From Coding Bootcamp
to AI Engineer

You have the coding fundamentals.
Now add the AI layer that makes you stand out.

Bootcamp Taught You to Code.
But AI Jobs Want More.

Your bootcamp covered web dev basics, but AI roles ask for ML concepts you never learned.

You know JavaScript or Ruby, but AI tutorials assume Python and data science fluency.

You are competing with CS grads for AI jobs without a clear path to bridge the gap.

Your Web Dev Skills Transfer to AI.

The World-Class AI Engineer Cohort

Bootcamp grads understand APIs, databases, and building real applications. Modern AI engineering builds on these exact skills. You do not need a PhD or years of ML study. You need focused guidance on adding the AI layer to what you already know.

1

Learn Python for AI

Build on your coding foundation with Python basics and data handling

2

Master AI Fundamentals

LLM APIs, prompting, embeddings, and vector databases

3

Build AI Projects

Create portfolio projects that show AI skills on top of your web dev experience

Meet Your Mentor

Zen van Riel

My aim has been the same for years: become a world-class AI engineer. Every career move I've made has been measured against that.

I started as a software tester on a $500/month internship in the Netherlands. Taught myself to code, learned to ship real systems, and worked my way to Senior Engineer at GitHub.

Then I left GitHub. I joined an AI research lab as Member of Technical Staff, where I currently build products for secure AI monitoring.

The cohort draws directly from my real experience so you can make progress fast.

I run this special cohort with only a few people because hands-on work with me is what it takes to bring you to become a world-class AI engineer.

Career progression from Intern to Senior Engineer

Real Results

Vittor

Vittor

AI Engineer

Built and deployed his portfolio piece, then landed the AI role

"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.

I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."

What You Will Get

8 Weekly Tuesday Sessions

3 hours each for 24 live hours total.

Project Scoping at Kickoff

We set the scope of what you'll ship and the milestones to get there before the live sessions start.

Code Reviews

Reviews of your code from Zen during the cohort.

Lifetime Demo Access

Every architecture demo is recorded and yours to keep.

Demo Day

You present what you built and get feedback from Zen, with a recording you can use in your portfolio.

12 Months Community Access

Included with the cohort.

Bootcamp Grads Who Add AI Skills Get Hired Faster

8
Weeks
6
Seats per Cohort
24
Live Hours with Zen

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bootcamp grads actually become AI engineers?

Yes. Bootcamp grads have an advantage many overlook. You know how to build real applications, work with APIs, and ship code. These skills matter in AI engineering. The gap is specific and bridgeable: Python proficiency, ML concepts at a practical level, and AI-specific tools like LangChain and vector databases. With the cohort, you can add these skills in weeks rather than months. Companies want engineers who can build AI products, not just understand theory.

How hard is switching from JavaScript or Ruby to Python?

Easier than you expect. Your programming fundamentals transfer directly. Variables, functions, loops, conditionals, and data structures work the same way. Python syntax is actually simpler than JavaScript. Most bootcamp grads pick up Python basics in 2 to 3 weeks. Focus on: Python fundamentals, pandas for data work, and FastAPI for building AI backends. Your web dev experience with async operations and API calls applies directly to working with LLM APIs.

How much time will this take?

You'll spend 3 hours every Tuesday in the live session and roughly 3 hours of async work in between, for 8 weeks. The Tuesday session time is fixed.

I've signed up for cohorts before and dropped out. How is this different?

It probably isn't, and you should hold the money. Most cohort dropouts are people who couldn't articulate what they were shipping when they signed up. That's why the consult exists, and why I turn down most applications. If we get on the call and you can't tell me what you'll have shipped at the end of week 8, I'll point you to the AI Native Engineer community until you can.

I'm not pivoting careers. I want to build a product. Does this still work?

Yes, the cohort works for people shipping their first serious AI system whether the goal is to land a senior role or to launch a product. The shipped system serves both equally well.

Do I need prior AI experience?

You need to be able to code in Python or TypeScript. Complete beginners can follow the classroom they get access to before the cohort sessions to come in well-prepared.

What does it cost?

It's a four-figure investment that we discuss during the 30-minute consult, alongside whether the cohort is the right fit for your project.

Can I do this while working full-time?

Yes, most attendees do. The live session is one Tuesday a week and the async work fits around your existing schedule, as long as you can carve out roughly 6 hours a week.

I accept those who have the highest chance of success.

In the 30-minute call we discuss your goals and whether you are ready for the program.