Breaking Into AI: Insights from Tech Leaders

In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, many individuals in the tech sector are shifting their focus to enter this exciting field. By the year 2025, a Business Insider correspondent, Charissa Cheong, sought advice from four industry professionals about their journey into AI careers. Their guidance converged on one fundamental tip: immerse yourself in hands-on experiences.

Valuable Advice from a Former Google Professional

Patrick Leung, who embarked on his tech journey with Google in 2007, recalled an impactful moment when he encountered an AI-powered voice assistant, which would later be known as Google Duplex. Intrigued by its realistic interaction, Leung joined the Duplex initiative in 2017 and reinforced his skills in AI through on-the-job learning and discussions with knowledgeable colleagues.

Leung stressed that the barriers to entering AI are diminishing. He emphasized the importance of employing AI, such as large language models (LLMs), in solving genuine business challenges. He illustrated how even those without coding expertise can enhance job performance using AI tools, and advised individuals to leverage spare time to develop AI competencies and include them in their résumé.

Microsoft's Sophia Sun: A Case Study in Practical AI Experience

Sophia Sun, a product manager at Microsoft, exemplified the application of practical AI knowledge by initiating a project to incorporate AI into Kajabi's services. Her vision was to assist content creators in crafting marketing materials. Through collaboration in 2023, Sun launched an AI-integrated tool by 2024, expanding her skill set significantly.

Sun advises finding a specific user issue that AI can address and crafting a minimal viable solution. Demonstrating the ability to build functional AI products can be more impactful than academic credentials alone, as seen by her subsequent role at Microsoft.

Gaining AI Expertise Beyond Traditional Employment

Mostofa Adib Shakib, originally a software engineer with Snap Inc., embraced AI developments introduced by OpenAI. Realizing the potential shift AI could bring, Shakib nurtured his AI expertise by studying independently and creating tools like a résumé enhancer for professionals in Bangladesh.

Shakib transitioned to a lucrative AI contracting position by 2025, earning significantly more than traditional roles would. He recommends that others open themselves to ongoing learning and skill enhancement in AI to remain competitive.

Meta’s Former Director’s Take on Entrepreneurial Pursuits in AI

Devi Parikh, once a senior director at Meta, underscores that a Ph.D. isn't requisite for venturing into AI. As a leader of the AI firm Yutori, she values hands-on AI experience over formal education when hiring. Parikh highlights the benefits of starting personal AI projects, which can provide important visibility and career growth opportunities.

For instance, Parikh enhanced her professional reputation during the COVID-19 pandemic by launching a YouTube interview series with AI researchers, thereby gaining more recognition than her research alone might have garnered.