Flatiron AI Bootcamp Alternative:
Personalized. Affordable. Faster.
Skip the $17K tuition and rigid curriculum. Get personalized coaching
that adapts to your skills and lands you AI jobs without the debt.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
Why Flatiron's Model Falls Short
for Experienced Developers.
Tuition runs $12K-$17K upfront, or an ISA that takes 10-17% of your salary for years. That is a heavy burden before you earn a dollar.
Cohort-based schedules force you into a fixed pace. Too slow if you already code, too fast if you need more time on certain topics.
Generic curriculum teaches everyone the same material. Your existing Python or data skills get no credit toward your learning path.
Personalized Coaching Without the Debt.
The AI Career Accelerator
Instead of paying $17K for a one-size-fits-all bootcamp, invest in coaching that assesses your current skills, builds on what you already know, and gets you job-ready faster. No ISA hanging over your head for years.
Skills Assessment
We identify what you know and what gaps to fill
Custom Learning Path
Your background shapes your curriculum
Job-Ready in Weeks
Portfolio and interview prep included
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.
Every Month in a Rigid Program Is Time and Money Wasted
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
Why might Flatiron School not be the best choice for me?
Flatiron is designed for complete career changers with no technical background. If you already have programming experience, you pay full price but spend weeks on fundamentals you know. The cohort model locks you into their schedule, not yours. And the curriculum is standardized, meaning your specific goals and background get no special attention. For developers transitioning to AI, personalized coaching often delivers better results at lower cost.
What are the downsides of Flatiron's ISA agreements?
Income Share Agreements sound appealing because you pay nothing upfront. But you commit to paying 10-17% of your salary for 2-4 years after landing a job. On a $120K salary, that is $12K-$20K per year, potentially $40K-$80K total. If you already have skills that could get you hired faster with targeted coaching, the ISA becomes an expensive tax on your career success. Always calculate the total cost, not just the upfront cost.
What are the best alternatives to Flatiron for AI careers?
For experienced developers: 1) Personalized 1:1 coaching ($3K-$6K, 8-12 weeks, tailored to your gaps), 2) Structured self-study with accountability partner (free to low cost, requires discipline), 3) Part-time online programs from universities if you want credentials. The best choice depends on your existing skills and how much structure you need. Most developers with coding experience find coaching delivers faster results than bootcamps.
How does coaching cost compare to Flatiron?
Flatiron runs $12K-$17K upfront, or potentially $40K-$80K total through ISA payments. Quality AI coaching costs $3K-$6K for a complete program. Even at the high end, you save $6K-$11K compared to Flatiron upfront costs, and avoid years of salary deductions through ISA. The coaching also completes faster because it focuses only on your gaps, not generic curriculum.
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