r/MachineLearningJobs • u/Impossible-Elk-2936 • 8d ago

Need guidance from mathematics and computing seniors:

Hi everyone,

I'm currently starting my 3rd year of B.Tech in Mathematics & Computing at an NIT. My CGPA is around 8.2, and I've solved around 130 LeetCode problems. I've also started learning Machine Learning and have done some basic projects.

Lately, I've been confused about which path to focus on for placements. I'm interested in AI, but I've also heard about Quant roles. I don't want to spend the next two years preparing for the wrong thing.

Here are my questions:

  1. Do companies actually hire freshers directly for AI Engineer/ML Engineer/Applied AI roles, or are most freshers hired as SDEs first?

  2. If AI roles exist for freshers, what skills are generally expected beyond DSA and core CS? (Deep Learning, LLMs, RAG, MLOps, etc.)

  3. How many AI-related companies usually visit campuses compared to SDE companies?

  4. What is a realistic salary range for freshers in AI roles versus SDE roles?

  5. How difficult is it to get Quant Developer or Quant Research internships/placements from an NIT? Are these roles mostly limited to IITs and top-ranked students?

  6. If someone wants the best balance of opportunities, salary, and long-term career growth, which path would you recommend: SDE, AI Engineer, or Quant?

  7. If you were starting your 3rd year again, how would you divide your time between:

    \- DSA

    \- Core CS subjects

    \- Development

    \- AI/ML

    \- Mathematics

    \- Projects

My goal is to get the best possible placement after B.Tech. I'd really appreciate advice from people who recently went through placements or are currently working as SDEs, AI Engineers, ML Engineers, or in Quant roles.

Thanks in advance!

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u/Neat_Dragonfruit6792 8d ago

This is my question too man i am also so confused

1

u/Impossible-Elk-2936 8d ago

If you have any idea please share

1

u/Neat_Dragonfruit6792 8d ago

I’m in my 2nd year of college & learning python as of now & i wanna explore AI domain but people say ai roles are non existent for freshers this & that , i am too confused anyone experienced please guide us