Generative AI for Leaders

Generative AI for Leaders (TECH-650)

Description

Generative AI and large language models (LLMs) are reshaping how organizations operate and deliver value. Are you prepared to lead that transformation in your organization? Generative AI for Leaders is a digitally delivered RPI ProCourse designed for professionals ready to move beyond the hype and leverage AI tools to achieve meaningful outcomes. In this project-based course, you will learn how to strategically integrate generative AI and LLMs within your organization. Through real-world exercises and guided frameworks, you'll evaluate your organization’s AI readiness, uncover high-impact opportunities, and design a targeted AI-supported use case. Participants who complete the course will be awarded continuing education units (CEUs), a verified digital badge, and a Certificate of Completion from RPI.
 

Coursework

Throughout the course, you’ll engage in six weeks of hands-on projects designed to deepen your understanding of generative AI and apply it directly to your organization’s needs.

• Week 1: Introduction – Explore the core concepts behind generative AI and LLMs, reflect on your own perceptions about AI and your organization’s AI readiness, and begin experimenting with the capabilities of real generative AI applications.
• Week 2: Understanding the Art of the Possible – Discover how leading organizations are using generative AI, compare model behaviors through hands-on experimentation, and begin to brainstorm high-impact use case scenarios tailored to your organizational goals.
• Week 3: Exploring AI Technical Patterns – Assess how technical solution patterns like prompt engineering and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) can enhance your organization’s performance.
• Week 4: Evaluating Benefits vs. Attainability –Develop a Benefit vs. Attainability Matrix to evaluate your top use case choices, and identify the most practical and high-impactful solutions to pursue.
• Week 5: Mitigating AI Risks – Analyze potential harms and ethical risks associated with your top AI use cases, developing a “responsible AI” plan to identify strategies for mitigation.
• Week 6: Presenting Your Proposal – Synthesize your work in a 5-minute presentation that pitches your most promising AI use case tailored to your organization. 

Technology & Logistics

You will complete all coursework through Rensselaer’s digital classroom environment, with feedback provided by your course mentor along the way. The coursework will primarily be self-paced, with opportunities to engage with the content and course mentor(s) where applicable.

Audience

This non-credit course is designed for business and technology leaders who want to stay ahead of the AI curve and drive strategic innovation across their teams. No technical background is required.

Payment

Payment is accepted via credit card only. Refunds (minus processing fees) may be issued up to the course’s official start date. After the course has begun, refunds are no longer available. 

If you have any questions about the course prior to enrolling, please contact procourses@rpi.edu. 

Outcomes

• Evaluate your organization’s readiness for AI integration by identifying cultural and data-related factors that influence successful adoption.
• Develop a use case that illustrates how generative AI or LLMs can effectively address a real-world organizational challenge.
• Align generative AI or LLM solutions to organizational goals by applying a benefit vs. attainability framework.
• Design actionable strategies to embed responsible AI practices into the organization through cross-functional collaboration, ethical safeguards, and cultural alignment.
•  
• Deliver a persuasive executive-level pitch that articulates a clear AI vision, implementation roadmap, and risk mitigation plan tailored to organizational needs.