Learning paths
I want to automate my work
Automation starts with understanding the process, not the tool. We will not start with AI agents: first you choose and map the task and build a fixed-step automation, then decide whether an agent really adds anything.
- Goal
- Choose a task that is genuinely worth automating, map its steps and build a first simple automation that works.
- 6 steps
- Tool · Course · Practice
-
Step 1Tool
Pick the task most worth automating
Use the Automation Opportunity Calculator to compare your repetitive tasks by time spent and ease of automation, and choose just one to start.
-
Step 2Course
Learn to think in workflows
Before any tool, learn to turn a recurring task into clear steps with review points. This skill underpins every automation that works.
-
Step 3Tool
Map the process as it is today
Use the Workflow Mapper to document steps, inputs, outputs and who owns each step. You will often find steps to remove before automating.
-
Step 4Course
Learn a no-code automation tool
Make's foundations are free and hands-on. If your team runs on Microsoft 365, the Power Automate module is a good alternative; if you use Zapier, take the Zapier Academy path.
-
Step 5Practice
Build one simple automation
Build a two- or three-step automation for the task you chose, such as a form that logs to a sheet and sends an alert. Test it with real data and add a failure alert.
-
Step 6Course
Understand when an AI agent is actually useful
Only now, after building a fixed-step automation, learn about AI agents: when they add real value, and when they only add complexity and risk.
Finish line
Run one real automation for two weeks, log the time saved and the errors that came up, then decide: do you need an AI step or an agent, or is plain automation enough?
Other paths
- 01I'm completely new to AIUse AI with confidence on a real task from your work, and know where it helps and where it does not.
- 02I work in marketingBuild a real campaign on sound marketing foundations, using AI at the stages where it genuinely saves time.
- 04I want to build digital productsGo from an idea to a prototype tested with real users, knowing enough about technology to make sound decisions.
- 05I run a small businessLeave with three specific improvements: one in marketing, one in operations and one AI opportunity.