I’ve been in a period of transition, taking my time to find not just the right job but the right fit. I know firsthand that a job that doesn’t align with you—whether in culture, purpose, or growth—can take a serious toll, even affecting your health. So, instead of rushing, I’ve been intentional. I’m making this time work for me.
One of the most significant ways I’ve done that? AI skills development.
I’ve always been a tech nerd. I love exploring MarTech, automation, and anything that optimizes our work. I never set out to learn coding, but curiosity led me there.
It started when I was studying for a test and had no one to quiz me. (I know, sad. LOL) I found myself wishing SOMETHING could do this for me using only my source study material. Then I wondered, Could AI help me build it myself? So, I tried. And suddenly, I had Python installed on my laptop, and I was coding.
When I first started coding, I built that quiz tool—too rookie to show off but functional. I passed the exam. That was my gateway into interactive content development. From there, I moved on to building digital marketing calculators. The first one is pretty basic, but I created a more sophisticated version as I gained confidence (API integration pending). These small projects were my first step into using AI and coding to build interactive tools—something I never expected to enjoy so much.
Then, I took on a completely different challenge. I got certified as a human rights consultant, and suddenly, I had a new mission: advocating for human rights and raising awareness meaningfully. The most significant way coding helped me? It allowed me to create interactive and engaging learning experiences to educate people.
This led me to start developing quizzes and learning modules. So far, I have built one quiz that I absolutely love. I also have another that’s still in beta, but I'm happy to share as an invitation to explore how human rights matter today. Right now, I’m working on something really exciting—a fun, noir-style detective game about human rights and lost truths. Stay tuned. Coding didn’t just help me explore AI; it gave me a new way to combine technology, storytelling, and advocacy.
Throughout this journey, I’ve learned that AI is most powerful when used intentionally. In my article on AI for Personal Branding, I discuss how AI can amplify your voice without replacing authenticity. That same mindset applies to skill development: AI should work with you, not take over.
When I started using AI, I thought of it as a time-saver. Now, I see it as a collaborator that enhances my creativity and problem-solving. AI doesn’t replace expertise; it amplifies it. The real power comes from how you use it.
I’ve tested multiple AI tools, assistants, and workflows. I’ve learned the hard way that mistakes are part of the process. AI will misinterpret vague prompts, overwrite work, or hallucinate information. Learning to refine inputs and check outputs is key to making AI work for you.
I never set out to learn how to code, but by exploring AI-powered content development, I gained a skill set that people value. People have started asking me about developing interactive content for them, and this skill has become a real-life avenue for my professional growth.
The best opportunities often come from curiosity and experimentation.
In AI for Content, I explore how AI can enhance research, ideation, and execution without losing human creativity. These strategies have been key in my learning process as I build new skills.
You don’t have to be a developer. You don’t have to be a technical expert. But if you’re job hunting, pivoting, or simply exploring—leaning into AI could open doors you never expected. The key is to approach it as a partner in your learning, not a shortcut.
So, if you’ve been hesitant to dive into AI, start small. Test different tools, play with prompts, and see where it takes you. You might just uncover a new skill or even a new career path you never saw coming.
AI has given me more than efficiency—it has helped me expand my expertise, strengthen my creativity, and discover new opportunities. This experience has reinforced a key lesson: growth happens when you allow yourself to be free to explore. I discuss this idea in my article on Human-First Marketing, where I dive into why technology should enhance, not replace, genuine human connection.
If you’re in a period of transition, this is your moment to experiment. Learn something new. Challenge yourself. AI isn’t just a tool for automation; it’s a tool for transformation.
Are you using AI to grow your skills? What’s something surprising you’ve learned? Let’s talk in the comments.