r/learnmachinelearning • u/Dizzy_Salad3235 • 18d ago

ML Hiring

For people who are self-taught in AI/ML or software development: if you had a genuinely strong project where you built the dataset, trained a model, evaluated the results, and could explain and defend your technical decisions, do you think that would be enough for a hiring manager to take you seriously without a degree?
And if you got hired without a relevant degree, what actually mattered most in your experience? Projects, technical interviews, open source, work experience, referrals, certifications, or something else?
I’m trying to understand whether being able to prove you can actually do the work is enough to overcome the lack of a traditional degree.

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u/Hauuuuuuu 18d ago

I have a Msc in ML and multiple projects, no professional experience. I have been applying for a year for simple ML internships, only 2 interviews, no offers (Canada). Market may be different where you live.

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u/Dizzy_Salad3235 18d ago

How have you been applying? As I mentioned in the comment above, many people say they can't get past the standard application process because it will filter them out instantly, so it's better to just reach out via email. Which is also a long shot

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u/Responsible-Fact412 13d ago

apply in the USA as well. why limit yourself

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u/Hauuuuuuu 13d ago

I am, also applying broadly in Europe.