What Skills Do
AI Engineers Need?
The essential skills: Python, prompt engineering, vector databases, API integration, and deployment basics.
But knowing what to learn and in what order makes all the difference.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
You Know You Need New Skills.
But Which Ones Actually Matter?
There are hundreds of AI courses, frameworks, and tools. Every week something new launches. You have no idea what to prioritize.
You've spent months learning skills that turned out to be irrelevant. Wasted time on theory when companies want practical implementation.
You learn in isolation without knowing if your skill level is actually job-ready. No feedback loop to guide your progress.
Here's the Prioritized Skill Stack for 2026
The AI Career Accelerator
I've hired AI engineers and reviewed hundreds of portfolios. Here's what actually gets people hired, not what looks impressive on paper.
Assess Your Starting Point
Identify gaps based on your background and target roles
Build Core Skills First
Python, prompt engineering, RAG systems in the right order
Prove Skills Through Projects
Production-ready work that demonstrates real competence
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.
The AI Skill Gap Is Closing. Early Movers Have the Advantage.
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
What are the core technical skills for AI engineering?
The foundation: Python proficiency (not expert level, but solid), understanding of APIs and how to integrate them, prompt engineering for LLMs, vector databases for RAG systems, and basic deployment (Docker, cloud basics). You don't need to master everything. Focus on building working systems that combine these skills.
How much Python do I need to know for AI engineering?
Intermediate Python is enough. You need: functions, classes, working with JSON and APIs, package management, basic async programming. You don't need to be a Python expert. Most AI engineering work is integration and orchestration, not writing complex algorithms from scratch.
Do I need advanced math skills for AI engineering?
No. Traditional ML roles required heavy math. Modern AI engineering focuses on using existing models and building systems around them. Understanding concepts like embeddings and similarity is helpful, but you don't need calculus or linear algebra expertise. Implementation skills matter more than theoretical knowledge.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What soft skills do AI engineers need?
Problem decomposition: breaking complex tasks into solvable pieces. Communication: explaining AI concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Rapid learning: the field changes fast, you need to stay current. These skills often separate senior engineers from juniors.
Are certifications worth it for AI engineering?
Certifications have limited value. A portfolio of working projects demonstrates skills better than any certificate. Focus your time on building things, not collecting credentials. If you must get certified, cloud certifications (AWS, GCP) have some practical value.
Ready to Land Your AI Role?
Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.
30-minute strategy call • Limited spots available