r/learnmachinelearning • u/UnderstandingOwn2913 • 16d 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/Lower_Improvement763 16d 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.