How Can I Keep Up with AI Developments as an Azure Engineer?

If you're feeling behind, you're definitely not alone! My advice: find a specific AI use case that interests you and dedicate a few hours each day to develop a project around it. This hands-on experience will elevate your skills and showcase your effort to your boss, and might even be something you could scale if it's done well.

Deploying Azure AI services can actually be simpler than traditional infrastructure once you get the hang of it. I'd recommend you focus on useful skills like using Azure AI Studio, understanding relevant patterns, and getting to know Copilot Studio. If your employer isn't offering training, perhaps suggest a small pilot project to dive in deeper and learn by doing – that's where the real growth happens!

If growing in AI is something you want, don't wait for your company to present training opportunities – take initiative! Set up a home lab, utilize Microsoft Learn for self-study, and maybe even pursue certification if you can get your manager to cover the costs. It'll aid your growth and keep you ahead in the fast-evolving landscape.

AI infrastructure is still pretty new, so no worries if you're feeling a bit out of the loop. There are ongoing resources to help you catch up! If your company is big enough to have Cloud Solution Experts, they might help organize some training for you all. Also, don't forget about events like Microsoft Build in June; you can grab a free virtual ticket to stay updated.

While AI is changing the game, your role isn't obsolete just yet. I'd recommend picking up new skills in tools like Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and DevOps practices. Green-lighting a mix of technical skills with AI knowledge will make you a versatile asset since the industry is leaning towards those who can adapt and leverage AI alongside traditional capabilities.