Generative AI for Business Professionals

Applied AI: Transforming Business Through Generative Intelligence

In our rapidly evolving digital landscape, harnessing the capabilities of AI-driven content has shifted from being a choice to an absolute necessity. This comprehensive program offers insight into the realm of generative AI, spotlighting platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, DALL-E, Midjourney, Adobe Firefly and more. In this program, you’ll learn how to tailor prompts for optimal outcomes in text generation, music creation, image synthesis and beyond. Here, you’ll uncover the transformative capabilities of these AI platforms beyond specific industries, extending into realms like creative expression and problem-solving.

Embark on an educational journey to discover the transformative power of generative AI, equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills to navigate the dynamic landscape of AI-driven content creation and its limitless possibilities. You’ll be equipped with advanced techniques to automate and streamline tasks, enabling you to produce high-quality content more efficiently. When you learn to leverage generative AI, you’ll free up valuable time to focus on strategic decision-making and innovation.

What You'll Learn

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Boost Productivity:

Explore the strategic integration of generative AI to enhance productivity in any professional setting. Learn to leverage these advanced tools for efficient task execution and improved workflow.

Acquire the in-demand skills

Understand Generative AI Tools:

Dive into a wide range of generative AI tools, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how to use platforms such as ChatGPT, Bard, DALL-E, Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, and more. Acquire hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation.
World-class reputation of SMU

Optimize Outcomes:

Master the art of tailoring prompts to achieve optimal results. Develop skills in customizing inputs for generative AI tools, ensuring that the outcomes align seamlessly with your objectives, whether in text generation, music composition, or image synthesis.
Prepared to impress, earn respect and succeed

Effective Communication:

Elevate your communication skills using generative AI tools. Explore techniques to articulate ideas, generate engaging content, and foster creativity through AI-driven communication methods.

 

Program Content Summary

Week 1: Foundations to Generative AI for Business
Week 2: Marketing and Branding Applications
Week 3: Personalization, Customer Interaction and Experience
Week 4: AI Platforms and Tools: Including Chat GPT and Bard Uses and Applications
Week 5: Finding Places for AI and Automation + Ethical Considerations, Regulatory and Security Concerns
Week 6: Future Trends in Generative AI

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Program Details

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Program Duration

6 weeks

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Start Date

 

April 18

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Program Format

Blended Live Online

Thursdays 6 – 8 p.m. CST

+1 hour self-study to be completed before each live class session

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Tuition

$695

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Career Benefits

Enrolling in the SMU Generative AI for Business Professionals program can offer various career benefits, including:

  • Competitive Advantage: As the use of AI becomes more widespread, professionals who understand generative AI gain a competitive edge in the job market. Employers value individuals who can contribute to the organization's growth through the application of advanced technologies.
  • Enhanced Problem-Solving: Generative AI can be applied to solve complex problems and automate various tasks. Acquiring these skills enables you to approach business challenges with innovative solutions, enhancing your problem-solving capabilities.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Generative AI often requires collaboration between technical and non-technical teams. By understanding generative AI concepts, business professionals can bridge the gap between different departments, fostering effective communication and collaboration.
  • Strategic Decision-Making: Generative AI can provide valuable insights through data analysis and simulation. Professionals with knowledge in this area can make more informed and strategic decisions, contributing to the overall success of their organizations.
  • Automation and Efficiency: Learning to apply generative AI in business contexts can lead to the automation of repetitive tasks and processes. This not only increases efficiency but also allows professionals to focus on higher-value, strategic activities.
  • Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Understanding generative AI can inspire entrepreneurial ventures. You may identify new business opportunities, create innovative products or services, or contribute to the development of AI-driven startups.

In summary, a Generative AI for Business Professionals course can offer a multifaceted skill set, positioning you as a forward-thinking, tech-savvy professional with the ability to drive positive change within your organization.

Who Should Enroll in the Generative AI Specialization?

Our Generative AI for Business Professionals course is designed to cater to a diverse audience, welcoming individuals from any industry and career level. Whether you're a seasoned executive, a decision-maker guiding your team, someone new to your career, or simply looking to boost your workplace productivity, this program is tailored to meet your needs.

Why SMU?

