My AI Learning Journey Begins
Today marks day one of my structured journey into artificial intelligence. As a second-year computer engineering student, I'm documenting everything I learn, build, and discover along the way.
Why AI?
What fascinates me most is how far we've come in terms of technology, and how AI will fundamentally change the face of the future. We're at an inflection point where AI isn't just a competitive advantage—it's becoming a necessity.
For me, learning AI is about three things:
- Upskilling faster: AI tools are accelerating how quickly we can learn and build
- Boosting productivity: Working smarter, not just harder
- Automating the mundane: Eliminating repetitive tasks so I can focus on what truly matters
My Background
I'm a second-year computer engineering student with a keen interest in both AI and FinTech. While I have a solid foundation in programming, I'm now ready to dive deep into the world of machine learning, large language models, and building practical AI systems.
The intersection of AI and FinTech particularly excites me—imagine AI-powered trading systems, intelligent financial advisors, or automated risk assessment tools. The possibilities are endless.
The 6-Month Roadmap
I'm not learning randomly—I've created a structured plan:
Phase 1 (Months 1-2): Foundations
- Master Python for AI/ML
- Learn NumPy, Pandas, and data manipulation
- Understand machine learning fundamentals
- Build first ML projects
Phase 2 (Months 3-4): LLMs & Modern AI
- Deep dive into LangChain
- Build RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) systems
- Work with vector databases
- Create practical AI applications
Phase 3 (Months 5-6): Real-World Projects
- Build a FinTech AI project
- Deploy production-ready applications
- Contribute to open-source AI projects
- Complete portfolio-worthy projects
What I'll Build
Some ideas I'm excited to work on:
- An AI-powered personal finance assistant
- A document analysis tool using RAG
- Automated trading signal analyzer
- Custom chatbot for specific use cases
Learning in Public
I'm committing to learning in public for several reasons:
- Accountability: Sharing progress keeps me consistent
- Learning reinforcement: Teaching is the best way to learn
- Building connections: Meeting others on similar journeys
- Portfolio building: Documenting my growth for future opportunities
Every day, I'll log what I learned on my GitHub. This blog will feature weekly reflections, project breakdowns, and lessons learned.
The Journey Ahead
I know this won't be easy. There will be frustrating debugging sessions, concepts that don't click immediately, and projects that don't work on the first try. But that's part of the process.
Six months from now, I want to look back and see real, tangible progress—not just in skills, but in projects I've built and problems I've solved.
Let's Connect
If you're on a similar journey or interested in AI and FinTech, let's connect:
- GitHub - Follow my daily learning log
- LinkedIn - Let's network professionally
- Email - Always open to conversations
Here's to day one of many. Let's build something amazing.
— Tejas Joshi
January 31, 2026