tech
The path to a frontier AI job, according to a top Google DeepMind engineer
Google DeepMind distinguished engineer Vladimir Feinberg has some blunt advice for those seeking a job at a top AI lab — "work like a dog."
TL;DR
- Vladimir Feinberg, a distinguished engineer at Google DeepMind, offers advice for securing jobs at top AI labs.
- He emphasizes the need for "intent," "mathematical maturity," and "grit," qualities found in elite students.
- Feinberg recommends taking difficult, proof-based classes, coding extensively, and aggressively using AI tools.
- Aspiring researchers should dedicate significant time outside of class to develop necessary skills.
- Demonstrating a specific, required skill for the lab is crucial for hiring.
- Focusing on areas supporting LLMs, rather than LLM creation itself, can be a pathway.
- Being a supportive and collaborative coworker is also important for career success.
- Feinberg believes research skill sets will become increasingly valuable.
- Colleagues at OpenAI and Anthropic reportedly agree with his advice.