Get Promoted Faster:
Junior to Senior in 4 Years

You're good at your job, but promotions keep going to others.
Learn the exact strategies I used to reach Senior AI Engineer in 4 years, not 10.

AI Native Engineer Community Access

Hard Work Alone Won't Get You Promoted.
You Need a Different Strategy.

You've been at the same level for 2+ years while less experienced colleagues pass you by.

You ship great code but nobody notices. Your manager doesn't advocate for you in promotion meetings.

Every year without a promotion costs you $20K-$50K in lost salary and compounding growth.

Promotions Don't Happen by Accident. They're Engineered.

The AI Career Accelerator

I reached Senior AI Engineer in 4 years by being strategic, not just hardworking. The difference between fast promoters and everyone else is visibility, leverage, and positioning. I'll teach you exactly how.

1

Audit Your Position

Identify what's blocking your promotion right now

2

Build Visibility

Get credit for your work and influence decisions

3

Accelerate Growth

Hit senior level in half the typical timeline

Meet Your Mentor

Zen van Riel

When I started in tech, I was based in the Netherlands with no connections and only thousands of video game hours under my belt. Not exactly the ideal starting point.

My first tech job was software tester. One of the most junior roles you can start with. I was just happy someone took a chance on me.

I kept learning. Kept pivoting. But what actually accelerated my career wasn't more certifications or more code. It was learning to solve problems that matter and proving beyond a doubt that what I built solved real problems. That's the skill that stays future-proof, even with AI.

I've since worked remotely for international software companies throughout my career. Proof that the high-paid remote path is possible for anyone with the right skills and motivation. In the end, I went from a $500/month internship to 6 figures as a Senior AI Engineer at GitHub.

Becoming an AI-Native Engineer is a system I lived through and offer to you today.

Career progression from Intern to Senior Engineer

Real Results

Vittor

Vittor

AI Engineer

Landed his first AI Engineering role in 3 months

"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.

I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."

What You Will Get

Personalized Roadmap & Career Strategy

A custom plan tailored to your background, goals, and timeline. No generic advice.

Weekly 1:1 Coaching Calls

Direct access to Zen for guidance, project feedback, and answers to your questions.

Portfolio-Ready AI Projects

Build production-grade AI applications to showcase to employers. Work that gets you hired.

Interview Prep & Mock Interviews

Practice technical and behavioral interviews. Learn what hiring managers look for.

Resume & LinkedIn Optimization

Transform your online presence to attract recruiters. Stand out from other applicants.

Community Career Support

Join the AI Native Engineer community. Not seeing results yet? You stay and keep going. We're with you through the ups and downs.

Limited Availability

Every Month You Wait Costs You Real Money

Every month you delay can cost you thousands in lost earning potential. While you're watching tutorials, others are landing $120K+ AI Engineering roles.

I can only work with a limited number of 1:1 clients at a time to ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve.

$120K+
Average AI Engineer Salary
Source: levels.fyi
90 Days
To Guaranteed Interviews
20%+
Higher Pay Than Traditional Devs

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast can I realistically get promoted?

Most engineers wait 2-3 years between promotions. With the right strategy, you can cut that in half. I went from junior to senior in 4 years total, which typically takes 6-8 years. The key is being strategic about what work you take on, how you document impact, and how you position yourself for promotion conversations.

I'm already senior. Can this help me reach Staff or Principal?

Absolutely. The jump from senior to staff is where most engineers get stuck because it requires a completely different skill set: influence without authority, cross-team impact, and technical leadership. These are exactly the areas where coaching provides the most value.

What if my company doesn't have clear promotion paths?

This is actually common, especially at startups. In that case, we focus on two things: (1) building the skills and track record that make you promotable anywhere, and (2) positioning yourself for a higher-level role at your next company. Sometimes the fastest promotion is an external one.

How much time do I need to commit?

Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.

How is this different from online courses?

Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.

What's the investment for 1:1 coaching?

Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.

Does this work for engineers at any level?

Yes. Whether you're trying to go from junior to mid, mid to senior, or senior to staff, the principles are the same: visibility, impact documentation, and strategic positioning. The tactics adjust based on your level, but the framework works across the board.

Can you guarantee I'll get promoted?

I can't control your company's promotion decisions. What I can guarantee is that you'll have a clear strategy, documented impact, and the positioning skills that maximize your chances. If you're not seeing traction after 90 days of following the system, we'll work together until you do.

Can I do this while working full-time?

Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.

Ready to Land Your AI Role?

Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.

30-minute strategy call • Limited spots available