How I Got a Job at DeepMind as a Research Engineer (without a Machine Learning Degree!)

Introduction

In this article, I will share my personal journey and how I managed to land a job as a research engineer at DeepMind, despite not having a machine learning degree. I will provide insights into my background story, the steps I took to craft my own machine learning curriculum, how I got referred to DeepMind, and the preparations I made for the interview. I hope that my experience will be helpful and inspiring to those pursuing a career in machine learning.

Background Story

I come from Serbia, a relatively poor country with an education system that is not on par with the best universities globally. My exposure to programming and the machine learning field began fairly late, at the age of 19 in 2013. Before that, I was not even aware that working for a big tech company was a possibility. In high school, my interests were not focused on technology or building applications. Instead, I spent time learning human languages and training in calisthenics. Although seemingly unrelated, these experiences taught me valuable skills such as discipline, independent learning, and problem-solving.

Crafting My Own Machine Learning Curriculum

During my studies in electrical engineering, I realized my interest in software engineering and decided to make a career pivot. I started taking programming courses and landed an internship as an Android developer. To prepare myself further, I built Android apps and explored various programming resources on my own. However, I also recognized the importance of algorithms and data structures, as they play a crucial role in technical interviews at big tech companies. I spent time learning and practicing algorithms and data structures, alongside my internship and other commitments.

Getting Referred to DeepMind

In mid-2020, I reached out to a DeepMind employee named Peter Velitchkovic on LinkedIn, as he was one of the leading experts in the graph machine learning field. We started chatting, discussing various papers, and forming a genuine connection. Later, I mentioned my plan to start exploring the graph machine learning field, and Peter offered his support and guidance. When the time came for me to apply for DeepMind, I reached out to him again, and he immediately made a referral for me. This referral led to an interview opportunity, and after a series of interviews, I received an offer from DeepMind.

Final Preparations for DeepMind Interview

To prepare for the DeepMind interview, I focused on refreshing my knowledge of algorithms and data structures. I reviewed algorithmic textbooks, read chapters from coding interview books, and studied mathematics for machine learning. I also researched DeepMind's work on artificial general intelligence to familiarize myself with their projects and publications. Additionally, I practiced answering behavioral interview questions to prepare for that aspect of the interview process.

Summary of My Journey

In summary, my journey to becoming a research engineer at DeepMind without a machine learning degree involved several key steps. I crafted my own machine learning curriculum, focusing on various subfields such as neural style transfer, deep dream, generative adversarial networks (GANs), transformers, graph machine learning, and reinforcement learning. I formed a genuine connection with a DeepMind employee who eventually referred me for an interview. I also dedicated time to prepare for the technical and behavioral aspects of the interview process. Through perseverance and continuous learning, I was able to secure a job at DeepMind.

Keywords

DeepMind, research engineer, machine learning, curriculum, referral, interview preparation, algorithms, data structures, graph machine learning, neural style transfer, deep dream, generative adversarial networks (GANs), transformers, reinforcement learning.

FAQ

Q: Did you have a machine learning degree? A: No, I did not have a machine learning degree. My background was in electrical engineering, and I crafted my own machine learning curriculum to gain the necessary knowledge and skills.

Q: How did you get referred to DeepMind? A: I formed a genuine connection with a DeepMind employee through LinkedIn, and we discussed various topics related to machine learning. When I expressed my intention to apply for DeepMind, he kindly made a referral for me.

Q: What were your interview preparations like? A: I focused on refreshing my knowledge of algorithms and data structures, studied mathematics for machine learning, researched DeepMind's work, and practiced behavioral interview questions. I also read relevant research papers and implemented various projects to enhance my understanding.

Q: How long did it take for you to land a job at DeepMind? A: It took me several months of preparation, including studying and practicing, building connections, and going through the interview process. Persistence and continuous learning were crucial in securing a job at DeepMind.

Q: Can I get a referral for a top-tier company without a machine learning degree? A: Yes, it is possible to get a referral for a top-tier company even without a machine learning degree. Forming genuine connections, contributing to open-source projects, and showcasing your knowledge and skills can increase your chances of obtaining a referral.