Python for AI Development
2-3 weeksSkills You'll Build
Python fundamentals (if coming from JS/PHP)Virtual environments and pipWorking with APIs in PythonTesting and code qualityPython project structure
Agency Developer/Freelance Developer → AI Engineer/AI Solutions Developer
Agency Developer to AI Engineer: From Client Work to AI-Powered Solutions
You've shipped dozens of websites, apps, and custom solutions for clients. You know how to work under pressure, manage scope, and deliver on deadline. But you're tired of building the same CRUD apps and want to offer AI-powered solutions that command premium rates. This path leverages your existing development skills and client management experience while adding AI engineering capabilities. The result: you can pitch, build, and deploy AI solutions for clients at 2-3x your current rates, or transition to full-time AI engineering roles with your portfolio of shipped AI projects.
4-6 months
Prerequisites
- Solid programming fundamentals (any language)
- Experience building and deploying web applications
- Client communication and project management
- Basic understanding of databases and APIs
- Ability to work independently
Your Learning Path
LLM APIs and Client Solutions
3-4 weeksSkills You'll Build
OpenAI and Claude API integrationPrompt engineering for business use casesBuilding chatbots and assistantsCost estimation for client proposalsHandling API errors gracefully
RAG for Client Knowledge Bases
3-4 weeksSkills You'll Build
Document processing and chunkingVector database setup and managementBuilding Q&A systems for clientsIntegrating RAG with existing websitesRAG evaluation and tuning
AI Agents and Automation
3-4 weeksSkills You'll Build
Agent architecture patternsTool use for business workflowsBuilding AI-powered automationsN8n and workflow toolsClient-facing AI features
Deployment and Client Delivery
2-3 weeksSkills You'll Build
Docker for consistent deploymentsCloud deployment (AWS, GCP, or Vercel)CI/CD for AI applicationsMonitoring and maintenanceDocumentation for client handoff
AI Practice Building
3-4 weeksSkills You'll Build
Packaging AI services for clientsPricing AI projects effectivelyBuilding AI portfolio case studiesMarketing AI capabilitiesTransitioning to full-time if desired