Can I Really Transition to AI Engineering at 45?

ChatGPT can sometimes give you a false sense of security since it lacks critical feedback on choices you make. While it's great for basics, it can mislead you with outdated or inaccurate info, especially in specialized areas. Just be aware of its limitations while learning.

Transitioning to AI at 45 can be difficult. The junior positions are competitive, and age discrimination is real in tech. While your past experiences are a plus, you'll likely find that most entry-level roles are being filled by younger candidates or those with specialized degrees. However, if you leverage your previous management skills, you might find your niche in architectural roles, though it's a bit of a gamble.

Honestly, the job market is pretty tough right now. Even seasoned professionals with advanced degrees are struggling. If you're self-taught mainly through a chatbot, transitioning to an AI engineering career will require a significant investment of time and energy. Make sure you’re genuinely passionate about it since this journey can be long and challenging.

You *can* definitely learn AI, but it's not going to be a walk in the park. There’s a wealth of online resources available. You'll need to get comfortable with programming and some math, especially linear algebra. The key question is whether you want to develop AI tools or if you prefer to use existing AI to create other things. The latter is much easier!

Breaking into AI or any tech field usually involves a mix of education and experience. Interviewers want to see what you've accomplished, so you could either build a standout project or consider getting a degree, although that takes time and can be costly. Another solid route is to start in entry-level IT jobs to gain connections and experience—this would definitely help in the long run and that's what I recommend!