How Do I Become
an AI Engineer?
The honest answer: Learn Python and AI fundamentals, build production-ready projects, and position yourself strategically.
Most people can land their first AI role in 3-6 months with focused effort.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
You Want to Become an AI Engineer.
But Where Do You Actually Start?
Every 'how to become an AI engineer' guide gives different advice. Courses, bootcamps, degrees, certifications. Information overload.
You don't have 4 years for a degree or $15K for a bootcamp. You need a realistic path that fits your life.
You've started learning Python or ML basics, but you can't connect the dots to an actual job.
Here's Your Step-by-Step Path to AI Engineering
The AI Career Accelerator
I went from software tester to Senior AI Engineer at GitHub. No PhD, no fancy degree. Here's the exact framework I used and now teach to others.
Build Your Foundation
Python + AI fundamentals (4-6 weeks with guidance)
Create Production Projects
Build 2-3 deployable AI apps, not Jupyter notebooks
Position & Land
Resume, LinkedIn, interview prep → job offers
Meet Your Mentor
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.
Real Results
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.
Every Month You Wait, AI Engineering Roles Get More Competitive
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an AI engineer?
With focused effort and guidance, 3-6 months is realistic. Career changers with technical backgrounds (SWE, data science) can often transition in 2-3 months. Complete beginners may need 6-9 months. The key variable isn't time. It's consistent effort and building the right projects.
Do I need a CS degree to become an AI engineer?
No. I don't have one. What matters is demonstrable skills: Python proficiency, understanding of AI systems, and a portfolio of production-ready projects. Many successful AI engineers come from non-traditional backgrounds like web development, data analysis, even non-tech fields.
What should I learn first to become an AI engineer?
Start with Python if you don't know it already (2-4 weeks). Then learn AI fundamentals: how LLMs work, embeddings, vector databases, RAG systems. Focus on implementation, not theory. Build a working project within your first month. A PDF Q&A system is ideal because it teaches integration.
Do I need prior AI experience?
Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.
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.
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.
What if I don't land interviews in 90 days?
You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.
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.
What skills do AI engineers need?
Core skills: Python, API integration, prompt engineering, vector databases, deployment basics. The gap most people have isn't technical knowledge. It's knowing how to build production systems that solve real problems, not just toy demos.
Ready to Land Your AI Role?
Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.
30-minute strategy call • Limited spots available