I'm a senior UX researcher at Microsoft. Here's how I broke into AI without a tech background — and 3 lessons I learned. (www.businessinsider.com)

Priyanka Kuvalekar, a senior UX researcher at Microsoft, shares her unconventional journey into the AI field, transitioning from architecture to tech without a formal background in computer science. She emphasizes the importance of user experience in AI, leading research for Microsoft Teams Calling and related AI features. Throughout her career, Kuvalekar learned that effective AI evaluation demands continuous monitoring to ensure reliability and inclusivity, highlighting the necessity of involving diverse user groups to identify and rectify potential issues. Her experience has also underscored the dual role of AI in accessibility: while it can lower barriers for individuals with disabilities, it can unintentionally create new ones if not thoughtfully designed. Kuvalekar advocates for a user-centric approach, where understanding AI's capabilities and limitations is crucial for navigating the intersection of technology and user needs. She recommends aspiring professionals to focus on real-world applications of AI, cultivate fluency in the technology, and document their insights to illustrate how they can enhance AI experiences, ultimately making significant contributions to the AI/ML community without a traditional tech background.