I'm a Google engineer who thought I wasn't qualified for an AI role. One thing helped me transform my career. (www.businessinsider.com)

Emrick Donadei, a Google engineer, successfully transitioned to an AI-focused role, highlighting the transformative impact of participating in internal hackathons. Initially feeling unqualified for an AI position due to a lack of direct experience, Donadei engaged in a seven-day hackathon where he developed a prototype related to large language models (LLMs). This hands-on experience allowed him to grasp essential AI concepts, such as building infrastructure and fine-tuning models, and fundamentally shifted his career trajectory. Significantly, his journey demonstrates the potential of hackathons as a gateway into AI, especially within companies that emphasize innovation. Beyond merely prototyping, Donadei utilized the networking opportunities from the hackathon to secure collaborations and connect with decision-makers, which further propelled his career development. His experience underscores the importance of proactive engagement and continuous learning in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, as he leveraged AI tools and resources to enhance his knowledge and skills. This narrative serves as a valuable reminder that with the right initiative and mindset, professionals can pivot successfully into the AI/ML domain.