Microsoft Girl in the US talks about AI, DSA and life in the US 🔥

Summary

The video script features a casual interview with Ashwarya, a data scientist who has transitioned from academia to industry, working at Microsoft for startups. She discusses her educational background, career path, and the importance of understanding AI and data science in various roles. Ashwarya shares insights on the differences between working at startups and large corporations, the value of exploring interests, and the significance of networking. She also addresses the hype around AI and its impact on job roles, emphasizing that coding is not the only skill required in the AI industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker, Ashwarya, shares her educational background, starting with an undergraduate degree in Dentistry and then pursuing a Masters in Data Science.
• 🎓 Ashwarya worked at IBM as a data scientist and researcher before moving to Microsoft to work closely with startups, focusing on AI advisory and product market fit strategies.
• 💡 She emphasizes the importance of not just focusing on technical aspects but also understanding the market and customer needs to help startups succeed.
• 🌏 Ashwarya discusses the cultural and food experiences in India and the US, highlighting the diversity and personal growth that comes from living in different places.
• 🤔 The transcript touches on the challenges and considerations for students considering moving to the US for education and work, including visa issues and the impact on career growth.
• 💼 Ashwarya talks about the differences between working at a startup versus a big company like Microsoft, including the level of responsibility, autonomy, and the pace of growth.
• 🚀 She advises students and young professionals to explore different areas, gain experience through internships, and understand their interests before committing to a specific career path.
• 📚 The importance of foundational knowledge in data structures and algorithms is highlighted, as it applies to various fields within computer science and engineering.
• 🔍 Ashwarya shares insights on the scope of AI and how it has become integral to many industries, suggesting that understanding AI can be beneficial regardless of one's specific role.
• 🛠️ The transcript mentions that coding is just one aspect of working with AI, and there are various roles available for those with different skill sets, including management, product strategy, and business analytics.
• 🌟 Finally, Ashwarya encourages continuous learning, networking, and trying different things to discover one's niche and passion in the professional world.

Q & A

What was Ashwarya's educational background before joining Microsoft?

Ashwarya completed her undergraduate degree in Computer Science at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in India, followed by a Master's in Data Science from Columbia University.

What role did Ashwarya play at IBM before joining Microsoft?

Ashwarya worked as a Data Scientist at IBM, where she gained experience in various aspects of data science.

What motivated Ashwarya to move from IBM to Microsoft's Startups?

Ashwarya wanted to work closely with startups and was interested in the AI advisory side of working with startups, which led her to move to Microsoft's Startups.

What are some of the challenges startups face that Ashwarya discusses?

Startups often need help not just from a technical perspective but also in areas such as product design, attracting customers, developer promotion, and market strategy.

How does Ashwarya view the importance of exploring different roles in a startup environment?

Ashwarya believes that in a startup environment, one may have to take on various roles and responsibilities, which can lead to a broader understanding and contribution to the company.

What advice does Ashwarya give to students who aspire to move to the US for better opportunities?

Ashwarya advises students to consider their interests and goals, and not just follow the path because it's popular. She emphasizes the importance of exploring and finding what aligns with one's passion.

What is Ashwarya's perspective on the difference between working at a startup and a large corporation like Microsoft?

Ashwarya explains that while large corporations offer defined roles and responsibilities, startups offer more flexibility and the opportunity to take on varied tasks, contributing to a broader range of skills.

How does Ashwarya describe the growth opportunities in startups compared to large tech companies?

Ashwarya mentions that growth in startups can be rapid as the company expands, leading to increased responsibilities and the potential for faster career progression.

What are some of the factors Ashwarya considers important for someone thinking of moving to the US?

Ashwarya considers factors such as career opportunities, research interests, funding availability, and personal circumstances like family and stability.

How does Ashwarya perceive the importance of data structures and algorithms in the field of data science?

Ashwarya views data structures and algorithms as foundational knowledge that is essential for understanding how computers work and for excelling in the field of data science.

What advice does Ashwarya give to students who are unsure about their career paths in the tech industry?

Ashwarya advises students to explore various roles and to understand their interests and skills. She also emphasizes the importance of networking and trying different things to discover one's niche.