Breaking Into AI: Lessons From a 28-Year-Old Engineer in Big Tech

Kriti Goyal, a 28-year-old machine learning engineer at a major US tech firm, shares her journey from Bikaner, India to Seattle, offering practical advice for aspiring AI professionals. Her story highlights the importance of strategic education, networking, and internal initiative in building a successful career in artificial intelligence.

Key Takeaways From Kriti’s Journey

- A pivotal moment came from watching a Code.org video that inspired her shift from medicine to coding  
- She began her career as an intern in India but realized core business decisions were made in the US, prompting her move  
- Pursued a master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to gain specialized knowledge and build connections  
- Secured a full-time role by pitching her internship project internally, demonstrating initiative and impact  

Insights Into AI Career Paths

- Machine learning teams include researchers, model developers, application engineers, and infrastructure specialists  
- Kriti works on foundational model frameworks, training software to recognize unseen data and patterns  
- Her daily routine includes research, team coordination, and hands-on coding, with a focus on individual contribution  

Advice For Aspiring Engineers

- A master’s degree can help with immigration and cultural adaptation, but isn’t always necessary for success  
- Networking, internal visibility, and proof of capability matter more than formal credentials  
- Bias against non-master’s candidates still exists, but can be overcome through persistence and performance  

Outlook

Kriti’s story underscores that breaking into AI is less about pedigree and more about passion, initiative, and strategic positioning.

Sources: Yahoo News, Business Insider