Mark Cuban, billionaire investor and entrepreneur, has emphasized the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as a lucrative side hustle for teenagers. In a recent CNBC interview, Cuban outlined a three-step strategy for young individuals looking to capitalize on AI opportunities.
Cuban suggested that teenagers should start by mastering the art of writing prompts for AI language models. The next step would involve teaching peers how to use these prompts for school assignments, followed by offering services to small and medium-sized enterprises that have yet to adopt AI technologies.
He stated, 'Then, I would go to businesses, particularly small- to medium-sized businesses that don't understand AI yet. Doesn't matter if I'm 16, I'd be teaching them as well.'
A LendingTree report reveals that over half of Gen Zers in the U.S. are currently involved in side hustles. AI prompt engineering, which focuses on crafting queries for chatbots, can be a profitable avenue, with AI tutors earning an average salary starting at $30,000 and full-time AI prompt engineers making up to $129,500, according to ZipRecruiter.
While a college degree is not necessary for this field, gaining practical experience and certifications is crucial for understanding large language models. Online programs from institutions such as Vanderbilt University or IBM can help individuals learn the basics within a month.
Cuban's entrepreneurial journey began at age 12, selling garbage bags door-to-door. He later sold collectibles to fund his education at Indiana University and transitioned into entrepreneurship after a brief banking career. His first company, MicroSolutions, was sold for $6 million in 1990, followed by the sale of Broadcast.com to Yahoo for $5.7 billion in 1999, securing his status as a billionaire.