  • SMU Continuing and Professional Education has offered noncredit learning programs since 1953.
  • Our expert instructor will guide you how to use Generative AI most effectively using real-world examples and case studies.
  • The program is designed to be personalized and tailored to your needs - bring your own business idea and apply to your job immediately.
  • This program can be taken as supplemental instruction to other SMU certificate programs to augment your learning.
  • SMU is an accredited institution and you will receive a digital badge via Credly that you can use to promote on your LinkedIn and resume.
Instructor Sharlene Jenner

Meet Your Instructor

Sharlene Jenner is the VP Engagement Strategy at the award-winning agency Abelson Taylor and has over 18 years in the strategy and digital field and is an industry speaker and coach/mentor. She is passionate about developing interactions through emerging technologies that bridge gaps, creating opportunities and helping companies leverage their strengths for success. Sharlene is a subject matter expert on marketing uses for artificial intelligence, machine learning, and personalized engagement. She has leadership experience in a variety of industries including hotel/hospitality, consumer goods, small business, retail marketing, domestic manufacturing, staffing and healthcare. Sharlene’s diverse experience gives her a unique perspective when it comes to translating marketing strategy to its digital components for all kinds of consumers. She is an empathetic servant leader that focuses on creating high performing teams and helping others succeed. Sharlene was named a Top Woman Leader in Dallas in 2022 by Women We Admire. Sharlene is a native Texan and has a BA in Business administration from University of Texas at Dallas and an MBA from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

 

Program Expectations 

Attend Weekly Live Sessions: Dive into the dynamic world of generative AI through weekly live sessions. Engage with our expert instructor, and stay on the cutting edge of advancements in real-time.

Complete a Final Project: Showcase your newfound skills and creativity by developing your own business idea and continually building on your project throughout the course. Apply your newfound knowledge each week to your business idea.

Earn Your Specialization: Strive for excellence and secure your specialization credential by earning a passing grade.

Arrive Tech-Ready: To make the most of this journey, you'll need access to a computer and the recommended free generative AI tools.

Generative AI for Business Professionals Badge

Earn a Digital Badge

Complete this specialization and earn a digital badge to add to your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Learn More


Frequently Asked Questions

This program is designed to teach you how to leverage generative AI technology in a business context, in a non-technical way. You will learn to craft prompts for optimal results, discover limitations, and will explore various generative AI tools.
The program uses a blended online format and will run for six weeks. Live sessions will be held on Thursday evenings with one hour of on-demand/asynchronous work to be completed each week. Content will be hosted on the Canvas platform and will open on the Monday prior to the first live session.
You will be able to bring your own business idea and immediately apply what you learn to your project. With the guidance of a passionate artificial intelligence expert, you will explore how to leverage AI in various business contexts including content generation, automation and process improvement. The weekly live sessions with the instructor are an opportunity to have your questions answered instantly and receive feedback about your ideas.
You will have the opportunity to bring a business idea to the course and will develop ways to use generative AI to develop your idea throughout the course.
This program uses a blended online learning format. You are expected to spend at least one hour each week completing course work inside the Canvas platform prior to your live online meeting with the instructor.
This program is pass/fail. You will be assessed on the assignments you submit. To successfully pass the program and earn the digital badge, you will need to successfully complete all assignments in the course according to the grading criteria.
You will learn various generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Midjourney, among others. You will only need the free versions of these tools, though you may choose to purchase the paid versions depending on your interests and needs.
A specialization consists of a course, or a short series of courses, designed to help you quickly gain knowledge in a focused area of study and acquire in-demand skills sought by employers.

At SMU CAPE, a specialization is typically shorter than a certificate program but is longer than a typical course offered through our office.
Students completing a certificate through SMU CAPE will earn both a digital credential issued via Credly and a downloadable certificate of completion. Students completing a specialization will earn a digital credential issued via Credly, but will not receive a certificate of completion.
Current or past certificate students can earn both a certificate and specialization to enhance their learning experience. For example, a program of study might look like: a Certificate in Digital Marketing with a Specialization in Generative AI for Business Professionals.
To register for this specialization, add the program to your cart. Be sure to sign in with your CAPE credentials. During the registration process, you will be asked to self-identify if you are enrolled in or have completed a CAPE certificate program and if so, to select the program.
No, the Generative AI for Business Professionals Specialization does not count towards your elective requirements.
No, there are no prerequisite requirements. This program is meant for anyone wishing to learn more about how to use generative AI.
No, payment options such as Sallie Mae loans or payment plans are not available for this program.
Yes! Please fill out this form to get in touch with a program specialist who can answer your questions.