About the Book
AI Survival Guide: From Zero to Expert - Side Hustles, Skills & Agents for the New AI Era is a practical, no-jargon roadmap to help you thrive in today's world of Artificial Intelligence. Whether you're a student, teacher, professional, entrepreneur, or retiree, this book shows you how to understand and use AI-no tech degree required.
Written by Walter Rodriguez, PhD-an experienced educator, engineer, and founder of Coursewell-this guide delivers clear strategies, real-world tools, and step-by-step exercises to make AI work for you. Learn how to automate repetitive tasks, enhance your productivity, and even build your own ChatGPT-powered assistant or AI agent without coding.
Organized into seven parts, this guide explores how AI is reshaping the workplace, what skills are still in demand, and how to launch your own AI-powered side hustle or service. You'll discover top tools you can master in 30 days, how to stand out in AI-driven hiring systems, and what credentials will future-proof your career.
Inside you'll find career tips, case studies, reflection prompts, business templates, and even cartoons to help make learning engaging and actionable. The book also covers AI risks, privacy protection, and how to keep your human edge-like emotional intelligence and creativity-in a world of automation.
This is not a book about robots taking over. It's a guide for real people ready to grow, adapt, and lead in the AI era.
About the Author :
Walter Rodriguez, PhD, PE, is an award-winning educator, engineer, and entrepreneur who helps people turn Artificial Intelligence into a real-world advantage-no coding required. As the founder of Coursewell and CEO of Adaptiva Corp, he leads the development of AI-powered certification programs, intelligent learning tools, and career readiness resources for students, professionals, and lifelong learners worldwide.A former university department chair and MIT postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Rodriguez brings over 30 years of experience in education, innovation, and applied technology. He earned his PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida and has taught in top academic institutions in the U.S. and Europe. His expertise spans AI for business, project management, construction, digital upskilling, and workforce transformation.Walter is best known for making complex technologies feel simple, practical, and empowering. His engaging writing blends storytelling, cartoons, real-world case studies, and hands-on tools-helping readers take immediate action in their careers or side hustles.When he's not writing or teaching, you'll find him mentoring young entrepreneurs, playing tennis in Southwest Florida, or designing AI agents to make learning more human. His motto: "AI is human ingenuity in action."Learn more or explore free GPTs, tools, and courses at Coursewell.com.
Review :
"An approachable, hands-on resource-packed with practical ChatGPT prompts and clear explanations that make AI both less intimidating and more useful in everyday life." - Hannah Rinaldi, Books on Third"A masterclass in making AI accessible. Prof. Dr. Walter Rodriguez blends deep insight with practical tools-and delivers a roadmap anyone can follow." - SGMI Management Institute, Switzerland"Finally, an AI book for the rest of us. No hype, no jargon-just real-world strategies to stay relevant, upskill fast, and thrive in the age of intelligent machines." - AI Global Technology Integrators, USA"If you're wondering how AI will impact your job, career, or small business-this book is your survival guide and springboard. It's empowering, practical, and often fun to read." - SBA Small Business Advisor"AI Survival Guide should be required reading for professionals, educators, and anyone worried about being left behind. This is the kind of clear, actionable advice we need right now." - Anonymous Entrepreneur, USA"Walter Rodriguez has written the ultimate playbook for professionals entering the AI-powered workforce. From résumé tips to building your own AI assistant-it's all here." - AI Strategist, USA"An approachable, hands-on resource for navigating the fast-changing world of artificial intelligence. Packed with practical ChatGPT prompts, helpful references, and clear explanations, it shows readers how to harness AI as a tool to deepen understanding and boost productivity." - Hannah Rinaldi, Books on Third
