Why Upskill in AI with USF & Springboard

As artificial intelligence becomes essential across industries, professionals must develop AI fluency to stay competitive. To help meet this demand, the University of South Florida CTPE, in partnership with Springboard, is offering a Generative AI for Business certificate course designed to upskill professionals in AI-driven problem-solving. This 8-week, online program equips students with hands-on experience in applying AI to marketing, strategy, analysis, and more. Seth Greenberg, Springboard’s Vice President of Learner Experience, walks us through how the course prepares professionals to integrate AI into their workflows and drive innovation. With expert instruction and a recognized certification, graduates will be positioned as forward-thinking leaders in the AI-powered economy!

What does GenAI look like in 2025? 

In 2025, generative AI will see broader adoption in business, education, and creative industries, with multimodal models enabling richer, cross-platform applications. User-friendly interfaces and low-code tools will democratize access, empowering non-technical users to harness AI’s potential. 

Building skills in generative AI, such as prompt engineering, will be critical for staying competitive in the evolving job market. As businesses increasingly integrate AI into their workflows, employees will need to learn how to effectively guide AI systems to maximize productivity and creativity. Mastering these skills will empower individuals to harness AI for content creation, problem-solving and decision-making across industries. With AI-driven tools becoming more accessible, professionals who understand how to collaborate with AI will have a significant advantage. Organizations will prioritize upskilling their workforce to meet the demand for AI fluency, making prompt engineering and related skills essential for career growth. Embracing this shift will enable workers to adapt and thrive in an AI-driven future.

What is the overall goal of the Generative AI for Business course? What does Springboard hope that students will leave the course with?

The goal of USF’s Generative AI for Business course is to empower professionals to effectively use generative AI tools to optimize workflows, solve business challenges, and lead AI-driven innovation. Our aim for students is to leave the course with actionable skills, a personalized AI strategy, and confidence in leveraging AI across various use cases. By the end of the program, students will be ready to implement AI solutions that create measurable impact in their roles and organizations.

Who is the Generative AI for Business certificate course for? 

This course is for professionals across all industries who want to harness the power of generative AI. It’s tailored for high-potential employees seeking to optimize workflows, functional heads looking to embed AI into their teams, and executives aiming to lead AI adoption within their organizations. It’s also ideal for upskillers who want to stay ahead in their current careers, but not for those making a complete career change. Students share characteristics such as curiosity, a growth mindset, and a drive to create meaningful impact with cutting-edge tools.

Do you need to know how to code or any other technical skills to participate?

No coding or technical skills are required to participate in the course. It’s beginner-friendly and designed for professionals without a technical background. The curriculum focuses on teaching AI literacy, practical applications, and strategic integration, ensuring students can succeed regardless of prior experience with AI or technology.

Is there any pre-work students must complete before starting the course?

No specific pre-work is required before starting the course. Students will begin with foundational units, such as “Generative AI 101,” which cover the basics of AI terminology, ecosystem, and market dynamics. This ensures all participants are on the same page, regardless of their starting point.

What is the time commitment for this online course? 

The course spans eight weeks and requires a commitment of approximately 3–5 hours per week. This includes live sessions with instructors, video lessons, and hands-on projects. The flexible, online format makes it manageable for working professionals to balance learning with their other responsibilities.

How much does the short course cost? Can students use financing, payment plans, and/or scholarships to make the tuition more affordable?

The course costs $2,499 when paid upfront. To make this course more accessible, we offer flexible payment options, including installment plans and employer reimbursement guidance. Students may also explore potential scholarships or stipends to reduce financial barriers.

What generative AI tools does the course cover?

The course covers a range of generative AI tools, including:

• ChatGPT

• Claude

• Gemini

• Perplexity 

Students will learn how to identify the best tools for different use cases, ensuring they can adapt AI solutions to their specific business challenges and objectives.

How is this course taught?

The course combines live expert instruction, video lessons, and hands-on projects to deliver a well-rounded learning experience. Students apply what they learn to practical, real-world projects such as auditing workflows, writing effective AI prompts, and designing a personalized AI strategy. This project-based approach ensures immediate applicability and reinforces skills through practice.

Students complete the program with a gameplan in hand that outlines how they’ll use generative AI to solve a meaningful business challenge. Some examples from previous students include: 

• Proposal for an AI-powered A/B testing program to optimize their company’s email program without a budget increase
• A sweeping plan to integrate AI automations to enable personalized investment advice for customers, real-time fraud detection, and compliance checks
• A high-growth strategy to leverage AI tools in the acquisition process across finance, operations, and legal teams
• An AI-powered due diligence pilot project for faster research and more accurate localized insights

Will students have access to expert mentors like they do in Springboard’s Career Track bootcamps?

Yes, students will receive personalized support through live coaching and feedback sessions with AI experts. While the mentor model from Springboard’s bootcamps isn’t replicated exactly, students will have ample opportunities to interact with instructors, ask questions, and receive guidance on their projects.

What are the benefits of receiving certification for this AI course?

Students will receive a certificate of completion from University of South Florida. This credential demonstrates their proficiency in generative AI literacy and strategic application. It’s a valuable addition to professional portfolios, showcasing skills that are increasingly in demand and positioning students as forward-thinking leaders in their fields. While career support isn’t a primary focus of this course (as it’s designed to upskill professionals in their current roles rather than facilitate career transitions), the certification and practical skills gained can significantly enhance a student’s career trajectory and position them as AI leaders in their organizations.

Find out more and read Springboard reviews and USF Bootcamps reviews on Course Report. This article was produced by the Course Report team in partnership with Springboard.