A couple of years ago in undergrad I discovered Machine Learning, and switched my trajectory. Based on (incorrect) research the main way to get in is a MS in Stats or STEM, so I went down that route. Now that I've discovered blind/other resources I feel like I'll be stuck as a SQL monkey or whatever its called around here since I don't have the education for programming. If I discovered this forum a few years ago, I would have just taken the intro compsci courses and did a MSc instead of the mathematics minor. As of now my plan is to get into data science out of my MS, then keep on learning and figure out what I want to do from there. Is it difficult to transition into a ML or SWE role after getting hired into DS? I have two years left to dedicate time to learning whatever I need to do be a good candidate after completing this MS. Any advice, anecdotes, or mentors would be much appreciated. TC: 15/hr as a Business Analyst intern ;)
I don’t think qualifications will stop you here. I am sure there are Master of Arts ML scientists around. It’s just abt doing enough to get past the interviews. If you do well, who cares what major you have?
Except that initially it can be a challenge since many recruiters may not be willing to give you a chance
Short answer: no Long answer: ML roles are overlapping with both DS and SWE. A lot of DS roles require ML knowledge (say Uber) while others are SQL coders (say FB). A major part of being a good DS is being good at Stats. Several companies have a stats round for DS interviews. So you'll probably ace those. Once you are there, you can either move internally or try learning programming or system design (for swe roles) by yourself. I know physics majors working as DS and Material Sciences majors working as ML SWE. So you are fine 😊
Thanks for the kind words, sounds like a good way of putting it. Realistically I think once I (hopefully) get into a DS position with a FANG/big company it should only get easier from there.
How did the materials science and physics majors transition to ML roles, without a grad degree?