As graduation season approaches, a fresh batch of students is set to step into the world beyond academia, eager to apply their skills and passions to make a significant impact. For many, this marks the beginning of their professional journey, with landing a job as a primary goal.
A recent survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed reveals that over 60% of students have adjusted their career plans in response to the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). In 2024, the World Economic Forum predicts a 40% increase in global demand for AI and machine learning experts over the coming years. With AI advancing at unprecedented speeds, now is an exciting time to dive into a career in this dynamic field.
The NVIDIA GTC global AI conference held in March provided valuable insights on how to embark on a career in AI. Experts at the conference shared essential advice for students and recent graduates aiming to distinguish themselves in the AI job market.
Integrate Diverse Skills and Be Adaptable
Working in AI does not necessarily require a computer science degree. Diverse educational and professional backgrounds can enhance adaptability and versatility—qualities that are especially valuable in the fast-evolving AI landscape. Whether one holds a degree in studio art or chemical engineering, being an AI operator, which involves integrating AI into one’s workflows, can help individuals stand out among candidates.
Sadie St. Lawrence, founder of Women in Data and CEO of the Human Machine Collaboration Institute, emphasized during the GTC panel, "Focus less on acquiring the right skills and more on integrating AI into your daily workflow." This approach allows individuals to leverage AI to expand beyond their areas of expertise.
Carter Abdallah, a senior developer technology engineer at NVIDIA, highlighted that AI enables non-technical individuals to code and encourages technical professionals to embrace liberal arts education to imbue their AI work with a human touch. Abdallah urged students to view AI as a tool that enhances skills they might not have previously accessed.
Find Your ‘Why’ and Align Passions
Eric Vargas, senior university recruiting manager at NVIDIA, noted, "There isn’t a singular ‘AI candidate.’ Instead, there are various sub-areas within AI and different industries affected by AI where gaining experience is crucial because that’s where companies aim to implement AI."
AI can be applied in numerous domains, including autonomous vehicles, robotics, gaming, and healthcare. Students should identify the industry that aligns with their passions and gain expertise in that field. Saudia Jones, a generative AI analyst at NVIDIA and a recent graduate from San Jose State University, advised, "Choose a problem that seems impossible to solve but fuels your passion. Connect with the ‘why’ driving you, as it will help you overcome challenges and innovate."
Use AI Responsibly
Vargas emphasized the importance of using AI tools responsibly while maintaining a human touch, particularly when drafting job applications, cover letters, and responding to technical interview questions. This balance is essential for building trust and ensuring ethical technology use.
Trustworthy AI, an approach prioritizing safety and transparency for users, is pivotal in the industry. For instance, David Martin, a technical project manager intern on NVIDIA’s trustworthy AI team, leverages AI for social good. Growing up deaf, Martin experienced limitations in existing technologies, such as closed captioning accuracy on streaming platforms. At NVIDIA, he advises engineering teams on sign language AI applications and supports ethical dataset curation tool development.
Build a Network and Seek Mentorship
Networking and mentorship are crucial for career advancement in any field. St. Lawrence highlighted, "Building a network and seeking mentorship in the AI space has been vital for my career growth. I’ve learned immensely from connecting with experienced professionals."
Students can easily connect with industry experts on platforms like LinkedIn, which uses AI to assist job seekers by recommending keywords for resumes and identifying transferable skills. Additionally, individuals can access training courses through the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute, offering skill development, hands-on experience, and expert knowledge in AI, data science, accelerated computing, and more.
Stand Out by Being Proactive
Carter advised, "Identify a problem you can solve and take proactive steps to address it, even before being hired." Vargas added that NVIDIA recruiters seek candidates who demonstrate technical skills, subject-matter expertise, and projects showcasing innovative thinking.
Students can distinguish themselves by developing self-initiated projects, such as a robotics solution using an NVIDIA Jetson developer kit, writing a widely-read technical article, or starting an AI-related club on campus.
More Resources
A panel of pioneering AI researchers shared their career paths at GTC, emphasizing that practical experience, persistence, resilience, and an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving give candidates an edge in research.
For those already pursuing AI job opportunities, NVIDIA’s University Recruiting team offers interview tips:
- Before the interview: Review the job description, practice required technical skills, and prepare a list of questions about the position, project, and team.
- During the interview: Respond thoughtfully to questions, articulate thought processes in technical interviews, and listen to interviewer responses for guidance.
- After the interview: Send a thank-you note to the recruiter within 24 hours and follow up after 10 business days if awaiting next steps.
For further exploration, NVIDIA GTC session playlists are available for students, researchers, and educators, offering valuable resources to enhance AI knowledge and skills.
For more Information, Refer to this article.
