How to Find an AI
Mentor Online
Finding a real AI mentor is harder than it looks. Fake experts, expensive platforms,
and no clear way to evaluate who actually knows their stuff.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
The AI Mentor Search Is a Minefield
You don't know where to look. LinkedIn is full of influencers, not practitioners.
Fake experts everywhere. People with no real AI experience selling courses and coaching.
Platforms charge thousands upfront with no way to verify mentor quality first.
How to Find and Evaluate Real AI Mentors
The AI Career Accelerator
The key is knowing what to look for. Real AI mentors have shipped production systems, can explain complex concepts simply, and have a track record you can verify. Here is how to find them.
Check Their Work
Look for deployed projects, GitHub, and real production experience
Verify Credentials
Technical content, peer recognition, and actual employment history
Start Small
Book a single call before committing to any long program
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.
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.
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.
Bad Mentorship Costs More Than 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find AI mentors online in 2026?
The best places to find real AI mentors: (1) Technical communities like Discord servers for AI frameworks (LangChain, Hugging Face). (2) Open source contributors who actively maintain AI projects. (3) AI engineering podcasts and YouTube channels run by practitioners. (4) Direct outreach to engineers at AI companies via LinkedIn. Avoid: generic mentorship platforms, anyone whose only credential is 'AI influencer.'
How do I spot fake AI experts and mentors?
Red flags to watch for: (1) No public code or deployed projects to review. (2) Credentials are just certifications, not work experience. (3) They sell courses but have never worked at an AI company. (4) They cannot explain technical concepts clearly when asked. (5) Their advice is generic and could apply to any field. Real mentors have work you can see: GitHub, blog posts with code, or products they built.
How much does AI mentorship cost?
AI mentorship ranges widely: (1) Free: open source community contributors, some Discord servers. (2) Low cost ($50-200/session): individual practitioners doing occasional coaching. (3) Medium ($2K-5K total): structured coaching programs over 8-12 weeks. (4) High ($10K+): bootcamps with mentorship components. The best value is usually direct 1:1 coaching from a working AI engineer, not platforms that add overhead.
Can I get free AI mentorship?
Yes, but it requires effort. Ways to get free mentorship: (1) Contribute to open source AI projects and learn from maintainers. (2) Join Discord communities and ask specific, well-researched questions. (3) Attend local AI meetups and build genuine relationships. (4) Create content about your learning journey to attract practitioners. Free mentorship is informal and inconsistent, but it exists for those who add value to communities.
What should I ask a potential AI mentor before hiring them?
Questions to ask: (1) What AI systems have you built in production? (2) Can I see your GitHub or portfolio? (3) What is your day job? (4) How do you stay current with AI developments? (5) What specific outcomes have your mentees achieved? (6) Can I talk to a past mentee? If they cannot answer these clearly, keep looking.
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