What This Course Is
AI Skills Lab is a hands-on workshop series for anyone who wants to learn how to use AI.
It will meet online for four workshops over two weeks. In each 90 minute workshop, the instructor will share their screen to walk you through each step, while you follow along on your own computer.
In the Skills Lab, we start at the beginning with setting up your account. No technical background is needed. By the end of the workshop series, you will have used AI on real tasks like a job application or a flyer for your side hustle.
What Can AI Help You Do?
Land a Better Job
Find out which skills the employer is really asking for, and which skills you already have.
Walk Into Interviews Ready
Practice your answers out loud before the real interview, using methods that hiring managers look for.
Get Through Your Writing Faster
Draft the emails and messages you already have to write.
Make Your Own Flyers
Build a flyer in Canva with AI helping you write it.
Your Information Stays Yours
Learn what you should never type into an AI tool, and how to turn off the setting that lets the company use your data.
Catch AI When It Is Wrong
AI makes things up and states them confidently. You will learn how to add a check step so you spot it.
AI Skills Lab at a Glance
| Course Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Workshops | 4 live sessions |
| Delivery | Live workshops on Zoom |
| Duration | 2 weeks |
| workshop Length | 90 minutes each |
| Cost | $150: Save $30 with code SAVE30 |
| Level | Beginner friendly, no technical background needed |
| AI Tools | Paid ChatGPT account required* |
| Student Support | One-on-one Zoom support available by appointment. Schedule a Meeting |
| Certificate | Receive a certificate upon completion |
What You Will Learn
Getting Started with AI
Set up your account and customize ChatGPT so its answers fit your situation. Learn how to protect your information and what should never go into an AI prompt.
Prompting for Better Results
Learn a five-step way to prompt, improve weak answers instead of starting over, and add a verification step to catch when AI gets something wrong.
AI for Job Search and Remote Work
Use AI to identify skills in job descriptions, recognize your transferable skills, tailor resume content, write a cover letter, and identify potential scam job listings.
Interview Practice and Visual Communication
Practice interview questions and your “tell me about yourself” response, write a post-interview thank-you email, and create something useful in Canva, such as a business flyer, LinkedIn banner, or service menu.
Meet Your Instructor
Zubair Barkat
AI Teaching Assistant for the College of Arts & Sciences
Ph.D. Candidate in Sociology, Utah State University
Zubair teaches the Sociology of Artificial Intelligence course at Utah State University and holds a certificate in Applied Generative AI from MIT. He specializes in making AI tools practical, ethical, and accessible for everyday users.
He has delivered more than 20 AI workshops, guest lectures, invited talks, and conference presentations to more than 300 participants. His Spring 2026 course received 5 out of 5 ratings for both “Excellent Teacher” and “Excellent Course.”
Course Information
Save $30 with code SAVE30 at registration.
| workshop | Date | Workshop Times (90 minutes) |
| workshop 1 | Monday, October 5 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. MT |
| workshop 2 | Wednesday, October 7 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. MT |
| workshop 3 | Monday, October 12 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. MT |
| workshop 4 | Wednesday, October 14 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. MT |
Application Deadline: ?
Delivery: Live online via Zoom
- A computer or laptop
- Speakers and a microphone
- A reliable internet connection
- A paid ChatGPT account ($20 a month, purchased from OpenAI, not included in the course price)
Common Questions
No. The firstworkshop starts with setting up your account. No technical background is needed. Several of the features you will practice with in the workshops are only available on the paid plan. You buy it from OpenAI directly, and it is separate from your course payment. Yes. You can ask questions during the live workshops or schedule a one-on-one Zoom meeting with the instructor if you need additional help.
Learn AI by doing it
Four live workshops over two weeks, with practice in every one.