DA —> MLE advice
Hey Guys, Looking for some career advice. I currently work as a Data Analyst in DC for 70k. It’s my first job in tech but I now have 2 yrs experience. I’ve rapidly increased my skills by spending most of my free time these past years on relevant online courses. I’m passionate about Machine Learning and Data Engineering, and am about to finish up a 6 month MLE nanodegree in the next two weeks. My company has had me build and deploy (as an endpoint) a CNN for them to catch enrollment errors, as well as the surrounding data infrastructure. I got a nice shoutout from our CTO and the marketing dept, but am told that I have to wait until April of 2020 for any type of raise/ title change. I also haven’t been told exactly what my new title/ salary would be— either associate DS, DS or possibly MLE. I think its unfair to do Deep Learning under my current title/ salary for another 6 mos? I know its hard to break into the MLE space but that’s my dream job. My q is should I look for higher paying DS jobs in DC now, or should I hold out for the (possible) MLE opportunity in April. I’ve gotten traction on applying to DS positions, but not MLE. Any advice?
Nothing wrong in exploring options... Kudos for the extra mile keep that up... But when you look out for jobs be clear if you want to be a DS/DE/MLE. Each need different type of preparation.. If MLE start Leet code immediately.
Interesting, could you quickly explain the difference between these the jobs and prep required? Thanks for this!
DE - Starting role for engineer who sets things and give secure link for data analysis. Prep :- Hard SQL problems and get comfortable with syntax well plus easy/medium LC programming plus Database design and distributed computing. DS - who takes the data and do statistical analysis and model building experimentation. Prep - Very deep understanding of statistics /ML/ Deep learning and basic cs algorithms. If they mention NLP in resume refering to old projects they did. They should know full NLP no partial business will work. Hard SQL questions and Basic ML system design. Finally MLE : Who will now take the data and the model and deploy it in production environment by building efficient services. Hope this helps.. All the best.. Prep - ctci , epi(elements of programming interviews), LC -Hard level. Very good understanding of OOPs design, system design and deep ML design. Plus one round of basic stats/ML/DL terminology interview. Preparing basic questions will do, if you can explain NN from scratch its a plus.
Look in NYC???....May be easier to get MLE role and one that pays better and actually gives you the title u deserve for the work you are doing there and than DC. Keep up great work. Never stop learning.
Thanks guys this is really great advice, I’m getting started on leetcode today!
I’m in DC area as well. If you really like the company and especially the projects you might be working on next year then seriously consider staying another year there for the title change. Otherwise you can probably at this point get a salary of 90-100k elsewhere in the area. You’ll want to consider getting a masters degree in CS as well if you don’t have it already. If you can leetcode you could get your worth up to 150k pretty quickly in this area, and in NYC / Bay Area you’d be able to snag TCs over 250k in another year or two.