Developing Your Skills in Data Science and AI

You don't need a title to learn/work in data science
You don't need to start with what everyone is recommending.
Focus on a few areas of AI, not the complete landscape.
Seek out mentors to guide you.
Learn by collaborating, solving problems, and asking for help in AI-related issues.
Do not believe that the growth path is the same for everyone; avoid a copycat approach.
Sometimes, you need to work without titles to really excel in your areas of interest.
Experiment / Look for Real-time problem-solving, and proposing solutions
Be resilient setbacks are okay, Pause and find alternate solutions
Consistently seek understanding and clarity. 
Roll up your sleeves, not all the time, but only for meaningful AI work. Remember, you are not a machine. Strive at a consistent pace.
Learn to differentiate Pro AI vs AI Hype and develop intuition to spot it

Keep Exploring!