Try a walking desk to stay healthy while you study or work!

Full notes at ocdevel.com/mlg/6

Pursuing Machine Learning:

• Individuals may engage with machine learning for self-education, as a hobby, or to enter the industry professionally.
• Use a combination of resources, including podcasts, online courses, and textbooks, for a comprehensive self-learning plan.

Online Courses (MOOCs):

• MOOCs, or Massive Open Online Courses, offer accessible education.
• Key platforms: Coursera and Udacity. Coursera is noted for standalone courses; Udacity offers structured nanodegrees.
• Udacity nanodegrees include video content, mentoring, projects, and peer interaction, priced at $200/month.

Industry Recognition:

• Udacity nanodegrees are currently not widely recognized or respected by employers.
• Emphasize building a robust portfolio of independent projects to augment qualifications in the field.

Advanced Degrees:

• Master’s Degrees:
• Valued by employers, provide an edge in job applications.
• Example: Georgia Tech's OMSCS (Online Master’s of Science in Computer Science) offers a cost-effective ($7,000) online master’s program.
• PhD Programs:
• Embark on a PhD for in-depth research in AI rather than industry entry. Program usually pays around $30,000/year.
• Compare industry roles (higher pay, practical applications) vs. academic research (lower pay, exploration of fundamental questions).

Career Path Decisions:

• Prioritize building a substantial portfolio of projects to bypass formal degree requirements and break into industry positions.
• Consider enriching your qualifications with a master's degree, or eventually pursue a PhD if deeply interested in pioneering AI research.

Discussion and Further Reading:

• See online discussions about degrees/certifications: 1 2 3 4