I asked 4 people how to break into AI, from a Microsoft PM to a Meta senior director. They shared the same, simple piece of advice.

As the AI landscape rapidly evolves, many are eager to carve out their niche in this dynamic field. Recent discussions with industry professionals reveal a common theme: gaining hands-on experience is crucial for anyone looking to break into AI. Patrick Leung, who began his journey at Google in 2007, shared his transformative experience working on Google Duplex, an AI-driven calling assistant. Initially captivated by a demo of the technology, Leung joined the Duplex team in 2017. Although familiar with AI concepts, he had to adapt quickly to hands-on model building. By engaging deeply with his colleagues and their expertise, he honed his skills, witnessing the public launch of Duplex in 2018. Leung emphasizes that the entry barrier into AI is at an all-time low and encourages aspiring professionals to apply AI tools to real-world problems. Sophia Sun took a proactive approach by pitching an AI project at Kajabi, where she worked as a senior product manager. Her innovative tool aimed to assist content creators with marketing tasks, demonstrating her ability to tackle real user challenges. Sun's dedication to seeing the project through to its March 2024 launch not only enriched her experience but also played a pivotal role in her subsequent hiring at Microsoft as a senior AI product manager. She advises that while academic achievements matter, showcasing tangible product development is vital. Another success story comes from Mostofa Adib Shakib, who recognized the potential of AI with the launch of ChatGPT in 2022. Transitioning from traditional software engineering, he invested time in self-education through various resources and built projects, including a tool for optimizing résumés. By February 2025, he secured a lucrative AI contractor position, earning $6,400 weekly. Shakib's strategy involves prioritizing skill development over traditional employment, allowing him the flexibility to focus on AI. Devi Parikh, a senior director of GenAI at Meta and co-founder of Yutori, stresses that a Ph.D. is not a prerequisite for entering the AI field. Instead, she values practical experience, such as model training and participation in open-source projects. Parikh attributes her success to initiating various projects, including a YouTube series during the pandemic that increased her visibility within the AI community. These insights paint a clear picture: engaging directly with AI technology through projects, whether in professional or personal time, is essential for those aspiring to thrive in this innovative sector. Each expert's journey reinforces the importance of real-world experience in navigating the AI landscape.