Leland+ Content Library
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.
Navigating AI Salary Data & Market Trends
Walkthrough of key salary datasets and trends, explaining what drives compensation differences and how candidates can evaluate offers and align career goals with compensation realities.
Understanding AI Compensation Data 2025
Provides updated, accurate AI salary ranges across roles such as AI researcher, MLE, and FDE, based on Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and recent industry reports including the NYT's superstar compensation story. Includes assignment to benchmark target roles against market pay.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Example Market Deep Dive: Next Gen Foods
Explore the booming Next Gen Foods market, from plant-based to cell-based meats, and uncover investment opportunities shaping the future of food.
