Leland+ Content Library
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.
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.
Is a U.S. Degree Still Worth It? Hear from Recent F-1 Grads & BigTech Hiring Managers
With a turbulent U.S. political climate, difficult economic conditions, and the rise of global multipolarity, many applicants are asking: Is a U.S. degree still worth it? Recent U.S. visa policy updates have added new layers of complexity to the decision, leaving international students and early-career professionals weighing the risks and rewards of moving to the US more carefully than ever. In this panel moderated by Soundarya (Author of Unshackled, O-1 recipient, Columbia MS'19), you’ll hear from Angela C. (recent O-1 recipient, Stanford MIP '23), David H. (Former Recruiter @ Meta, Intuit & A16Z), and Madhuri M. (recent green card recipient, former Product Hiring Manager @ Adobe) who have hired, coached, and worked with with dozens of international applicants. They’ll share candid perspectives on how U.S. employers view international candidates, what still pays off, what may be shifting, and how to think about long-term career security in light of today’s environment. You’ll leave with a grounded understanding of both the opportunities and the risks of studying in order to work in the U.S., so you can make an informed decision about whether pursuing a U.S. degree aligns with your future goals.
How to Land a Job as an AI/ML Engineer
Breaking into artificial intelligence and machine learning can feel daunting—but with the right approach, you can position yourself for success in one of tech’s fastest-growing fields. In this session, David H. (AI/ML recruiter for Meta & Intuit), Felipe S. (Columbia IT Masters, Expert in Clustering Models & Neural Networks), and Deepa K. (Current Director of AI Solutions, Former Senior ML @ Affinity) will teach you what top employers look for in AI/ML engineering candidates, how to build the right technical and project experience, and how to stand out in a competitive hiring landscape. We’ll cover practical strategies for showcasing your skills, networking effectively, and preparing for technical interviews at leading AI-focused companies. Whether you’re a student exploring your options or a professional pivoting into AI, you’ll walk away with a clear roadmap to land your first—or next—AI/ML engineering role.
AI Week 2025
Staying Competitive as a Product Manager in the AI Era
AI is reshaping what it means to be a strong product manager. In this session, we’ll explore how PM expectations are changing, which skills are becoming table stakes, and where AI fluency actually matters versus where it’s overhyped. You’ll learn how to position your experience, upskill strategically, and stay competitive for PM roles as AI becomes embedded across product teams and workflows.
The $100K H-1B Pathway: Landing Your Role in BigTech
Breaking into Big Tech on an H-1B can feel overwhelming, but the right strategy can dramatically increase your odds. In this session, we’ll break down how candidates successfully land six-figure roles at top tech companies while navigating visa considerations, recruiting timelines, and employer sponsorship realities. You’ll learn how to position your skills for high-impact roles, target companies and teams that regularly sponsor, and avoid common mistakes that limit international candidates’ opportunities. Whether you’re early in your search or actively recruiting, this session will give you a clearer roadmap to securing a Big Tech role that supports long-term career growth in the U.S.
The AI Career Edge: Positioning Yourself for the Future of Work
AI is reshaping how companies hire, what skills matter, and how careers evolve. The candidates who stand out aren’t just using AI tools—they know how to position themselves strategically for a rapidly changing job market. In The AI Career Edge: Positioning Yourself for the Future of Work, you’ll hear from experienced coaches who regularly work 1:1 with candidates navigating career transitions in an AI-driven landscape. This panel offers rare access to the same frameworks used in coaching sessions to help professionals adapt, stay competitive, and communicate their value effectively.
