3 people who pivoted into AI share how they used their college experience to break into the field (www.businessinsider.com)

Three AI professionals shared their journeys into the field, highlighting how their college experiences significantly influenced their career transitions. All three underscored the importance of mentorship, networking, and advanced education in breaking into AI roles. For instance, Varun Goyal, an AI startup engineer, returned to school to explore his passion for AI, which ultimately led him to choose a career in this burgeoning field despite a lower initial salary compared to quantitative trading. Similarly, Kriti Goyal transitioned from studying medicine to AI after discovering her passion for technology through a coding video. Her master's degree and strategic networking were crucial in facilitating her move to a prominent Big Tech company in the U.S. These stories reflect a broader trend in the AI community, where diverse pathways contribute to the richness of expertise in the sector. The professionals emphasized that leveraging relationships built during their college years was instrumental in their career advancements, particularly in elite tech environments. These narratives not only showcase individual resilience and adaptability but also highlight the critical role that formal education and interpersonal connections play in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and machine learning.