Top Tips for Breaking into AI Careers

This as-told-to essay details a conversation with Patrick Leung, a former Google employee who transitioned into the AI field. The narrative reveals how he made significant strides in his career, emphasizing that breaking into AI has become more accessible than ever.

A Serendipitous Introduction to Google

In the early 2000s, while living in New York City and running his own SaaS company, Leung befriended a charismatic engineer from New Zealand who worked at Google. Inspired by this connection, he decided to apply for a position at Google and, by 2007, joined as a manager for the online payments system, Google Checkout.

Pivoting to AI at Google

Leung spent over a decade at Google, during which he sought to experience various teams, including Google Maps and corporate engineering. In early 2017, he shifted focus to Google Duplex, an AI calling assistant. His motivation stemmed from the growing excitement around AI technology, which felt revolutionary at the time.

Getting Involved with Google Duplex

Interestingly, the transition into Google Duplex was initiated by curiosity. After hearing a colleague discuss a secretive project, Leung requested a demo. The AI’s ability to mimic human speech amazed him, and he was eager to join the team. This exclusive environment required internal transfers, allowing the team to select members based on past performance and communication skills, surely a reflection of Leung’s credentials.

The Learning Curve of AI

Once onboarded, Leung needed to adapt to his new role on an AI-focused team. While he had prior exposure to machine learning concepts, he now had to deeply engage in the core data science work. He facilitated discussions with team members to grasp the technology, realizing later that leveraging the vast talent pool within Google could have accelerated his learning.

Launch and Cultural Impact

As the team prepared for the product’s launch, there was uncertainty surrounding public reception due to prevalent fears about AI’s impact on employment. Nonetheless, when Google Duplex debuted in 2018, it sparked significant media attention, raising ethical questions and even prompting humorous commentaries in popular culture. For Leung, it was a memorable experience to contribute to a launch that resonated with many.

Advice for Aspiring AI Professionals

After leaving Google in 2019, Leung took on the role of CTO at Faro Health, focusing on AI in clinical trials. He emphasizes that real-world experience is crucial for anyone considering a career in AI. He encourages individuals to seek opportunities to apply AI solutions within their current roles or, if unavailable, to engage in personal projects to enhance their resumes.

Leung concludes that entry barriers to the AI field have lowered dramatically. With advancements in user-friendly technologies, even those without coding skills can engage with large language models to tackle interesting projects. He believes that demonstrating effective use of these models will significantly increase employment prospects in the growing AI industry.