Start Here: Foundations (keep it simple)

• Introduction to Generative AI — The what/why in plain English.
  https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/536

• Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs) — Where LLMs shine and how to steer them.
  https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/539

• Introduction to Responsible AI — Guardrails so you don’t launch chaos.
  https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/554

Go Deeper: How modern models think

• Attention Mechanism — Why models “focus” (and your outputs get smarter).
  https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/537

• Transformer Models & BERT — The architecture behind today’s NLP.
  https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/538

Build With It: Prompts, images, tiny demos

• Prompt Design in Vertex AI — Practical prompt engineering with Gemini.
  https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/976

• Introduction to Image Generation — Diffusion models, demystified.
  https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/541

• Create Image Captioning Models — Build image → text with deep learning.
  https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/542

Launch Faster: Vertex AI, RAG, search

• Introduction to Vertex AI Studio — Prototype → product with Google’s tools.
  https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/552

• Create Generative AI Apps on Google Cloud — Add RAG and launch a chat app.
  https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/1120

• Vector Search & Embeddings — Semantic search + RAG foundations.
  https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/939

• Generative AI Explorer – Vertex Quest (labs) — Hands-on labs to cement skills.
  https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/723

Prefer a guided path?

• Intro to Generative AI — Learning Path (beginner-friendly sequence)
  https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/paths/118

• Generative AI for Developers — Learning Path (dev-focused track)
  https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/paths/183

A 7-Day Quick-Start Plan (so you actually do this)

• Day 1: Intro to Gen AI → take notes you can reuse

• Day 2: LLMs → run 3 prompt experiments

• Day 3: Responsible AI → define your guardrails

• Day 4: Attention + Transformers → skim smart, don’t drown

• Day 5: Prompt Design → earn the badge

• Day 6: Image Gen or Captioning → launch a tiny demo

• Day 7: Vertex AI Studio + RAG → wire a basic chat/RAG app, then complete 1–2 labs

Pick a micro-project (by role)

• Founder / Operator: Launch a customer-support assistant for your top 10 FAQs.

• Marketer / Creator: Build a prompt system that turns briefs into first-draft copy and launch a sample.

• Analyst / Builder: Create a mini RAG app that searches 10 docs and launch it to 3 teammates.

Pro tip: don’t “learn AI.” Launch one tiny thing. Momentum beats perfection every time.

Free goodies

• Download the quick-start checklist (coming soon)

• LinkedIn carousel (10 slides) + PDF you can repost:
  ZIP • PDF • High-contrast version (coming soon)

FAQ

Are these really free?
Yes. Some labs may have paid options, but the intros themselves are free.

Do I need to code?
Not for the intros. It helps for the dev tracks, but you can still follow along.

How long do they take?
Many intros are short. Aim for 30–60 minutes per day and you’ll build real momentum.

My take

AI isn’t a silver bullet; it’s a power tool. Use it to launch faster, think clearer, and make better decisions—without burning your brand or your team. If you try one course, tag me with your win. I’ll cheer (loudly) and share the good ones.