Introduction to Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) for Business Professionals



Learn the fundamentals of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to build smarter, more reliable AI systems. No coding is required, just practical, real-world insights!

What You'll Learn
By completing this course, you'll be able to:
- RAG Fundamentals: Master the core concepts of Retrieval-Augmented Generation and its transformative impact on AI
- Business Applications: Explore real-world industry use cases and practical implementations of RAG systems
- Vector Database Essentials: Learn how vector databases power efficient information retrieval in RAG systems
- Advanced RAG Systems: Understand the evolution from basic RAG to autonomous agentic RAG solutions
- Future of RAG: Discover how RAG is driving innovation and shaping next-generation AI applications
Course Overview
By their nature, large language models (LLMs) rely on the data they were once trained on. But if one wants to update that data to include up-to-date information or internal company information, they would need to retrain LLMs. This is a costly and laborious process. However, it was before Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). RAG eliminates the need for retraining and is much cheaper to implement.
In this course, you’ll explore the main ideas behind RAG and its implementation process. You’ll learn the main concepts behind AI systems that optimize the output of LLMs by retrieving live, relevant information to enhance their output.
Through accessible explanations and real-world examples, you’ll learn how RAG bridges the gap between static AI models and dynamic knowledge sources. Whether it’s powering intelligent chatbots or enabling accurate customer support systems, this course provides the foundational knowledge to understand the transformative impact of RAG.
Why Business Professionals Need This Course
After completing this course, you'll be equipped with practical knowledge to lead AI initiatives:
- Technical Communication: Effectively discuss RAG implementation with your development team
- Strategic Vision: Identify high-impact opportunities to integrate RAG into business processes
- Leadership Skills: Confidently guide stakeholder conversations about AI technology
- Business Application: Transform operations from customer support to content creation
This course delivers practical, non-technical knowledge that empowers you to make informed decisions about RAG implementation in your organization.
Skills You'll Gain
- RAG Communication: Learn to effectively communicate RAG concepts and capabilities with technical and non-technical team members.
- Business Applications: Identify and evaluate potential RAG implementation opportunities within your organization's specific context and industry.
- Strategic Implementation: Develop frameworks for assessing RAG solutions' business value, ROI potential, and strategic alignment.
- Solution Architecture: Understand the key components and considerations for building effective RAG systems that meet business needs.
- Change Management: Learn strategies for successfully introducing and scaling RAG solutions within your organization.
Who Should Enroll?
- Business Leaders: Understand how RAG aligns with your strategic goals.
- Non-Tech Professionals: Speak knowledgeably about AI advancements without diving into technical complexities.
- Team Managers: Learn how to introduce and champion RAG-based solutions in your organization.
- Anyone Curious: No prior knowledge required—just an interest in understanding how AI can work smarter.
Course Outline
Introduction to RAG
What is Retrieval-Augmented Generation?
Why RAG is Transforming AI Applications
Core Components of RAG Systems
Understanding the RAG Architecture
Basic vs. Agentic RAG
Traditional RAG Systems: A Deep Dive
Agentic RAG: Autonomous Information Retrieval
Business Impact of Autonomous Retrieval
Implementing Agentic RAG Solutions
Vector Databases Simplified
Vector Databases: The Foundation of RAG
How Vector Databases Enable Semantic Search
Optimizing Database Performance
Real Business Applications of Vector DBs
Practical Applications
RAG for Customer Support Excellence
Content Creation and Management
Building Dynamic Knowledge Systems
Industry Case Studies
Course Conclusion
Key Learnings Review
Certificate of Completion
Next Steps in Your RAG Journey
Course Format
- Duration: 3 Days (self-paced). Bite-sized video lessons designed for busy learners, supplemented with quizzes and exercises.
- Materials: Engaging video content, interactive quizzes, and hands-on assignments.
- Access: Included with a Learn Prompting Plus subscription giving you access to our course library including this course (15 courses in total). Plus members also get instant certificates of completion for every course, ready to share on LinkedIn, Twitter, or anywhere you want to showcase your new skills.
Meet Your Instructor

Sander Schulhoff
Founder & CEO, Learn Prompting
Sander Schulhoff is the Founder of Learn Prompting and an ML Researcher at the University of Maryland. He created the first open-source Prompt Engineering guide, which reached 3 million people and taught them to use tools like ChatGPT. Sander also led a team behind Prompt Report, the most comprehensive study of prompting ever done. This 76-page survey, co-authored with researchers from the University of Maryland, OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Princeton, Stanford, and other leading institutions, analyzed 1,500+ academic papers and covered 200+ prompting techniques.
Why Choose This Course?
- Clear and Concise: Lessons are under 15 minutes each, perfect for busy professionals.
- No Coding Required: Perfect for beginners or non-technical professionals.
- Immediate Impact: Apply what you learn in real-world discussions and decisions.
- Expert Insights: Understand how leading companies leverage RAG for better AI outcomes.
- Certification: Earn a certificate of completion (Plus Plan members only) to showcase your knowledge.
Earn a Certifiate of Completion
By upgrading to Learn Prompting Plus, you automatically receive a certificate of completion for every course you complete. These certificates can easily be shared on LinkedIn, Twitter, or any other social platform to showcase your new skillset.
Start Your Free TrialProgram Pricing and Details
This course is included in our Learn Prompting Plus catalog, accessible with a monthly or yearly subscription.
Start your free 3-day trial to explore this course and earn a certificate upon completion!
Plus
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$21
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billed annually
For people who are serious about becoming AI-powered
- Access to our entire course library, including Plus Courses
- Earn Certificates of Completion for all courses
- Use our in-course AI Playground with AI Tutor
- Complete engaging, hand-graded AI projects
- Join the largest AI Learning Discord community
- Receive priority customer support
Master RAG Systems Today
Enroll in the Introduction to RAG course today and learn how Retrieval-Augmented Generation is revolutionizing AI systems without the need for technical skills.
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