Enabling Network Engineering Skills in an AI World

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a common buzzword, especially with the rise of Generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT, which can create entirely new data and human-like content. However, AI technology is nothing new. At Cisco Learning & Certifications, we have been providing training on predictive AI technology for years. Yet, in the short time since it came on the scene, GenAI (with its millions of practical use cases) has significantly accelerated adoption, increased data flows across devices, and increased the workload demands on networks.

Today, companies need powerful, flexible networks that can scale to the demands of GenAI. Realizing the full potential of AI across networks, however, requires a people-first mindset that empowers the individuals building and using this technology to drive better business outcomes.

At its best, AI is an effective partnership between humans and machines, underscoring the need for companies to find the right talent for their IT investments. With many companies already embarking on this journey, AI skills are in high demand. In fact, an Upwork survey found that GenAI job posts on the platform were up more than 1,000%, and GenAI-related job searches were up more than 1,500% in the second quarter of 2023.

A strong foundational understanding of technology and managing networks is the first and most important step to learning the skills needed for AI. As a learning organization, we are focused on equipping our community of learners with the expertise needed to tackle the challenges of today and in the future. IT professionals must be agile, as technological expertise is no longer static — it is moving just as fast as technology is changing. The skills needed for tomorrow may not be what an individual has today, so we must continue to build upon one’s foundational knowledge of technology and continue to evolve for an ever-changing technological landscape.

With many companies ramping up investments in GenAI-powered applications to boost productivity and realize rapid returns, they will need qualified talent for the new roles this technology is creating. We look at this challenge from the lens of the IT professional:

• How do I start to familiarize myself with AI?
• What are the skills needed for AIOps and what do I need to learn?
• How do I design, operate, and deploy AI-ready networks with Cisco technology?

That’s why Cisco Learning & Certifications has released two tutorials for IT professionals who are interested in learning more about how GenAI can shape network engineering and operations:

• Tutorial #1: Create a ChatGPT Client with Python: In this beginner tutorial, learners can create their very own chatbot with AI. They will be introduced to the basics of AI, Python, ChatGPT, and prompt engineering.
• Tutorial #2: Chatting with Cisco IOS XE: In this intermediate tutorial, learners will be introduced to a variety of modern AI developer tools, including Cisco pyATS, ChatGPT, Langchain, ChromaDB, and Streamlit.

Along with these fundamental tutorials, Cisco U. offers courses and learning paths that provide a personalized learning approach to building the expertise needed for AI and other technology challenges:

As network demands and complexity increase, you need continuous skills learning to leverage the power of new, disruptive technologies, like AI. The gold standard in IT training, Cisco Learning & Certifications, is empowering organizations and individuals to meet new talent demands head-on. We offer a dynamic and collaborative learning environment for ongoing learning, personalized technical training and certifications, and a vibrant global community of network professionals to get the most out of the latest technological advancements, maximize IT investments, and thrive in the digital economy of the future.

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