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 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.

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 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.

How to transition from college to corporate [8/26/2026] (Recording)

Are you a recent graduate or soon-to-be graduate looking to make a seamless transition from college to a corporate career in AI? Join me, David, for an insightful session on how to navigate this pivotal phase of your career journey. With extensive experience in talent acquisition at top companies like Meta, Intuit, and Andreessen Horowitz, I have a deep understanding of what it takes to stand out in the competitive AI job market. In this event, we'll cover essential topics such as networking strategies, skill-building, and interview preparation to equip you with the tools you need to succeed. Whether you're aiming to land your first job or looking to enhance your career prospects, this session will provide valuable insights and actionable advice. Spaces are limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot today. I look forward to helping you kickstart your corporate career in AI!

Networking vs Community- How I got into a16z and others [7/17/2026] (Recording)

Are you looking to break into the AI industry but unsure how to to build a community? Join me, David, for an insightful session on "Networking vs Community" where we'll explore effective job search strategies and networking techniques tailored for AI careers. With experience in talent acquisition at top companies like Meta, Intuit, and Andreessen Horowitz, I have a deep understanding of what it takes to stand out in the competitive AI job market. My background in people analytics from The Wharton School and my ongoing studies in coaching further enhance my ability to guide you through this journey. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to leverage both networking and community-building to advance your AI career. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot today!

The AI Gap Audit [7/15/2026] (Recording)

Are you ready to bridge the gap and break into the world of AI careers? Join "The AI Gap Audit" event to gain insights into the fundamentals of AI, job search strategies, and effective networking techniques tailored for the AI industry. I'm David, your guide for this session. With extensive experience in talent acquisition at top companies like Meta, Intuit, and Andreessen Horowitz, I have a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in AI careers. My background in people analytics from The Wharton School and my ongoing studies in coaching further enhance my ability to support your journey. This event is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their AI career prospects. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot today!

30-60-90 guide for a new job [8/27/2026] (Recording)

Are you stepping into a new role in venture capital and want to make a strong impact from day one? Join me, David, for an insightful session on crafting a 30-60-90 day plan tailored for your new job. With my extensive experience in talent acquisition and strategy development at top firms like Andreessen Horowitz and Meta, I will guide you through essential skill-building and strategic planning to ensure your success in this dynamic field. This event is perfect for anyone looking to excel in their new venture capital role by developing a clear roadmap for their first three months. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot today!

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.

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.

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.

Do not let AI scare you I can help! [7/10/2026] (Recording)

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the rapid advancements in AI and its impact on product development? Fear not! Join me, David, for an insightful session where we'll demystify AI and explore how it can be a powerful ally in your career and business growth. With a rich background in talent acquisition and AI recruitment at top companies like Meta, Intuit, and Andreessen Horowitz, I bring a wealth of experience in navigating the AI landscape. My work at Hollestelle Holdings has equipped me with the skills to craft holistic business growth strategies, ensuring you can harness AI's potential effectively. In this event, we'll cover AI automation, AI agents, and quality assurance, providing you with the tools and confidence to leverage AI in your projects. Whether you're interested in AI careers, content creation, or organizational productivity, this session is tailored for you. Spaces are limited, so don't miss out on this opportunity to conquer your AI fears and register now!

Stop Competing With Everyone Else. Start Mastering Your Own Mind [6/24/2026] (Recording)

Unlock the power of your mind and elevate your leadership skills in our upcoming event, "Stop Competing With Everyone Else. Start Mastering Your Own Mind." Join David, an experienced talent acquisition expert and strategist, as he guides you through the essential skills of decision-making, strategy, leadership development, and communication. With a rich background that includes roles at Meta, Intuit, and Andreessen Horowitz, David brings a wealth of knowledge in fostering growth and innovation. He is currently enhancing his expertise with a Masters in coaching from the University of Texas at Dallas and holds a certificate in People Analytics from The Wharton School. This session is designed for executives and leaders eager to refine their strategic thinking and communication prowess. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach to leadership. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot!

The Freedom of Failure [7/28/2026] (Recording)

Join us for "The Freedom of Failure," an insightful session designed to empower executives and leaders in embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. Led by David, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in talent acquisition and strategic planning, this event will delve into the critical aspects of decision-making, strategic planning, and team management, with a special focus on AI strategy. David's impressive background includes roles at top companies like Meta, Intuit, and Andreessen Horowitz, where he has honed his skills in recruiting and business growth strategies. With a certificate in People Analytics from The Wharton School and ongoing studies in coaching at the University of Texas at Dallas, David brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the table. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to turn setbacks into strategic advantages and lead your team with confidence. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot today!

Using AI in Your Job Search: What Works, What Backfires [7/28/2026] (Recording)

Using AI in your job search can save time and uncover new opportunities, but it can also hurt your chances when it leads to generic applications or over-automated outreach. This session is designed for job seekers who want to use AI strategically while still standing out as thoughtful, credible candidates. You’ll learn where AI can meaningfully improve your resume, networking, and interview preparation, which common uses tend to backfire, and how to balance efficiency with authenticity throughout the hiring process. Attending live gives you the opportunity to ask questions about your own job search and get real-time guidance on how to use AI more effectively. The speaker works closely with candidates navigating competitive hiring processes and will share the patterns they see across successful job seekers, along with where AI adds value versus where it can create unintended risks. If you want a practical framework for using AI without undermining your candidacy, it’s worth joining live.