How Do I Find an AI Mentor?
The Right Guide Changes Everything.

The best AI mentors are usually found through: 1) Professional networks (LinkedIn connections who work at AI companies), 2) Open source communities (contributors to major ML/AI projects), 3) Industry conferences and meetups (NeurIPS, local AI groups), 4) Specialized coaching platforms with vetted practitioners. Avoid random social media 'gurus' promising quick results. The best mentors often don't advertise heavily because they're busy doing actual AI work.

Look for: 1) Verifiable production experience (have they shipped AI systems at real companies?), 2) Relevant specialization (ML engineering, LLM applications, computer vision - match to your goals), 3) Teaching ability (technical skill doesn't equal teaching skill), 4) Clear communication about what they can and can't help with. Red flags: vague credentials, promises of guaranteed outcomes, pressure to sign up immediately, no portfolio of real work.

AI mentorship ranges widely: 1) Free mentorship (rare, usually through employer programs or community connections), 2) Peer mentoring/communities ($0-$100/month), 3) Group coaching programs ($500-$2,000), 4) 1:1 coaching with experienced practitioners ($2,000-$8,000 for multi-month programs). The ROI matters more than the price. A $3K investment that accelerates your job search by 3 months pays for itself many times over in salary.

Watch for these red flags: 1) No verifiable work history or LinkedIn presence, 2) Claims of 'secret methods' or guaranteed job placement, 3) High-pressure sales tactics or artificial urgency, 4) No clear structure or curriculum, 5) Testimonials that seem fake or come only from their own platforms. Always ask for a discovery call, references from past clients, and specifics about their professional background. Legitimate mentors are transparent about their experience and realistic about outcomes.

Courses teach knowledge; mentors accelerate application. If you're just starting out, courses provide foundational knowledge efficiently. But if you're trying to transition careers, break into a specific role, or navigate a complex job search, a mentor provides personalized guidance courses can't match. The best approach for most people: use courses for fundamentals, then work with a mentor for career-specific strategy and accountability.

It depends on your goals: 1) Skill gap assessment: 1-2 sessions, 2) Learning path design: 4-6 weeks, 3) Full career transition: 3-6 months, 4) Ongoing professional development: quarterly check-ins. Most people benefit most from intensive 8-12 week engagements focused on a specific outcome (landing a job, completing a transition, building a portfolio). Avoid open-ended arrangements with no clear milestones.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.