Overview
Context
Over the past 5 years, AI development has progressed at an exponential rate. We are now on the cusp of a major technological shift with AI poised to automate its own advancement—potentially triggering an intelligence explosion. Some experts suggest we may be moving faster than expected toward Artificial General Intelligence and superintelligence, underscoring the urgency and magnitude of this moment.
AI is performing at a level that places it among the top competitive coders on the planet. On Codeforces—a website that hosts competitive programming contests AKA the Olympics of coding—the current OpenAI model (as of 12/2024) is ranked 175th of coders on the planet.
In a move reflecting broader shifts within the tech industry, Meta is advancing AI capable of writing code with minimal human intervention that can replace mid-level engineers at the company.
All of this has had a tremendous impact. The job market is changing—entry-level engineering positions have dropped by 67% while a majority of engineers now use AI.
But even though employers demand AI expertise, it’s unclear what skills they need. And higher-order skills like problem solving and communication are becoming even more important. We are launching this pilot to test and learn what it takes to get hired and be successful in an AI-future.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/24/business/computer-coding-boot-camps.html
Goals
Future tech and AI jobs
As AI evolves to write code like a mid-level engineer, the role of the human software developer will change. Builders will need to prepare for this future by having more higher-order skills like product knowledge, business acumen, and communications.
Skills and training
How do you navigate uncertainty in this rapidly changing AI world? By focusing on the skills that don’t change:
Higher-order skills: Problem-solving, creativity, adaptability. These will always matter.
Network: Relationships drive outcomes.
Employer embeddedness and partnerships: Deep, ongoing relationships with employers will be critical as job roles evolve.
How you get hired
We’re experimenting with creating new pathways to jobs or ‘leapfrogging’ the traditional hiring process. This includes Fellows becoming AI-native, building AI solutions, and showcasing their skills through ‘Build in Public’ as a direct route to getting hired.
How the pilot works
AI-powered individual learning
Your learning journey will be uniquely shaped by AI learning tools, a contrast to the existing instructor-led, one-size-fits-all training model. Imagine an ever-patient AI instructor who can deliver tailored resources and support.
Self-driven, active learning through building
You'll be encouraged to build your own curriculum and strategies to map to your timeline and understanding. Departing from the lecture-style, passive format of the traditional model, the new approach emphasizes hands-on building and project-based exploration.
Many to many
You’ll be part of a community of over 100 other Builders all working towards the same goal. You’ll be surrounded by others who understand your challenges, share your motivation, and celebrate both wins and failures. While you’ll have individualized learning with your AI tool, the community model offers a unique many to many learning model powered by peer teaching.
Industry network-integrated
The best way to learn and get hired is to fully integrate into the industry. You'll directly connect with professionals, volunteers, and industry experts.
Adaptive approach to feedback
Both Builders and Pursuit as an org can respond swiftly to data-driven recommendations, fine-tuning the strategies on the go. This proactive feedback loop maintains momentum and helps each individual reach their full potential.
Months 1-2: AI Literacy
Becoming AI-native starts with understanding the ecosystem and building the habit of learning with AI. In these first two months, you’ll explore AI fundamentals through hands-on experimentation, self-learning, and peer collaboration. You’ll use AI tools to guide your learning, develop your own approach to working with AI, and start building simple projects. From the start, you’ll be building in public—sharing your work, documenting your progress, and engaging with others to learn faster. This phase is about developing the mindset and skills to continuously adapt in an AI-driven world.
What You Will Achieve:
Build AI literacy by exploring key concepts and experimenting with AI tools
Develop the ability to learn independently using AI as a guide
Start building small AI-powered projects through self-driven work and group learning
Begin building in public to share your progress and connect with others
Gain foundational business and product knowledge to inform your future projects
Months 3-4: AI Build
With a strong foundation, you’ll dive deeper into building AI-powered products. This phase is all about learning by doing—iterating on your own projects, collaborating with peers, and using AI tools to push your skills further. You’ll explore how AI can be applied in real-world contexts, learning not just how to build, but how to build something valuable. Sharing your work publicly remains key—you’ll showcase what you’re building, gather feedback, and refine your ideas in real-time. This will not only accelerate your learning but also help you get noticed by employers and collaborators.
What You Will Achieve:
Develop and refine full-stack projects using AI
Apply business and product thinking to make your projects more impactful
Expand your network by learning alongside peers and engaging with the AI community
Continue building in public—documenting your progress and sharing insights
Months 5-7: Get Hired
This phase is dedicated time for job searching—refining your applications, leveraging AI to sharpen your job search strategy, and expanding your network. You’ll continue to showcase your work with a continued strategic approach, aligning it with industry needs and positioning yourself for the right opportunities.
What You Will Achieve:
Continue refining and improving AI-driven projects
Use AI tools to optimize your job search, applications, and networking strategy
Actively engage with the tech community and potential employers
Be well-positioned to land a job in AI and tech, with a strong portfolio and network
Details
Community
• Fully in-person
• In Long Island City, Queens
• 100 Builders
Pilot start
• Saturday, March 15, 2025
Length of pilot
• Months 1-2: AI Literacy
• Months 3-4: AI Build
• Months 5-7: Get hired
Schedule:
Nights & Weekends
• M, T, W, Th: 6:30–10:00 pm
• SA, SU: 10:00–4:00pm
Financing
You’re able to start the program with no loans and upfront costs. Instead, you’ll pay a % of your future earnings when you get a high-paying job. If you don’t get a job or make above the salary threshold, you pay nothing. And if you lose your job, your payments pause until your next job.
• No upfront costs to start
• Instead, you commit % of future earnings
• Rate: 15% of gross annual income
• Term: 36 months
• Covered period: 5 years max
• Salary threshold: $85,000
Space
• You will have 24/7 access to Pursuit HQ
Equipment
• Computer policy TBD
Who the pilot is for
Builder characteristics
These are the qualities of individuals who will be successful in this pilot:
• You are comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty
• You enjoy teaching yourself and others
• You enjoy learning with others
• You possess a curious mind and ask questions
• You are communicative and can talk things through with others
You are NOT a strong candidate if:
• You need a clear curriculum without deviation
• You need a teacher (over-reliance on a teacher)
• You are a solo worker who keeps their heads down and keeps to yourself
Eligibility
To be eligible for the pilot, all of the following must apply to you:
Your annual salary/income is less than $45k
You are 18 or older
You are proficient in English speaking and writing
You are eligible to work in the US
You live in the NY Metro Area
You are committed to participating for the full length of the pilot
You are ready to experiment and embrace creating your own path
You are ready to transform your life
Selections process
The multi-step process is designed to identify qualified Builder candidates. It is also intended to give you exposure to what the pilot environment will be and experience the new model:
Complete the online application here
Attend an in-person info session
Select candidates will be invited to an in-person interview and workshop event
Select candidates will be invited to join the pilot launching on March 15, 2025