Microsoft has introduced a new professional certificate on Generative AI as part of its Skills for Jobs program. The certificate will be awarded to individuals who complete the free classes on AI and pass the required exam. The Career Essentials in Generative AI program, available through LinkedIn Learning, offers a free course on generative AI, a technology that can generate various types of content. This form of AI has gained attention due to companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google launching their own AI chatbots for answering questions, providing information, and creating content.
As AI continues to expand into more products, services, and organizations, there is a growing need for workers to understand how to use AI effectively. Microsoft recognized this and developed the new certificate. The program consists of five classes, starting with the basics of AI and progressing to AI frameworks. Upon passing the assessment, individuals will receive the Career Essentials certificate.
The course covers the following topics:
1. What Is Generative AI? – Exploring the fundamentals of generative AI, including its history, popular models, functionality, and ethical implications.
2. Generative AI: The Evolution of Thoughtful Online Search – Differentiating between search engines and reasoning engines, with a focus on developing thoughtful search strategies in the world of generative AI.
3. Streamlining Your Work with Microsoft Bing Chat – Learning how to leverage Microsoft Bing Chat to streamline and automate work processes.
4. Ethics in the Age of Generative AI – Understanding the ethical considerations involved in the creation and deployment of generative AI and exploring ways to address these challenges.
5. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence – Providing a simplified overview of the top tools in artificial intelligence.
Currently available in English, the certificate will be offered in Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese in the coming months. The AI classes will remain free and accessible until 2025, along with Microsoft’s other Career Essentials Professional Certificates in the Skills for Jobs program.
In addition to the certificate-driven training in AI, Microsoft plans to launch a toolkit for teachers and trainers who provide training to various communities. This toolkit will include downloadable content on the practical uses of AI for trainers, as well as an AI course designed specifically for educators.
Microsoft is also launching two challenges to promote learning in AI. The Learn AI Skills challenge, starting on July 17, aims to teach people AI skills using Microsoft products. The company is also collaborating with GitHub and data.org on the Generative AI Skills Grant challenge, an open grant program targeting nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, and educational or research institutions focused on implementing AI for historically marginalized populations worldwide.
According to Microsoft’s Work Trend Index survey, 62% of respondents stated that they spend too much time searching for information during a typical workday. While almost half expressed concerns about AI potentially replacing their jobs, 70% indicated that they would gladly delegate as much work as possible to AI in order to alleviate their workloads.
These initiatives by Microsoft reflect the increasing importance of AI skills in the workforce and aim to provide individuals and organizations with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in an AI-driven world.
