Ask HN: Advise what to pick up to transition into AI/ML space

Hi HM,

I'm doing a bit of retrospective on what I am doing and where I want to be. I'm 35 and got my real tech job almost seven years ago.

I really want to get myself up to speed and involved in AI/ML development. I code in Java and Python.

What are realistic items/project can I pick to become more attractive to work being done in AI space?

My work has been mostly involved in 'integration of AI' - use Gemini API + RAG to create a chatbot type work. I need to understand how are people able to navigate their career into AI with background in enterprise work?

If it matters, location is US.

Other advise I come across is to 'look into job listing to see what people want' Since doing my real job won't get me that experience, I have asked ChatGPT to devise a technical specification that hits all the points of the job description. Does this make sense?

I apologize for the scattered thoughts. Because in year 2026, I really want to make a legit commit and not be too passive with my career trajectory.