How To Get Started With Building Agentic AI Solutions/Applications - w/ Meri

Agentic AI isn’t just hype—it’s the future of how intelligent systems will work. In this episode, we dive deep with Meri, an engineer and educator at the forefront of this next-gen paradigm. If you’ve ever wondered how to actually build agentic AI applications—beyond the flashy demos—this is your starting point.

Join Meri's Agentic AI workshop: https://maven.com/agent-lab/agent-engineering-bootcamp?promoCode=EARLY30

Meri kicks off with a refreshing and opinionated take on the current state of AI development. From the over-polished social media demos to the often-misunderstood definition of "agentic," she lays down the truth with clarity and conviction. This episode cuts through the noise, grounding the concept of agentic systems in the real-world practice of software engineering, automation, and modular design.

We explore how to get started with agentic AI even if you're not at a top-tier research lab. What tools are accessible? What architecture patterns actually scale? And how do you structure projects that simulate autonomy without falling into the trap of overengineering? Meri breaks it all down, with an emphasis on practical projects that help you learn by doing.

Whether you’re fresh out of a bootcamp or already working in data or ML, this conversation is a goldmine. We talk about success stories of those who transitioned from traditional software or data analytics into the AI field, and how agentic thinking reshaped their path. You'll also hear Meri’s honest take on AI coding assistants, how to use them effectively, and when not to.

We also go under the hood on how Meri’s cohort-based programs are structured—from time investment to project outcomes—and why graduates succeed when they focus on long-term thinking, not just flashy outputs. She shares hard truths about career development, the common mistakes people make when trying to break into AI, and what truly matters in your portfolio.

But this isn't just about starting. It’s about sustainability and adaptability. Meri openly talks about her lack of interest in GenAI fads, and instead champions a deeper vision—where multi-modal AI combined with agentic principles unlocks entirely new levels of autonomy, creativity, and problem-solving.

The episode wraps with sharp insights into the importance of adaptability in AI careers, especially in a rapidly changing ecosystem. Whether you're chasing your first AI project or planning to build tools that simulate human agency, this conversation gives you frameworks, mindset shifts, and technical direction to start strong—and keep evolving.

This episode is perfect for:

• Engineers and developers wanting to get into AI

• Bootcamp grads looking for practical project ideas

• Data professionals transitioning into intelligent automation

• Builders tired of GenAI fluff, and ready to create durable systems

• Anyone curious about agentic AI, multi-modal models, and real-world applications of intelligent agents

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro + Background

02:28 Meri's Hot Take on AI Development

04:27 Real-World AI Engineering vs. Social Media Demos

06:23 Understanding Agentic AI

09:09 Getting Started with Agentic AI Development

11:02 The Importance of Practical Projects

14:14 Break Into Data: Success Stories and Bootcamp Insights

17:08 The Role of AI Coding Assistants

19:26 Cohort Structure and Time Investment

21:41 Project Outcomes and Graduate Success

23:04 Common Pitfalls in Career Development

26:58 Meri does not care about GenAI

30:35 Multi-modal AI x Agentic AI = MAGIC

33:37 The Importance of Adaptability in AI Careers