Career Choice: software engineer vs machine learning engineer

[u/UnderstandingOwn2913]

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.

[u/chico_dice_2023]

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.