edX AI Courses Alternative:
Land Jobs Faster With 1:1 Coaching.

edX MicroMasters programs take 6-18 months and focus on academic theory.
Get job-ready in weeks with personalized coaching built for your career.

AI Native Engineer Community Access

Why edX AI Courses Delay Your Career.

Programs stretch 6-18 months. MicroMasters and professional certificates demand serious time commitments while the AI job market moves without you.

Academic focus means heavy theory, research papers, and concepts that rarely appear in production AI roles. You learn to write proofs instead of building applications.

Zero job search support. edX courses end with a certificate, not interview preparation, portfolio projects, or connections to hiring managers.

1:1 Coaching Built for Your AI Career Goals.

The AI Career Accelerator

Instead of spending a year on academic content designed for university credit, work with someone who focuses exclusively on getting you hired. Every session targets your specific gaps. Every project builds your portfolio. Every week moves you closer to landing the role you want.

1

Career-Focused Assessment

We identify what hiring managers want

2

Practical Skill Building

Build applications, not academic papers

3

Job Search Strategy

Portfolio, resume, and interview coaching

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

Stop Trading Months for Certificates That Do Not Get You Hired.

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 are the main drawbacks of edX AI courses?

edX courses are built by universities for academic credit, not career transitions. Three key issues: 1) Duration. MicroMasters programs run 6-18 months, often requiring 10-15 hours weekly. 2) Academic focus. You learn theory, research methodology, and concepts designed for PhD tracks rather than production AI roles. 3) No career support. The programs end when you finish coursework. There is no interview preparation, portfolio review, or job search guidance.

How long does coaching take compared to edX programs?

edX MicroMasters and professional certificates typically require 6-18 months at 10-15 hours per week. That is 300-1000+ hours of content. Focused 1:1 coaching for experienced developers can deliver job-ready skills in 8-16 weeks because we skip what you already know, focus on practical applications, and target exactly what hiring managers evaluate. You spend less time on theory and more time building skills that show up in interviews.

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.

Do employers care about edX MicroMasters credentials?

MicroMasters credentials carry some academic weight but limited practical value in hiring decisions. Most AI hiring managers prioritize demonstrated skills through portfolio projects, technical interviews, and relevant experience over university-affiliated certificates. They want to see that you can build AI applications, not that you completed coursework. A strong portfolio project often matters more than a MicroMasters from a prestigious university.

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