I get a lot of questions from people who are eager to start or grow their careers in tech, so I wanted to answer a few of the most common ones I hear. If you’ve been wondering the same, this one’s for you.
Exaltitude newsletter is packed with advice for navigating your engineering career journey successfully. Sign up to stay tuned!
A: I first learned how to approach AI research papers back when I was an engineering manager at WhatsApp. It wasn’t easy in the beginning, but over time, I built the skill by reading foundational papers that shaped the field. Starting with the right set of papers helps you build intuition step by step instead of getting overwhelmed.
If you’re wondering where to actually find papers? Here are four great sources to start with:
👉 For tips on how to actually read these papers without getting stuck, check out my video: How to Actually Learn AI/ML: Reading Research Papers.
A: Yes, it is absolutely possible. I’ve worked with people in their 40s and 50s who successfully shifted into data roles. Your background in statistics is actually a strong asset, since many people entering data science come in with weaker math foundations. What really matters is your willingness to upskill and your ability to frame your existing experience as a strength.
The field of data analytics and data science is broad, so the best path depends on your long-term goals. If you want to lean on your financial domain knowledge and quickly apply skills in analysis, data analytics might be the faster route. If you want to go deeper into building models and working with machine learning, data science is the path.
I created a step-by-step roadmap that covers the key skills you’ll need to build competence in data science. It’s designed for self-study and works as a companion to a walkthrough video I made.
A: I’ve been where you are, and I know how overwhelming it feels to figure out your next move. I wish I could mentor everyone one-on-one, but because of the number of requests I get, it’s just not possible. I also don’t offer paid coaching because I want to make sure my advice is available to anyone, not just those who can afford it.
That’s why I created a free video where I share 40 lessons I wish I knew earlier in my career. It’s everything I’d tell my younger self if I could go back. You can watch it here: I'm 40. If You're in Your 20s Watch This..
A: You don’t need to start from scratch without guidance. I built a roadmap to help people self-study AI and machine learning concepts at their own pace. It’s a step-by-step guide designed for people who want to move into roles like AI product management, engineering, or applied ML.
I hope these answers help you feel clearer about your next steps. If you have a question you’d like me to tackle in a future newsletter, ask here, and I’d love to include it.
Exaltitude newsletter is packed with advice for navigating your engineering career journey successfully. Sign up to stay tuned!
