AI courses from Google, Microsoft and more boost skills and résumés for free

The race for AI skills is transforming the job market as executives increasingly rely on artificial intelligence for critical business decisions. With 74% of executives trusting AI advice more than family and friends, and 55% working at organizations where AI has already replaced traditional decision-making processes, employers now expect baseline AI literacy from virtually all employees. For professionals looking to quickly enhance their résumés with in-demand AI skills, these seven free courses offer efficient, credential-building opportunities that can be completed in as little as a weekend.

1. AI For Everyone (Coursera)
This 4-hour course created by AI pioneer Andrew Ng helps non-technical professionals understand AI’s business implications without requiring complex mathematics or coding knowledge. The curriculum provides practical frameworks for identifying AI opportunities, distinguishing between hype and genuine capabilities, and developing vocabulary for discussing AI projects with technical teams.

• Free to audit with optional paid certificate.
• Sample résumé bullet: “Completed Coursera’s ‘AI For Everyone’ to inform data-driven strategy discussions.”

2. Elements of AI (University of Helsinki)
This comprehensive program has trained over one million professionals on complex concepts like neural networks, machine learning algorithms, and Bayesian probability without requiring a mathematical background. Through interactive exercises and real-world examples, participants gain insight into AI decision-making processes and potential biases.

• Fully free with included certificate.
• Requires 4-8 hours per section.
• Sample résumé bullet: “Mastered AI basics via University of Helsinki’s ‘Elements of AI’ micro-course.”

3. Machine Learning Crash Course (Google)
Google’s internal machine learning training program offers hands-on experience with TensorFlow, balancing theoretical concepts with practical implementation. While more technically demanding than other options, the course remains accessible to professionals with basic programming familiarity and teaches data preparation, algorithm selection, model evaluation, and common pitfall avoidance.

• Fully free with completion badge.
• 15-hour duration.
• Sample résumé bullet: “Built and trained ML models using Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course.”

4. Introduction to Generative AI (Microsoft Learn)
Microsoft’s course focuses specifically on generative AI technologies powering tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E. The curriculum covers foundational concepts including large language models, prompt engineering, and responsible AI implementation while exploring practical business applications and governance considerations.

• Fully free with completion badge.
• Only 1 hour to complete.
• Sample résumé bullet: “Explored generative AI applications in Microsoft Learn’s ‘Introduction to Generative AI.'”

5. AI Fundamentals (IBM SkillsBuild)
IBM‘s course distinguishes itself through its emphasis on enterprise AI implementation and governance, examining how organizations evaluate, select, and deploy AI solutions across functions. Participants gain valuable insights into AI project management, including stakeholder alignment, success metrics, and change management considerations.

• Fully free with completion badge.
• 10-hour duration.
• Sample résumé bullet: “Completed IBM SkillsBuild’s ‘AI Fundamentals’ to deepen AI strategy insights.”

6. AI & Data Ethics (LinkedIn Learning)
This focused course addresses critical ethical considerations including algorithmic bias, data privacy, transparency requirements, and emerging regulatory frameworks. The curriculum examines real-world cases where AI systems produced harmful or discriminatory outcomes, analyzing root causes and prevention strategies.

• Free with LinkedIn Learning’s 30-day trial.
• Only 1 hour to complete.
• Sample résumé bullet: “Learned AI ethics best practices in LinkedIn Learning’s ‘Ethics in the Age of Generative AI.'”

7. Practical Deep Learning for Coders (Fast.ai)
Fast.ai offers a code-first approach to deep learning that prioritizes practical implementation. The course focuses on building functional models for real-world applications like image recognition, natural language processing, and recommendation systems, teaching participants to leverage pre-trained models through transfer learning.

• Fully free with community-supported certificate.
• 14-hour duration.
• Sample résumé bullet: “Developed deep-learning models in Fast.ai’s ‘Practical Deep Learning for Coders.'”