Build the foundations you need
Learn enough Python, data handling, and API usage to create a small working application. If your target role is nontechnical, focus on workflow analysis, use-case selection, and evaluation first.
Evaluate before you expand
Define what a useful answer looks like. Collect representative examples, include failure cases, and keep a record of errors. Compare changes against the same examples so that improvements are based on evidence.
Deliver a reviewable project
Build a knowledge assistant around a small, permitted document collection. Show its sources, limitations, and evaluation results. Explain where human review is required and how sensitive data is handled.