I pivoted into AI at Google in the 2010s. Here's my top tip for breaking into the field, now it's easier than ever.

Breaking into the world of artificial intelligence requires more than just theoretical knowledge; it demands real-world experience. Patrick Leung, once a Google employee who played a pivotal role in the development of Google Duplex, emphasizes this point as he reflects on his career journey. Leung transitioned to an AI-focused role at Google in early 2017, just as the technology was beginning to gain significant traction. His career path began in the early 2000s in New York City, where he was running a SaaS company. A chance friendship with an early Google employee sparked his interest in joining the tech giant. In 2007, he landed a managerial role on the Google Checkout team, where he was captivated by the innovative atmosphere that Google's culture fostered. After spending over a decade at Google, Leung was drawn to the groundbreaking project known as Google Duplex, which involved creating an AI capable of making phone calls and booking reservations. His initial curiosity was piqued when he learned about the project and its potential to revolutionize human-computer interaction. To join the Duplex team, Leung had to demonstrate his value through a series of conversations with the team manager, showcasing his past achievements and communication skills. His experience in launching products at Google helped him secure a spot on the team, where he began managing a visual interface designed to enhance the AI's understanding of conversations. Despite having some exposure to machine learning concepts, Leung had to adapt to the new challenges presented by AI development. He noted that while some team members had extensive expertise in AI, most had to re-skill themselves. He now regrets not leveraging the vast network of AI professionals within Google, which could have provided him with invaluable insights. As the launch of Google Duplex approached, the team faced concerns about public perception, especially regarding the ethical implications of AI. The product's debut in 2018 sparked a media whirlwind, with discussions about its implications for the job market and even a satirical skit by Stephen Colbert. After a decade at Google, Leung moved on to become the CTO of a financial sciences company, and he currently leads efforts at Faro Health, where AI is being harnessed to optimize clinical drug trials. His advice for those aspiring to enter the AI field is to seek opportunities to apply large language models to real-world problems, whether at work or in personal projects. Leung emphasizes that the barriers to entry have never been lower, and you don’t need to be a coding expert to make an impact. For anyone interested in AI, the key takeaway is clear: seize every opportunity to engage with the technology and demonstrate your capabilities, as the demand for skilled professionals in this space continues to grow.