AI in Business: Tools & Techniques Certificate Program
Learn practical AI applications that transform everyday administrative tasks into efficient, reliable systems. This beginner-friendly program focuses on responsible AI implementation you can use immediately — giving admins powerful productivity tools while maintaining data security and company confidentiality. No technical background required.
No technical background or prior AI experience required.
Who Should Attend This Program?
- Administrative professionals, executive assistants, and coordinators
- Office managers and support staff
- Anyone responsible for communication, scheduling, reporting, or general office organization
- Individuals curious about AI who use it very little or not at all and want a practical, confidence-building introduction
Date: February 23, 25 and 27
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: The University of Toledo
How to enroll: Register Here
About the Program
Artificial intelligence is changing the way work gets done — and now it’s accessible to everyone.
This hands-on, three-session certificate program is designed specifically for administrative professionals who want to understand what AI is, how to use it responsibly, and how to apply it to common workplace challenges. You’ll gain practical experience using AI to handle communications, reports, meeting summaries, and recurring workflows — all while maintaining accuracy, security, and confidentiality.
Through guided instruction and real-world examples, participants will learn to integrate AI into their daily routines to improve efficiency and free up time for higher-value work.
What You’ll Learn
Participants will gain the confidence and know-how to:
- Understand AI fundamentals and how generative tools work.
- Identify safe and responsible ways to use AI in administrative settings.
- Write clear, effective prompts that produce useful, accurate results.
- Use AI to handle routine communication, scheduling, and reporting tasks.
- Integrate AI tools into daily workflows to save time and reduce repetition.
Program Overview
This interactive program blends foundational learning with real-world application. Participants will work on a personal “AI goal project” — a real administrative task they want to simplify or improve using AI tools — and refine it throughout the three sessions.
Session 1: AI Foundations & Goal Selection
- What is AI and why it matters for administrative work
- Responsible usage framework: the four key principles for safe and ethical use
- Hands-on exploration of three goal areas using multiple AI tools
- Selecting your personal goal project and identifying a real work challenge
Session 2: Practice & Refinement
- Progress review and troubleshooting common issues
- Guided practice in small goal groups
- Peer feedback and practical refinement of AI solutions
Session 3: Mastery & Expansion
- Goal project demonstrations and peer learning
- Introduction to additional AI applications for office and project work
- Building sustainable AI habits and next steps
Hands-On Practice
Throughout the program, participants will complete a series of practical exercises that mirror real administrative work. You’ll choose from several guided projects, working with AI tools to complete each one efficiently and professionally.
Example Projects
- Craft professional communications: Use AI to draft, edit, and refine an email or memo with clear tone and formatting.
- Summarize a meeting: Turn rough notes or bullet points into a polished recap with next steps and action items.
- Organize a simple report: Ask AI to clean or summarize data from a spreadsheet, creating tables or talking points.
- Plan a recurring update: Automate a weekly checklist, meeting reminder, or internal communication.
Each task is designed for real-world use — and by the end of the week, you’ll leave with ready-to-use examples for your own role.
Instructor
Dan Skilliter, Skillful Strategies
A fourth-generation member of a Toledo family business, Dan Skilliter spent 14 years
growing 2-SCALE, a custom manufacturing company, before founding Skillful Strategies.
Drawing from firsthand experience building systems that help businesses run without
constant oversight, Dan now helps leaders and teams work smarter through practical,
technology-driven solutions. He’s a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) and longtime
member of the Rotary Club of Toledo.
Program Cost
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$750 per participant for UToledo Family Business Center member companies and sponsors
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$1,000 per participant for non-members
- This program qualifies for Ohio TechCred.
For questions please contact angie.jones@utoledo.edu
