This Box executive loves candidates with side projects. His own involves bringing back old-school TV. (www.businessinsider.com)

Rand Wacker, Box's vice president of product strategy, emphasizes the importance of side projects for job candidates in the AI/ML field, stating that merely being AI literate is not enough to stand out. Wacker prefers candidates who can demonstrate their creativity and initiative through prototypes or products they have built independently, showcasing their passion for technology. This shift from traditional interview case studies to hands-on project demonstrations highlights a growing trend in the tech industry where practical experience and personal projects are valued as indicators of a candidate's potential. Wacker himself is actively involved in side projects; he recently created an Apple TV app designed to replicate the simplicity of old-school television by randomly selecting and playing movies from his library. His experience reflects a larger movement among tech executives returning to coding and project-building to stay connected with their products and the evolving capabilities of AI tools. This trend underscores the significance of hands-on experimentation in effectively navigating the rapidly advancing landscape of AI, encouraging professionals to explore innovative applications in both personal and professional contexts.