Breaking into the AI Industry If You're an Outsider

Some of my contacts and friends have been unemployed for 6 months, some for 9 months, and some are approaching 2 years.

Tech layoffs are at a two-decade high, and it's tough out there. Those with AI experience, skills, and the right network in AI will likely have more career success than those that do not.

But don't fret; if you're looking to make your mark in the AI industry from the outside, there are ways to dive in:

• Networking is everything. IRL matters. I’m all about attending AI events to stay up to speed. I attend three AI events weekly. If you can swing it, the SF Bay Area is a goldmine for AI gatherings, with 140 events in February alone, see AI event calendar in the bay area from Cerebral Valley. Can't get there? Virtual events are a decent plan B, but IRL matters most.

• Level up with learning. There’s a bunch of free AI courses from Google Cloud for developers and LinkedIn Learning on AI, plus advanced programs at elite schools like Stanford, MIT, or Wharton. These can really help you stand out, I took a Stanford continuing education course on AI, there’s many offered.

• Show off your smarts online. Keep your professional profiles sharp with the latest from your industry adventures. Dabble with AI tools, then share your takeaways everywhere you can. In Spring 2023, when GenAi was exploding as a new phenom, I’d try a new tool, then write about my experience and insights on social channels. On Linkedin, my former Forrester colleague Natalie Lambert is doing a fantastic job at AI reviews, videos, and more.

• Build your network before you need it. It's a give and take. If you only pop up when you need a favor, folks are less likely to lend a hand. A strong network is crucial, especially when traditional job applications are hitting a success rate of just 0.0001%. Warning: I was a bit brutal about this topic on Linkedin.

• Use AI to get your next job. The smart move? Getting ahead with AI agents to find your next gig. Keeping up with AI trends and education is key, for example my friend Greg Gunn is building Commit, which helps developers use agents to get jobs for them. Hey, recruiters use AI to screen applicants —applicants should fight AI fire with AI fire.

Insider knowledge: So you’re moonlighting in AI? I’m in a unique situation that I know the AI projects that people are building before they launch, how? I run the Llama Lounge AI startup event series, and read thousands of submissions of founders. I know many are building their AI projects while working full-time at another company*. Just a headsup: Savvy VCs will ask if the founders truly own all their IP, and usually require the founders to be full-time on the project. (*Mindset today: big companies aren’t loyal to employees, so why should employees be loyal back?)

I’ve been vulnerable too. In the past, I’ve been laid off, and it sucks; but within 24 hours, I made a fierce commitment to hard pivot into the next tech trend. In stoicism, we call this Amor Fati: to love your fate, there’s always an upside, it’s right in front of you, reveal it.

In summary: Hit up AI events regularly and consider a trip to AI hotspots like the Bay Area. Enroll in AI courses to sharpen your skills. Keep your online presence active and insightful. Build and maintain your network generously and consistently. Embrace AI tools and trends to stay ahead in your job search.

Wishing you the best, Jeremiah Owyang (for more, I’m on TwitterX and Linkedin). Originally written by Jeremiah, copy edited by GPT4, retaining my voice.