u/New_Internal_6918

Built an internal agentic AI workflow at my company — looking for technical + career feedback

I’m currently working as a recruiter, but over the past few months I’ve been building and deploying AI systems on the side.

Recently, I built an agentic AI setup that’s actually being used internally. It handles multi-step workflows (retrieval + reasoning + actions), with components like:
– Python orchestration
– LLM-based agents (tool calling)
– Vector DB + Neo4j for structured + unstructured retrieval
– Basic memory + decision chaining

It’s not perfect, but it’s solving a real use case inside the company (not just a demo project).

Now I’m trying to figure out my next move:

My current thinking:
– Startups → faster entry, more ownership, less barrier
– Consultancies → client exposure, structured work
– Product companies → harder entry, but deeper systems

Given that I already have some “production-ish” experience (even if small scale), what would you double down on?

More specifically:
– Should I go deeper into system design (agents, orchestration, infra)?
– Or focus more on fundamentals (ML theory, training, etc.) to be taken seriously?
– What gaps would you expect in someone coming from a non-tech background like mine?

Open to brutal feedback — both on the system and my approach.

I’m currently working as a recruiter but transitioning into an AI Engineer role.

Over the past few months, I’ve built multiple projects (LLMs, agentic AI workflows, and a production-use case inside my current company). I’m comfortable with tools like Python, LangChain, vector DBs, and Neo4j, and I can ship end-to-end systems, not just notebooks.

Now I’m trying to make a realistic move into my first AI Engineer role.

Here’s where I’m stuck:

– Should I target startups for faster entry (more ownership, less barrier)?
– Or consultancies where I can get client exposure and structured experience?
– Or try directly for product companies (harder entry, but better long-term)?

Constraints:
– I’m currently non-tech in title (recruiter), so credibility gap is real
– I’m aiming for remote roles
– I care more about learning velocity in the first 1–2 years than salary

If you’ve made a similar transition (especially non-tech → AI/ML), what worked and what didn’t?

Also, if you were in my position, what would you avoid doing?