I landed a full-time job in AI at 21. Here's how I did it, and what I think made me stand out.

At just 21, Hung Nguyen has carved out an impressive career in artificial intelligence, landing a full-time position as a policy analyst with LoanOptions.ai in Australia. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work and self-education. Hung's path began with an internship that set him apart. Unlike traditional roles filled with menial tasks, he was actively involved in significant projects, earning praise from his supervisors for his strong work ethic. His commitment was evident in his punctuality and determination to see projects through to completion, which ultimately led to his full-time offer. Originally from Vietnam, Hung always envisioned studying abroad. The SP Jain School of Global Management, with its campus in Sydney and scholarship opportunities, caught his attention. Excited yet apprehensive, he arrived in Australia in August 2022 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in data science. The transition was challenging; he faced a sharp cultural shift and climate change but adapted quickly, finding work in a restaurant that boosted his confidence and financial independence. During his studies, he immersed himself in data science, which was gaining traction in the tech world. His summer internship at a software development center was pivotal, even if the focus was primarily on foundational skills. It was here that he discovered valuable online resources like Andrew Ng’s machine learning course and Yann LeCun’s deep learning masterclass on YouTube, which he utilized to enhance his knowledge. As he progressed through his program, Hung found himself drawn to algorithms and machine learning. By the time he reached his final year, he was eager to apply for internships. After sending his CV to LoanOptions.ai, he was invited for an interview that focused more on his personality and fit within the company culture rather than technical skills. This approach led to a three-month internship that began in December 2024. Balancing his studies, part-time work as a hotel receptionist, and the internship proved to be a challenge, yet Hung managed to juggle his responsibilities effectively. He dedicated time to understanding the company’s operations and began coding policies into actionable insights. The end of the internship brought uncertainty regarding his future at the company. However, with a proactive approach, he inquired about potential full-time opportunities. In April 2025, just before his graduation, his efforts paid off as he was offered a permanent position, allowing him to continue the work he had started. Hung credits his strong foundation in math and coding as essential to his success in landing an AI role right out of college. He emphasizes that internships are critical; they provide practical experience and insight that can significantly enhance employability in a competitive field like AI.