3 answers
Zala
Student
Monroeville, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
501 views
As a freshman, What are the initial steps for me to take and prepare myself for being in AI?
I see myself in AI, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal. However, I am not really sure what are the initial steps i should take as a college Freshman. What skill i need to improve, what classes should I take, and what other activities should I get involved with to achieve my goal? #career-requirements #college-major
Login to comment
3 answers
Frank Lemmon
Retired, former Sr. Software Test Eng.
98
Answers
Santa Clara, California
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Hi Zala, there are a few foundational knowledge domains in AI that you'll want to learn more about in school:
1) Linear Algebra - The mathematical notions of parameters, weights, and convergence are all used in AI to converge on outcomes or solutions.
2) Calculus - The notions of iteration, successive approximation, and solution fitting are also key techniques.
3) Data Science - How data is best organized into "training sets", meaningful samples, and optimized for drawing correlations.
4) Computer Science - Data types, algorithms, and efficient approaches that will scale.
All these topics are complex and fascinating! But if you enjoy math, they're worth learning more about. Be sure to sit down with curricula advisor in any college or university that you're interested in attending to gain specific guidance on the study plan they offer.
1) Linear Algebra - The mathematical notions of parameters, weights, and convergence are all used in AI to converge on outcomes or solutions.
2) Calculus - The notions of iteration, successive approximation, and solution fitting are also key techniques.
3) Data Science - How data is best organized into "training sets", meaningful samples, and optimized for drawing correlations.
4) Computer Science - Data types, algorithms, and efficient approaches that will scale.
All these topics are complex and fascinating! But if you enjoy math, they're worth learning more about. Be sure to sit down with curricula advisor in any college or university that you're interested in attending to gain specific guidance on the study plan they offer.
Anna Traykova
Education, Advising and Consulting Professional
26
Answers
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Zala,
if artificial intelligence is the field you are looking to dive deep in, then I suggest you look into studying computer science; as a freshman, that would mean taking math and programming courses to start with. If you have already been admitted to a college, explore the academic catalog to learn about the available courses and majors, and talk to an academic advisor. Learn what resources are available to you through your institution- such as math and programming tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic coaching, etc. Explore also resources online - from free programming classes (there are many), math tutorials (mathbff, etc), study skills for STEM (Learning how to learn @coursera.org).
Best of luck!
Anna
if artificial intelligence is the field you are looking to dive deep in, then I suggest you look into studying computer science; as a freshman, that would mean taking math and programming courses to start with. If you have already been admitted to a college, explore the academic catalog to learn about the available courses and majors, and talk to an academic advisor. Learn what resources are available to you through your institution- such as math and programming tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic coaching, etc. Explore also resources online - from free programming classes (there are many), math tutorials (mathbff, etc), study skills for STEM (Learning how to learn @coursera.org).
Best of luck!
Anna
Shingchern You
Professor
4
Answers
Davis, California
Updated
Shingchern’s Answer
Zala,
Anna's answer is excellent for you to follow. Here I just want to add a few words from my personal experience. The area of AI is so vast that it has many many different kinds of applications. Depending on the type of applications, you also need some knowledge from other areas. For example, if you want to use AI to control a robot or an autonomous car, you may also need to have some knowledge in mechanical engineering. Likewise, if you want to apply AI to, say, trade stocks, you also need to know some economics and financial management. So, my personal suggestion is to think an area (application) you are most interested in and also spend some of you spare time (and credit hours) on such a subject. Good luck.
Anna's answer is excellent for you to follow. Here I just want to add a few words from my personal experience. The area of AI is so vast that it has many many different kinds of applications. Depending on the type of applications, you also need some knowledge from other areas. For example, if you want to use AI to control a robot or an autonomous car, you may also need to have some knowledge in mechanical engineering. Likewise, if you want to apply AI to, say, trade stocks, you also need to know some economics and financial management. So, my personal suggestion is to think an area (application) you are most interested in and also spend some of you spare time (and credit hours) on such a subject. Good luck.