If you were learning Agentic AI from scratch today, what would you focus on and what would you avoid?

Im data analyst with 1 yr of experience and want to shift into AI agents.
I see agents as the direction where AI is going (like personal assistants that can handle repetitive work).
I’m looking for practical suggestions on:
• What to focus on first if starting from scratch
• What to avoid (common mistakes or unnecessary things)
• How to make the learning path more understandable
• What kind of projects actually help in getting a job in this space

Would really appreciate advice from people who are already working with or learning agentic systems.