So You Want a Career in Applied AI

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The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of their employer.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming organizations across every industry, whether it’s enhancing customer experiences, automating operations, or driving strategic decisions. If your goal is a career in applied AI—helping businesses harness its capabilities to solve real-world problems—then you’re choosing an exciting and impactful path.

But where do you begin? The key lies in understanding the top influencers shaping the field, connecting with their networks, and doing work that resonates with the broader AI ecosystem.

Looking at the Primary Influencers

While you may never have a direct conversation with the biggest names in AI, understanding their work will show you where the industry is headed. These visionaries are setting the pace and defining how AI will transform businesses in the years ahead.

Take Satya Nadella, for instance. As Microsoft’s CEO, he has turned Microsoft into an AI leader, seamlessly embedding tools like Copilot and Azure AI into the enterprise world. Under his leadership, AI isn’t just about flashy technology; it’s about giving businesses tools to work smarter and achieve more.

Then there’s Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI. OpenAI’s generative models, like GPT-4, are powering countless business applications. From automation to content creation, Altman’s work is redefining how AI is integrated into workflows. Understanding innovations like OpenAI’s models will help you identify where these technologies fit within an organization.

Andrew Ng, the founder of DeepLearning.AI and Landing AI, is another name to know. Ng is laser-focused on making AI practical, particularly for traditional industries like manufacturing. His work highlights how step-by-step implementation—not grand, abstract promises—is the key to delivering measurable AI outcomes.

Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, is similarly driving AI into the heart of enterprise tools. Platforms like Google Cloud AI and models like Gemini enable businesses to innovate and scale in powerful ways. Pichai’s vision underscores how AI can unlock new possibilities, whether through enhanced data insights or operational efficiencies.

Fei-Fei Li, the renowned AI researcher and co-director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute. Li advocates for AI that is collaborative and ethical, solving real-world problems without sacrificing trust or usability. Her focus reminds us that AI is more than a tool—it’s a partner in human progress.

Engage with Their Networks

While the top AI leaders may seem out of reach, their work is brought to life by the people in their networks—their teams, collaborators, and alumni. These secondary and tertiary members are deeply involved in driving AI forward and are far more accessible.

For example, behind every AI product launch or research breakthrough is a team of VPs, product leaders, and engineers. If Satya Nadella announces a new AI feature, the contributors are often named in the blog post or press release. These are the people leading critical initiatives, and they are approachable on platforms like LinkedIn.

Startups are another gateway into these networks. Many AI leaders invest in or collaborate with emerging companies tackling niche challenges. OpenAI alumni, for instance, often launch startups that bring generative AI into areas like healthcare, finance, or operations. Platforms like Crunchbase or AngelList can help you identify these startups, their founders, and their AI leads.

You can also meet these network members at AI conferences and events. Look for sessions at places like Microsoft Build, Google Cloud Next, or research gatherings like NeurIPS and ICML. Pay attention to the speakers and panelists—they are often the ones driving the next wave of applied AI.

Many organizations have AI evangelists or technical advocates whose job is to bridge innovation and real-world application. These individuals are active online, posting insights, sharing trends, and engaging with the broader community. By following their work and participating in the conversation, you position yourself as someone who belongs in their network.

Demonstrate Value Through Your Work

Building meaningful relationships with AI networks doesn’t happen through cold outreach or surface-level praise. It happens when you demonstrate value—when you contribute thoughtful insights, solve problems, and make yourself useful.

One way to do this is by sharing actionable insights. Talk about how AI solves real-world problems. Break down successful use cases into clear, digestible stories: what was the problem, how did AI solve it, and what were the results? For example, you might write about how Google’s Gemini model improves enterprise data management or share a framework for evaluating AI use cases in large organizations.

Another powerful way to engage is by asking smart questions. If someone from Google’s AI team posts about scaling generative AI, don’t just say, “Great post!” Instead, add value to the conversation: “I’ve seen similar challenges in enterprises. How do you address stakeholder buy-in when scaling these solutions?” This kind of thoughtful engagement positions you as a peer, not just a follower.

You can also create your own content to stand out. Write blog posts, LinkedIn articles, or Twitter threads that simplify complex AI concepts. Use analogies, real-world examples, and lessons from your own experience. Share what you’ve learned—even small wins or observations are valuable. If you amplify others’ ideas and add your perspective, you’ll become known as someone who adds to the conversation rather than taking from it.

Focus on solving problems proactively. AI adoption comes with its challenges—from ROI measurement to ethical considerations. If you identify a common pain point in the AI space, propose ideas or frameworks for addressing it. For instance, “I noticed organizations struggle to measure AI ROI. Here’s a framework I’ve used to help enterprises evaluate impact.” This kind of proactive thinking earns respect and attention.

The Path Forward: Building Relationships Through Value

Pursuing a career in applied AI isn’t about chasing big names or titles. It’s about contributing to the shared mission of solving meaningful organizational problems with AI. By understanding the work of the industry’s top leaders, connecting with their networks, and doing work that adds value, you’ll naturally attract opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow.

Start small. Share a thoughtful post, ask an insightful question, or highlight an emerging trend. Over time, consistency and contribution will make you a trusted voice in the AI space—the kind of professional these networks seek out.