Application Guide

How to Apply for Fellow, Applied AI (6 months, full-time)

at GitLab Foundation

🏢 About GitLab Foundation

The GitLab Foundation is a philanthropic organization focused on economic mobility, aiming to generate over $100 in lifetime earnings gains for every $1 invested. Working here means contributing to high-impact, data-driven initiatives that directly improve people's lives. The remote-first culture and alignment with GitLab's CREDIT values foster a transparent, collaborative environment.

About This Role

As an Applied AI Fellow, you'll design and implement AI solutions to streamline foundation operations, from building automated workflows to training staff on AI tools. This role is critical for scaling the foundation's impact by enabling teams to work more efficiently and make data-informed decisions. You'll be at the forefront of applying AI for social good.

💡 A Day in the Life

Start with a stand-up with the operations team to discuss pain points, then spend the morning building a Python script to automate data entry from grant reports. After lunch, you lead a workshop on prompt engineering for non-technical staff, and end the day documenting your work in a transparent GitLab issue.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who GitLab Foundation Is Looking For

  • Has 2+ years building software, data pipelines, or AI-powered automations, with strong Python/JavaScript skills.
  • Excels at explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and driving AI adoption across teams.
  • Thrives in ambiguity, is highly organized, and can independently prioritize AI opportunities aligned with organizational goals.
  • Aligns with GitLab Foundation's CREDIT values (Collaboration, Results, Efficiency, Diversity, Iteration, Transparency) and is passionate about economic mobility.

📝 Tips for Applying to GitLab Foundation

1

Highlight specific AI projects you've built end-to-end, including how you identified the opportunity and measured impact.

2

Tailor your resume to show experience with internal tools, APIs, and structured data, not just consumer-facing apps.

3

Demonstrate your ability to train others by mentioning workshops or documentation you've created for non-technical audiences.

4

Research GitLab's CREDIT values and weave them into your cover letter with concrete examples of how you embody them.

5

Show understanding of the foundation's mission by referencing their focus on cost-effective pathways to economic mobility.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for using AI to drive social impact, specifically in economic mobility.', 'Concrete examples of building AI systems that improved organizational efficiency or decision-making.', 'Your ability to communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences, including training sessions.', 'How you embody CREDIT values, especially iteration and transparency, in your work.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review GitLab Foundation's mission, strategy, and key initiatives on their website (e.g., grants, partnerships).
  • → Understand GitLab's CREDIT values and how they are implemented in the foundation's culture.
  • → Look at the foundation's blog or annual report for examples of their data-driven approach to economic mobility.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the tools they currently use (e.g., GitLab, Slack, Google Workspace) to suggest integrations.
Visit GitLab Foundation's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through an AI project you led: how did you identify the opportunity, design the solution, and measure success?
2 How would you approach a non-technical team that is resistant to adopting a new AI tool?
3 Describe a time you had to work with ambiguous requirements. How did you prioritize and deliver?
4 What metrics would you use to evaluate the impact of an AI automation on the foundation's operations?
5 How do you stay current with AI developments, and how would you decide which technologies to adopt here?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention economic mobility or the foundation's specific mission.
  • Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating communication or training abilities.
  • Ignoring the CREDIT values – failing to align your examples with collaboration, efficiency, or transparency.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to GitLab Foundation!

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