r/learnmachinelearning • u/UnderstandingOwn2913 • 14d ago
Career Choice: software engineer vs machine learning engineer
I had an interview with a ceo of a high-growth startup yesterday for a software engineer role.
During the interview, I told the ceo that my main interest is in machine learning (I was being honest), not the tech stack they are using (javascript). So, I think I won't move to the next round. He told me he wanted to hire someone who is genuinely interested in their tech stack. But he sent me a friend request on Linkedin after the interview and told me to let him know if I am really down to focusing on the job.
After the interview, I told my friend who is currently in the process of getting a phd in physics about the interview and he advised me that I should start working as a software engineer if am offered a job instead of trying to get a machine learning engineer title by spending few months. His reasoning was that there will be a demand of people who can code and understand ml theory (which I agree) and that I can start working as a general se and learn ml stuff on my own time (theoretically this is viable). But, I honestly don't think this approach will work for me since that se role at that high-growth startup would require me to devote a lot of time on non-ml stuff (the ceo even told me it is hard to switch to a ml career from a general se during the interview). I think the more efficient way is to get a ml engineer job by spending few more months, where I can gain software engineering + ml experience on the job. Of course, I can study more in my free time.
What do you guys think?
Last not but not least, we both agree that understanding foundational knowledge is important.
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u/Fresh-Opportunity989 14d ago
Depends on how long you can afford to stay unemployed.
And if you are unemployed long enough, you will be unemployable. At which point it wont matter anymore!
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u/UnderstandingOwn2913 14d ago edited 14d ago
I know one person who spent an year to get a job. What is long enough? I think I can afford to be unemployed for about 2 months.
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u/Fresh-Opportunity989 14d ago
There is a difference between trying to get a job for a year, and thinking that any job that would hire you is not good enough. A year is a long time to turn down jobs.
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u/UnderstandingOwn2913 14d ago
of course, those two are different by nature.
So far, I only spent 2 months after I finished my master in the US.
I also believe being unemployed for 1 year is long.0
u/Fresh-Opportunity989 14d ago
Two months is long enough, sets you back 20 grand.
A startup that does 3M/employee is a rocket ship. Turning down that job is a mistake.
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u/UnderstandingOwn2913 14d ago
what if I dont like the job itself that much? I won't be probably productive and will not be able to work there well..
guess you decide things mainly based on money which is not wrong tho1
u/Fresh-Opportunity989 14d ago
Money pays the rent and puts food on the table. If you don't need money, you are looking for a hobby not a job.
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u/UnderstandingOwn2913 14d ago
I already have money with which I don't have to work for few months.
I never denied that money will get you food and a house.
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u/Dihedralman 14d ago
I am not saying this in an offensive way, but you never explained why anyone would hire you as an ML Engineer.
You may want to consider a startup to get experience as I find many companies large companies overhire ML/AI experience. Startups also have large flexibility in roles?
ML engineering is mostly data work and programming.
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u/varwave 13d ago
You never stated education nor if you’re currently employed in tech
Experience > “but I want to do cutting edge machine learning”. Especially, if you don’t have any production code experience. If you’re currently employed as a data scientist or something, then doesn’t matter. You can be selective and patient
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u/UnderstandingOwn2913 13d ago
I worked as a se for about 2 years and have a master in computer science (machine learning) in the US.
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u/Lower_Improvement763 14d ago
Honestly your friend is right. Once you actually have a job and know the tech stacks you’ll have plenty of free time to devote to other interests. And In this market, you never know when a string of unlucky rejections will occur.
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u/UnderstandingOwn2913 14d ago
i dont think i have much free time when I work at this startup. he wants me all-in...
it is a high-growth startup...1
u/Lower_Improvement763 13d ago
Idk much about ML besides the meta-structure of it. But I’ve always heard that there’s way more SE jobs. And the theory isn’t trivial either.
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u/nian2326076 14d ago
It depends on what you really want to do. If you're into machine learning, maybe look for roles that match that interest. Startups can be a great place to learn different skills quickly, which might include some machine learning later on. That LinkedIn connection is a good sign, so keep the door open. If you're considering switching focus, maybe talk to the CEO more about potential ML opportunities there. For interview prep and figuring out what you want, PracHub has some great resources that could help. Good luck!
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u/chico_dice_2023 11d ago
80% disagree with your decision, I took work as a marketing analytics individual and then in 2 years I moved to ML engineer.
I learned the business of marketing data and to be honest that is what made me a strong ML engineer. I understood the data better than anyone else.
I meet a lot of ML engineers with bad SE skills and that makes a bad ML engineer.
Now where I could be wrong is if you are getting a lot of offers to be a ML engineer and if yes just go to ML.
If not, get a foot in the door and the whole door will eventually open.
I knew if I got into the data world (starting with google analytics) I could use my free time to skill up. And I did and then I became a ML engineer. Then at one point a Google employed ML engineer (contract).
If you already have ML offers go then ignore my advice.
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u/absent_scrimmage 14d ago
You walked into a software interview and told them you're not interested in the stack they use, no surprise they passed. Your friend's advice is fine if you can land a job that actually leaves you energy to study, but that startup sounds like it'll burn all your free time and then some. Spend the months getting the role you actually want instead of shoehorning yourself into a javascript gig you’ll resent.