Leland+ for AI Careers

How to get into the top AI and Web3 companies

Are you eager to break into the dynamic worlds of AI and Web3 but unsure where to start? Join me, David, for an insightful session on how to land a role at top AI and Web3 companies. With my background as a former Recruiting Director at Andreessen Horowitz and experience recruiting for tech giants like Meta, Intuit, and Zoom, I have the insider knowledge to help you succeed. ​In this event, we'll cover essential topics such as skill-building, AI strategy, resume reviews, salary negotiation, and behavioral interview preparation. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make a career shift, this session will equip you with the tools and strategies you need to stand out in these competitive fields.

The New Frontier: Landing a Job in AI

​Artificial intelligence is reshaping every industry—and the demand for skilled professionals is skyrocketing. In this panel, Nitin A. (Senior Director of AI @ Microsoft), David H. (Former Talent @ Meta, Intuit, a16z), and Andrew Q. (Former Head of AI @ Spotify) will share how to break into the fast-growing AI field, even if you don’t have a traditional technical background. You’ll learn what hiring managers are looking for, how to position your experience, and where the biggest opportunities are emerging.

Navigating an AI Career: from Google to Microsoft to AI startups

Curious what it’s really like to build a career in AI—and how to stand out in one of tech’s fastest-growing fields? In this session, Michael A., who previously worked at McKinsey, Google, and Microsoft, and who now works with AI startups, will share insights from his own journey across big tech and emerging companies. You’ll learn how to identify the right roles in AI, what skills and experiences matter most to hiring teams, and how to position yourself for long-term success in this evolving space.

Forward-Deployed Engineers & AI Services-Led Growth

Explores the FDE role in detail: client-facing integration, technical implementation, rapid prototyping, and serving as a bridge between engineering and GTM, supported by insights from a16z and industry examples. Assignment encourages role research and personal reflection.

Inside the Forward-Deployed Engineer Role

Interactive session dissecting the FDE role with real-world examples, skill mapping, and discussion on how FDEs accelerate AI adoption in enterprise environments.

Building Your AI Portfolio & Outside-In Projects

Detailed strategies for engineers, designers, marketers, and data scientists to craft projects showing value aligned with target companies. Includes best practices for packaging and sharing work and an action-oriented assignment.

Creating Impactful Pre-Job Projects

Walkthrough of building and presenting portfolio pieces that resonate with AI employers, featuring tips on storytelling, technical demonstration, and networking through project sharing.

AI Job Market Noise, Networking Strategies & Referrals

Examines challenges posed by imprecise AI job listings and teaches targeted networking practices, referral system insights, and rapport-building with insiders, plus an assignment to initiate connections and refine messaging.

Mastering AI Networking & Referrals

Guide to building meaningful relationships in the AI ecosystem, overcoming hiring noise, and securing referrals through thoughtful engagement and value-add interactions.

October Series Session 7: Negotiating Confidently

This session teaches you to treat salary negotiation as a normal business conversation about your value.

Finally Use AI for Something Useful: Build AI Literacy That Moves Your Career Forward

AI is everywhere—but understanding how to use it effectively for your career can feel overwhelming. In this session, AI expert Matthew W. (Stanford, Meta) will guide you through practical ways to build AI literacy and leverage AI tools to enhance your work, decision-making, and professional growth. ​You’ll learn how to identify meaningful applications of AI in your role, avoid common pitfalls, and use AI strategically to save time, boost productivity, and strengthen your skillset. By the end, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to move your career forward with confidence in an AI-driven world.

How to Land a Job as an AI Product Manager

AI product management is one of the most exciting and fast-evolving roles in tech—but it can also be one of the hardest to break into. In this panel, Jeff N. (Principal PM @ Amazon), Nina O. (Former Lead PM @ Google), and Sonya K. (Former PM @ Microsoft) will share what it takes to land a PM role in the age of artificial intelligence, from building technical fluency to showcasing strategic thinking and cross-functional leadership. ​You’ll learn how top candidates position themselves for success, what hiring managers at companies like Meta, Google, and OpenAI are looking for, and how to stand out even without a traditional AI or engineering background. Whether you’re an aspiring PM or looking to transition into AI-focused products, this session will give you actionable insights and a clear roadmap to your next big opportunity.

AI-Powered Lead Gen: More Leads, Less Work

Tired of spending hours prospecting, researching, and qualifying leads manually? In this session, Robin V., a Leland coach and AI automation expert, will show you how to harness AI to streamline your lead generation process and scale your outreach effortlessly. ​You’ll discover practical tools and tactics for finding high-quality leads, personalizing outreach at scale, and automating key parts of your sales funnel—without sacrificing authenticity or results. Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or sales professional, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to generate more leads in less time using AI.

AI Week Kickoff: AI’s Impact on Jobs, Business, and Daily Life

Join us as we kick off AI Week with an incredible panel exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the ways we live and work. This session, AI’s Impact on Jobs, Business, and Daily Life, brings together leading voices at the intersection of technology, work, and innovation — Andrew Q. (former Head of AI at Spotify, early OpenAI Engineer), Andrew S. (Editor at Large for Jobs & Career Development at LinkedIn News, Host of the Get Hired podcast), and Solomon C. (AI and Automation Expert). Together, they’ll unpack how AI is transforming industries, redefining roles, and creating new opportunities for both individuals and organizations. ​The kickoff is just the start. Throughout AI Week (Nov 10–13), we’ll dive deeper into the most important ways AI is shaping our world — from practical sessions on AI upskilling and using AI to grow your business, to insights on building a career in the age of AI. Whether you’re a professional, student, or business owner, you’ll leave equipped with the tools, strategies, and inspiration to thrive in the AI era.

Walk through of AI Company Landscape with Live Examples

In this live guided walkthrough, we'll walk through Bessemer's AI market map to understand the entire landscape of how these AI companies operate together, and talk about different considerations in taking jobs in different parts of the AI stack.

Introduction to Roles in AI — How It Differs from Traditional Tech

This reading introduces you to key roles like research engineer, forward deployed engineers, and different GTM jobs at AI companies. It includes an assignment designed to teach you how to better understand these roles.

Walk through to Roles in AI — How It Differs from Traditional Tech

This guided session introduces you to key roles like research engineer, forward deployed engineers, and different GTM jobs at AI companies and how to think about them.

Introduction to the AI Company Landscape & Assignment

This will introduce the AI jobs landscape and also share reading to help you dive deeper to understand the entire AI market. There is an assignment to research three companies of interest to better understand what companies in this space do.