Latent AI accepts its first DoD SkillBridge intern

As I entered the still-under-construction lobby of Latent AI’s new office on my first day, the excitement was off the charts, along with a sense of nervous anticipation. I was transitioning soon from my military career, and now I was about to start my first-ever civilian internship, with the amazing opportunity to be the first Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge Intern at Latent AI. It was surreal to think about how this moment marked the beginning of the next chapter of my life.

The SkillBridge program offers active-duty service members the chance to gain civilian work experience in the final months of their military career, and I had the immense privilege of joining a cutting-edge AI startup for my three-month internship. Over the past two months, I’ve learned so much—both about the industry and about myself. And while it’s only been a short time, I’m already seeing how this experience is shaping my professional and personal growth.

The first day: Meeting Latent AI’s team

From the moment I arrived, I could tell that Latent AI is a place that thrives on innovation and collaboration. I was introduced to the team, many of whom were technical experts in AI and machine learning, and the energy in the room was contagious. I’m no stranger to technical environments—having worked with technology in the military—but this was an entirely different world. The work environment was fast-paced, and the team’s level of knowledge was on a different level. I felt a mix of awe and excitement, knowing that I was stepping into a place where I could learn from the best.

What struck me first was the openness of the team. From day one, everyone was approachable and genuinely interested in helping me learn and grow. It wasn’t just about working on projects; it was about fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork. Even as an intern, I wasn’t treated like an outsider. Everyone made an effort to make me feel like I was part of the mission, which felt like home and made all the difference in easing any initial nerves.

Gaining hands-on experience in AI and machine learning

As a SkillBridge intern, I was given the unique opportunity to dive right into real-world projects—something I hadn’t fully expected. Initially, I thought I might be given basic tasks to ease me into the work culture. However, to my surprise, I was given responsibilities on projects that were not only meaningful but also complex and challenging.

In my first month, I worked on a variety of tasks related to the company’s open projects, tasks that I had some familiarity with from my military background but never had the opportunity to apply in such a dynamic, cutting-edge context. I was tasked with coming up with various end-user use cases as well as assisting with language to bridge the gap between the ML engineers and the end users. These projects were completely different from anything I had done before. While the learning curve was steep, I had an incredible support system from the team, and their mentorship was invaluable.

I was assigned a primary mentor who guided me throughout the months. From the technical side, he helped me understand how Latent AI’s processes work and the intricacies involved in navigating a diverse marketplace. He was always patient and took the time to explain complex concepts in ways that I could grasp, despite my non-traditional background.

The real magic of the AI world began to unfold when I started to see how data could be harnessed to solve real-world problems. In the military, I’d worked with data on a different scale, often using it to support decision-making. But at Latent AI, I was learning how to work with data in ways that were much more hands-on and practical. The idea that AI models could adapt and learn in real-time, on the edge, driving decisions faster and with greater accuracy, was both mind-blowing and motivating.

Work culture and transitioning from military to civilian life

One of the biggest challenges of this internship wasn’t just the technical learning curve—it was the cultural shift. Transitioning from a highly structured military environment to a civilian tech startup was a significant change. In the military, there’s a strict hierarchy and chain of command, and things often operate on a rigid schedule. In contrast, Latent AI’s culture was much more flexible and collaborative.

This shift in how work is approached took some getting used to. The first thing I noticed was how much autonomy employees at Latent AI have. In the military, there’s often a very clear, direct order for every task. Here, however, the team operated more on the basis of trust and communication. I was expected to take initiative and be proactive in finding solutions. It was empowering, but also a little intimidating at first. But as the weeks went on, I grew more comfortable and began to appreciate the freedom to be creative and solve problems independently.

Latent AI’s flat organizational structure also meant that I had direct access to senior leaders, which, based on my rank, is something I was accustomed to in the military, but wouldn’t necessarily be the case for someone of a lower rank. The openness and approachability of the leadership team were refreshing. It was clear that everyone, from junior engineers to the CEO, had a shared mission, and there was a deep sense of mutual respect. As someone coming from a very hierarchical structure, this was an incredibly eye-opening experience.

The team also understood that I was still in the process of transitioning from military life, and they offered support throughout the process. It’s not easy to adjust from a structured, mission-focused environment to the less rigid demands of civilian work. But the flexibility and understanding at Latent AI made the transition smoother. I was able to attend some military transition workshops during my internship, as well as taking care of the seemingly endless VA appointments and other transition tasks, and the company was incredibly accommodating of my schedule and needs.

Networking and mentorship opportunities

One of the unexpected benefits of being a DoD SkillBridge intern was the opportunity to expand my professional network in a way that I hadn’t anticipated. During my first month at Latent AI, I was introduced to a range of experts in AI, machine learning, marketing, sales, contracting, and tech entrepreneurship, many of whom also had diverse or non-standard backgrounds.

The networking opportunities were invaluable. I had several one-on-one sessions with members of the leadership team, where I could ask about their career paths and learn from their experiences. These conversations gave me valuable insights into the tech industry and helped me better understand the skills and experiences I need to develop in order to transition to the civilian workforce successfully.

Additionally, as the first DoD SkillBridge intern at Latent AI, I felt like I was part of something special. There was a sense of pride in being part of a groundbreaking initiative that allowed the company to contribute to the development of military-civilian transition programs. I was able to connect with other SkillBridge interns across different industries, sharing our experiences and learning from each other.

Looking forward: The final month

As my first two months at Latent AI came to a close, I found myself reflecting on everything I had learned. The technical knowledge I had gained, the leadership lessons I had absorbed, and the invaluable relationships I had built all made it clear to me that this was exactly the kind of experience I needed to set myself up for success in the next stage of my career.

I’m excited for the last month of my internship, as I’m eager to continue working on cutting-edge AI projects, expand my technical skill set, and further immerse myself in the culture of Latent AI. I’ve learned that the work is challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I’m looking forward to contributing even more in the coming months.

Looking back, I can confidently say that taking part in the DoD SkillBridge program at Latent AI has been an incredible opportunity. It’s given me the chance to transition into a new field, work with some of the brightest minds in AI, and develop skills that will serve me for the rest of my career. The support, mentorship, and opportunities here have made my first month a truly memorable and transformative experience.

If you’re considering a SkillBridge internship, I highly recommend it. The transition from the military to civilian life can be difficult, but programs like SkillBridge—and companies like Latent AI—offer a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in the civilian workforce.

I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!