Moving into applied AI: narrow your target role before fixing every skill gap
brandon_galang · x · 2026-10-25
Brandon Galang shares lessons from his own transition into applied AI. Trying to prepare for product management, AI strategy, solutions, and engineering roles at once makes the list of skills to improve grow endlessly until you burn out.
His core advice:
- Every rejection or week of silence feels like another requirement, but not all of them deserve your time
- Narrow your target role early so you know which criticisms actually matter
- His hand-drawn diagrams contrast what different roles probe: "handoffs + timing" vs. "requirements + behavior"
A methodology piece for job seekers entering applied AI, with no specific tools or models involved.
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