AI Interview After Bootcamp:
Getting AI Jobs as a Bootcamp Graduate

Bootcamps teach you to build—now learn how to land AI roles.
Position your intensive training as a strength.

AI Native Engineer Community Access

Bootcamp Grads Face
Specific Challenges

No CS degree means some companies filter you out—you need strategies to get past gatekeepers.

Bootcamps teach web dev, not AI—you have a knowledge gap to close before AI interviews.

You learned to code fast, but AI requires deeper understanding—preparation takes time.

Turn Bootcamp into AI Career

The AI Career Accelerator

Bootcamp graduates have proven they can learn fast and ship under pressure. Build on that foundation with targeted AI skills and the right interview preparation.

1

Bridge to AI

Learn Python, ML basics, and LLM APIs to extend your bootcamp foundation

2

Build AI Projects

Create projects that combine your web dev skills with AI capabilities

3

Fill Knowledge Gaps

Study algorithms and system design—areas bootcamps often skip

4

Target Realistic Roles

Start with AI-adjacent or junior AI roles, build experience

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.

Now I teach over 22,000 engineers on YouTube. 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

Bootcamp Grads Are Getting AI Jobs. Your Intensive Learning Ability Is Valuable.

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

What's the path from bootcamp to AI engineering?

Bootcamp to AI path: (1) Months 1-2: Learn Python deeply—bootcamps often focus on JavaScript, (2) Months 2-3: Study ML fundamentals—don't need to build from scratch, understand concepts, (3) Months 3-4: Learn LLM APIs—OpenAI, Claude, prompt engineering, (4) Months 4-5: Build AI projects—combine web dev skills with AI backends, (5) Months 5-6: Interview prep—algorithms, system design, AI-specific questions. Timeline: 4-6 months from bootcamp completion to AI-ready. Some bootcamp grads do this faster with intensive focus.

What knowledge gaps do bootcamp grads need to fill for AI interviews?

Common bootcamp gaps: (1) Python—most bootcamps teach JavaScript; Python is essential for AI, (2) Data structures & algorithms—bootcamps often skip this; you need it for interviews, (3) ML fundamentals—what are embeddings, how does training work, what's a model?, (4) Math basics—linear algebra and statistics at a conceptual level, (5) System design—bootcamps focus on features, not architecture, (6) Production concerns—scaling, monitoring, cost optimization. Good news: You don't need PhD-level math. Conceptual understanding + practical ability is enough for most AI roles.

What AI projects should bootcamp grads build?

Projects that leverage your web dev background: (1) AI-powered web app—combine React/Next.js with LLM APIs, (2) Chatbot with memory—shows you understand context and conversation, (3) RAG system with UI—full-stack AI application, (4) Document Q&A tool—practical AI + file handling + web interface, (5) AI code reviewer—meta and practical. Why these work: You already know how to build web apps. Adding AI backends demonstrates you can bridge both worlds. Deploy them publicly—a working URL beats a GitHub repo.

How should bootcamp grads prepare specifically for AI interviews?

Bootcamp-specific interview prep: (1) LeetCode basics—focus on easy and medium problems, arrays, strings, hash maps, (2) Python fluency—be as comfortable in Python as you are in JavaScript, (3) System design fundamentals—distributed systems basics, API design, databases, (4) Your projects—be ready to explain every technical decision deeply, (5) AI fundamentals—what are embeddings? How does RAG work? What's prompt engineering?, (6) Behavioral—bootcamp is a great 'learning fast under pressure' story. Practice explaining technical concepts clearly—communication matters as much as solutions.

What roles should bootcamp grads target in AI?

Realistic entry points: (1) Full-stack engineer on AI team—your web skills are directly useful, (2) Junior AI engineer—explicitly entry-level AI roles, (3) AI-focused startup—startups value hustle and breadth over pedigree, (4) Product engineer with AI features—build AI-powered products, not pure ML, (5) Developer experience at AI companies—documentation, SDKs, examples. Avoid initially: ML Engineer (too research-heavy), Senior AI roles (need experience), AI at FAANG (highly competitive). Build experience in accessible roles, then level up.

Is it realistic for bootcamp grads to break into AI?

Absolutely realistic. Bootcamp grads have key advantages: proven learning speed, practical building skills, comfort with pressure. The AI field values implementation over credentials. Many successful AI engineers came through non-traditional paths. What matters: Can you build AI systems that work? Can you learn what you don't know? Can you communicate clearly? Your bootcamp background demonstrates the first two. The interview preparation in this guide helps with the third.

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.

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.

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