DeepLearning.AI Alternatives:
Theory to Job Offers.

Andrew Ng's courses are great for learning concepts.
But concepts alone won't get you hired. There's a faster path.

AI Native Engineer Community Access

Courses Teach Theory. Employers Want Results.

Hours of video lectures covering theory, but minimal hands-on project experience employers actually want to see.

Self-paced sounds flexible, but without accountability most learners take 6-12 months and still feel unprepared.

Generic curriculum designed for everyone means it's optimized for no one's specific career goals.

From Learning to Earning. Faster.

The AI Career Accelerator

DeepLearning.AI builds knowledge. But knowledge without application, portfolio, and job search strategy leaves you stuck. Practical coaching bridges that gap, getting you job-ready in weeks instead of months.

1

Identify Your Gaps

What you know vs what employers need

2

Build Real Projects

Portfolio pieces that prove your skills

3

Land the Job

Interview prep and positioning that works

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

Every Month Learning Without Direction Is a Month Not Earning

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 wrong with DeepLearning.AI courses?

Nothing is wrong with them. Andrew Ng is an excellent teacher and the courses cover fundamentals well. The problem is that courses alone rarely lead to job offers. They teach theory without the practical application, portfolio building, and job search strategy that actually get you hired. Many developers finish multiple specializations and still struggle to land interviews. The courses are great as a foundation, but they're not a complete career transition solution.

What are the best alternatives to DeepLearning.AI?

For developers serious about getting hired: 1) Personalized 1:1 coaching that focuses on your specific gaps and job search strategy, 2) Project-based programs that build portfolio pieces employers recognize, 3) Bootcamps if you need complete structure (though expensive at $10K-$17K), 4) Self-directed learning with a clear roadmap and accountability partner. The best option depends on your background and how much guidance you need.

Should I combine DeepLearning.AI with coaching?

It can work well. Use courses for foundational concepts, then coaching to accelerate the practical side: building projects, positioning yourself, and navigating the job search. Many successful AI engineers learned theory from courses but needed additional help translating that knowledge into job offers. The key is not getting stuck in endless course consumption without moving toward your actual goal.

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.

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.

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