Switch from hardware to AI
I currently have 2 years experience as a Hardware design engineer. I am planning to switch to AI and have taken couple of online courses. Any suggestions on what is the best way to switch and which companies to move?
Leetcode
TensorFlow
Why do people think that switching is easy. Reverse the logic, what would an AI guy need to become HW engineer proficient? Are few on-line classes enough! You tell me?
Move to AI hardware at Intel. It's a hot topic at FAANG as well
I second that. Stick to something you are good at. Also look into AI on FPGAs might be a hot topic soon.
Current AI hardware is crap and needs a lot of work. To do an ant brain we need a 1kw system. (Pulled this number off my ass) but I am sure it’s a big number that needs much improvement. Stay hardware but focus on AI based hardware.
I switched from hardware engineering to software via self-learning and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I used to be at Intel too. However, with AI, no one will take you seriously unless you have a degree (or a large curriculum) in this specialty. If you can, switch to software first and you can always build knowledge on this specialty later on. I know someone who switched to AI and he did it by taking classes but doesn’t have a degree in it. He networked after his program and was able to land a role. I imagine you can do the same at Intel.
How did you do it?
I was at Intel and was bored out of my mind. I then joined a semi startup as product marketing engineer. It’s there that I realized I should get out of semis ASAP. I took 6 months off to learn web development. The CEO at the startup hired me back as web developer. I mostly learn everything on my own and build a lot of web applications over time. It’s a requirement of being a software engineer. No one is going to tell you what you should be learning.
Take a look at fastai
Try metis, galvanize, data incubator etc. If you have a shot, these might give you the best one. Nvidia/ Intel might have groups to implement ai on gpu. You might want to check that out. Most of us ai folks are addicted to python. As a hardware person you know more C and lower level languages than most of us.
Why don’t u switch to making hardware for AI at FaNG ?? I switched from hardware to software too , all self and on the job learning but now regret it since the bar is so low , anyone can join. If you think intel is bad , wait for the weird characters you will run into in software in tier 2/3 companies . Anyone and their grandfather can get a software job
What’s wrong w dat? I feel like I can be more selective w employers and choose who I want to work w
OP, Any updates on this? Did you manage to pull it off?
Don’t
Why? Can you share your thoughts