

Is there any other cybersecurity or AI certification I should look to get? @JaDed

Nothing beats CIISP still even without ai ,atleast in job market..it’s an unbeatable certification..

 

[sweep_shot]

Nothing beats CIISP still even without ai ,atleast in job market..it’s an unbeatable certification..

Thanks.

I heard of it.

 

[Stewie]

Nothing beats CIISP still even without ai ,atleast in job market..it’s an unbeatable certification..

It depends on what you are doing or want to do but there are better options.

 

[JaDed]

Thanks.

I heard of it.

CISSP is the gold standard and also the toughest one known to me.. my area is TOGAF and even that is not remotely close to how tough CISSP is.

CompTIA (security +) is great starter.. but after that you will have to find a path:

Others I can suggest: CSCP (cloud).. I think CompTIA has one

 

[JaDed]

It depends on what you are doing or want to do but there are better options.

For cybersecurity? I always think of it as gold standard for earning..but yeah say the other ones that can help @sweep_shot .. CISSP could just be my bias..

 

[Stewie]

For cybersecurity? I always think of it as gold standard for earning..

Lately it has not been. Especially if you are on the technical track there are better and more sought after ones like OSCP, CEH, etc

 

[JaDed]

Lately it has not been. Especially if you are on the technical track there are better and more sought after ones like OSCP, CEH, etc

@sweep_shot ..if you are into ethical hacking

 

[Stewie]

Cybersecurity or information assurance is a wonderful career choice right now with AI in the mix, I am sure soon legal frameworks around security will be introduced in the first world countries and anyone with a background in risk management/regulations/compliance or similar will be gold. So from that standpoint CISSP will be the go to credntial but you will need to combine it with some technical skill or experience.

 

[sweep_shot]

Lately it has not been. Especially if you are on the technical track there are better and more sought after ones like OSCP, CEH, etc

@sweep_shot ..if you are into ethical hacking

Cybersecurity or information assurance is a wonderful career choice right now with AI in the mix, I am sure soon legal frameworks around security will be introduced in the first world countries and anyone with a background in risk management/regulations/compliance or similar will be gold. So from that standpoint CISSP will be the go to credntial but you will need to combine it with some technical skill or experience.

Thanks, guys.

 

[Theo_14]

Is there any other cybersecurity or AI certification I should look to get?

Cybersecurity consultant here.

Definitely try and get your compTIA security+. It’s a well respected cert for foundation knowledge of the main foundations in cyber.

A lot of paths you can choose in cyber, from GRC to pentesting or security architecture. Definitely try to get as much practical experience as you can, do lab works online for example.

Nothing more valuable than experience. Experience doesn’t have to be just cyber but it could be data protection, privacy controls, information security, classification handling or dealing with sensitive information.

 

[JaDed]

Cybersecurity consultant here.

Definitely try and get your compTIA security+. It’s a well respected cert for foundation knowledge of the main foundations in cyber.

A lot of paths you can choose in cyber, from GRC to pentesting or security architecture. Definitely try to get as much practical experience as you can, do lab works online for example.

Nothing more valuable than experience. Experience doesn’t have to be just cyber but it could be data protection, privacy controls, information security, classification handling or dealing with sensitive information.

Do you work/cosult with GDPR?

 

[sweep_shot]

Cybersecurity consultant here.

Definitely try and get your compTIA security+. It’s a well respected cert for foundation knowledge of the main foundations in cyber.

A lot of paths you can choose in cyber, from GRC to pentesting or security architecture. Definitely try to get as much practical experience as you can, do lab works online for example.

Nothing more valuable than experience. Experience doesn’t have to be just cyber but it could be data protection, privacy controls, information security, classification handling or dealing with sensitive information.

I see.

Thanks.

 

[Theo_14]

Do you work/cosult with GDPR?

Yes most of my clients are from the UK so have to adhere with GDPR and DPA when implementing or reviewing security controls. But most of my work involves using frameworks like NIST or ISO.