You’ve been laid off in the AI industry. How can you keep your career moving forward?

Identify what are the areas which are growing in AI. Prepare yourself by taking courses to upskill in that particular area. Be humble and accept good advice from peers and mentors to do the career shift well.

AI allows you to work from anywhere in the world so keep your options open when it comes to where you live. Remember: sacrificing one year of your life by living somewhere cheaper might help you buy that house or make an investment that will help you longterm.

Take some time to reflect on your career goals, strengths, and areas for improvement. Consider what you have learned from your previous role and how you can apply that to future opportunities. This self-assessment will help you understand where you stand and where you want to go.

Being laid off in the AI industry can be challenging, but it also offers an opportunity for growth and new directions. Here's how you can keep your career moving forward: 1. Reflect and Reassess Take time to reflect on your career goals and aspirations. Consider what you truly enjoy about your work in AI and any new paths you might want to explore. 2. Update Your Resume and Online Profiles Refresh your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your latest skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Tailor your resume to the AI industry, emphasizing relevant projects and achievements. 3. Continue Learning The AI field evolves rapidly. Stay current by enrolling in online courses, attending webinars, and reading the latest research.

Introspection is sometimes the most challenging part of this situation. Analyzing the situation rationally, accepting the fact that you are in it, and that the next step is only forward no matter what the odds - it can take time. So, don't rush it! While you plan for your financial, mental, and physical stability during this time, consider this as an opportunity to learn something new, try out a different path, take bold decisions, and choose who you want to be 1-2 year down the line. With generative AI levelling the playing field for many roles, industries, skills, everyone becomes your competition as well as collaboration partner - you choose who you want to be. Move forward and upward! You have done it before, you can do it again :)

There are so many highly reputable universities and companies that offer free or low priced courses right now. They even offer certificates which will be a great credential for you to have to stand out in the marketplace

The AI industry is constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay abreast of the latest developments. Consider enrolling in online courses, attending workshops, or obtaining certifications to enhance your skills. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of AI-related courses that could help you stay competitive in the field.

Once, I focused on mastering a new programming language that was gaining traction in the AI field. I dedicated a few hours each day to online courses and practice projects. Not only did this improve my skillset, but it also led to a portfolio project that caught the eye of my current employer during an interview. Additionally, I joined several online AI communities where I could ask questions, share my progress, and get feedback. This network became invaluable for learning and job opportunities.

To effectively update your skills in the AI field, start by identifying key areas with high demand and aligning them with your interests. Leverage online platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udacity for up-to-date courses on AI, machine learning, and data science. Participate in Kaggle competitions to apply your skills in real-world scenarios. Attend webinars and workshops for the latest industry insights. Engage in open-source projects to gain practical experience. Networking with professionals and mentors in the field can also provide guidance and uncover opportunities for growth and learning.

I went back and got my Master's in Data Science at the University of Michigan (MADS). I had a lot of experience with advanced data science, particularly in deep learning, but I did not have as much experience with the fundamentals. So I spent more effort in early classes. When I got to advanced classes, I felt comfortable and flew through them. I do believe the master's degree makes a big difference, in filling in gaps and helping in job hunting. If you don't have time to go to school, map out where your knowledge gaps are and fill them! It is great if it helps you get the next job, but do it for yourself too! Being better at what you do gives you higher job satisfaction, which translates to a happier you!

According to my experience, leveraging LinkedIn proved incredibly effective for networking. I updated my profile to highlight my latest AI skills and projects, then actively engaged with content related to my field by commenting and sharing insights. I also reached out to professionals I admired, asking for brief virtual coffee chats to learn from their experiences. These conversations not only broadened my understanding of the AI landscape but also led to referrals for job opportunities that weren't publicly listed.

Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the AI industry. Join AI groups and communities to engage in discussions, share insights, and learn about potential opportunities. Networking can open doors to new connections, mentorship, and potential job leads.

To network effectively, start by engaging with your existing contacts in the AI field, including former colleagues and classmates. Utilize LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions to increase your visibility. Attend industry conferences, workshops, and webinars, both virtual and in-person, to meet peers and leaders. Offer value through sharing insights, collaborating on projects, or providing feedback. Remember, effective networking is a two-way street; focus on building genuine relationships rather than seeking immediate benefits.

Keep an eye out for new opportunities in the AI industry. Cisco sponsors collaborative articles related to AI, and this could be a great opportunity to contribute and showcase your expertise. Additionally, consider reaching out to AI companies directly, attending industry events, and subscribing to job boards to stay updated on available positions.

Once, to find new opportunities, I diversified my job search strategy beyond mainstream job boards. I focused on AI-specific platforms like Kaggle, where I engaged in competitions to showcase my skills. This not only improved my expertise but also caught the attention of employers looking for talent with practical experience. Additionally, I directly reached out to startups in the AI space via email, expressing my interest and detailing how my skills could address their challenges. This proactive approach led to several interviews and eventually, a job offer.

To find new opportunities in the AI field, start by refining your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences. Use job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and niche sites like AngelList for startups, and AI-specific job portals. Set up job alerts based on your skills and areas of interest. Leverage your network by informing contacts you’re looking for opportunities and asking for referrals. Participate in community events, hackathons, and conferences to meet potential employers. Consider freelancing or consulting to build experience and connections while searching.

Embrace AI tools for interview preparation, optimizing resume, refining answers, and analyzing performance trends. Once done that, in the interview you can share your story demonstrating AI competence to showcase expertise and potential for innovation. Gathering performance data during interviews is challenging, but strategies like note-taking, seeking feedback, self-assessment, video recording, and peer feedback can provide valuable insights for improving interview skills. These methods help refine responses, body language, and overall presentation, enhancing preparation for future interviews.

According to my experience, preparing for AI job interviews involves brushing up on both technical skills and understanding current trends in AI. I spent time reviewing the latest research papers and projects in my field to discuss cutting-edge developments during interviews. I also practiced explaining complex AI concepts in simple terms, which helped demonstrate my communication skills and ability to fit into diverse teams. Additionally, I prepared a set of questions about the company's AI strategies and challenges, showing my genuine interest and proactive thinking.

To excel in interviews, start with thorough research on the company and its products, focusing on how AI plays a role in their success. Understand the job description deeply and align your experience with their needs. Practice common AI-related questions and STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses for behavioral questions. Brush up on technical skills with coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. Mock interviews with friends or mentors in the AI field can provide valuable feedback. Lastly, prepare thoughtful questions to demonstrate your interest and insights into the role.

I had no luck applying for jobs directly. I have a consulting background, which I think prepared me to be successful more than anything else I could have done. But unfortunately, I don't think I fit the mold for AI filters. Yes, I do recognize the irony, AI, my field of choice, was actually what was creating a major barrier to me finding employment in it! But as soon as I put a lot of focus on improving my LinkedIn profile, particularly in the areas I hadn't put much effort into before, the licenses and certifications, the projects, and listing the skills alongside all of the other features, I had a much higher influx of high-quality leads from recruiters for jobs I fit well.

From my experience, it's crucial to maintain mental and physical well-being during the job search. I found it helpful to structure my days as if I were working, allocating specific times for job searching, learning, and also for exercise and relaxation. This routine not only kept me motivated but also ensured I was at my best during interviews. Remember, resilience in the face of rejection is key; each 'no' brings you closer to the 'yes' that matters.