Funny there's no mention of ML without a PHD. Anyone done that?
There's no mention of it because the article seems to be focused on research, not necessarily on applied work (for which you don't necessarily need a PhD).
How do you break into a career in machine learning? (2020)
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Re: How do you break into a career in machine learning? (2020)
#12If you've got an interest in ML and you're also interested in embedded/low power devices then we're looking for this rare combination. Preference is for people who are in the UK due to admin overhead.
My email is in my profile.
Re: How do you break into a career in machine learning? (2020)
#13If you are in undergrad, I'd recommend something like, Math or math-heavy science BS -> undergrad research -> computationally heavy PhD -> entry level DS or ML engineer job -> senior ML job (within a year or two) If you are older and looking to pivot, I'd recommend, Data engineer -> senior data engineer -> entry level DS -> senior DS
You don't need a PhD for DS/ML Engineer. Even at FAANG, even in their research labs.
Usually a PhD is only in the requirements for Research Scientist (RS).
That said, I did a PhD (and am now a RS). It's a fantastic opportunity to learn fully focused during a few years.
But if your sole objective is the career (which is ok!), don't do a PhD. There are much easier ways to break into ML industry.
Re: How do you break into a career in machine learning? (2020)
#14Funny there's no mention of ML without a PHD. Anyone done that?
Comma ai seems to be doing fine and I don't think anyone there has a PhD.
Re: How do you break into a career in machine learning? (2020)
#15I moved to a Machine Learning Engineer role a few years back. I just did an internal transfer to a ML team with no previous knowledge. The team trusted me to pick up whatever I needed on the job.
Now I interview tons of people for MLE roles. Trying to get in "through the front door" is incredibly competitive. Not only you have to prove you are a great engineer, but also good ML knowledge. You'd be competing with people with MSc and PhD.
Whenever possible I still recommend following the path I did: become and excellent engineer, and then look for an internal team to transfer to. Any sensible manager will take you in and help you to grow into the role.
As always YMMV. This is my sample size of 1.
Re: How do you break into a career in machine learning? (2020)
#16I moved to a Machine Learning Engineer role a few years back. I just did an internal transfer to a ML team with no previous knowledge. The team trusted me to pick up whatever I needed on the job. Now I interview tons of people for MLE roles. Trying to get in "through the front door" is incredibly competitive. Not only you have to prove you are a great engineer, but also good ML knowledge. You'd be competing with peop…
Personally the path of becoming an excellent engineer is the best path (possibly hardest) to take on any situation, precisely because of the versatility in scenarios like this. I'm by no means an excellent engineer, but I like to plan and approach opportunities thinking someday I'll be one.
Re: How do you break into a career in machine learning? (2020)
#17I did and now I'm trying to break out of it.
Into what?
Re: How do you break into a career in machine learning? (2020)
#18Re: How do you break into a career in machine learning? (2020)
#19I moved to a Machine Learning Engineer role a few years back. I just did an internal transfer to a ML team with no previous knowledge. The team trusted me to pick up whatever I needed on the job. Now I interview tons of people for MLE roles. Trying to get in "through the front door" is incredibly competitive. Not only you have to prove you are a great engineer, but also good ML knowledge. You'd be competing with peop…
As a Machine Learning Engineer what tools do you use on a regular basis?
Re: How do you break into a career in machine learning? (2020)
#20Fake it until you make it. If anyone catches you, tell them you're building a career model.
"I was just hallucinating new data points!"