23 answers

Updated Jun 24 4203 views

How can I succeed with connecting with professionals?

I have graduated from Finance study in 2025. Now I am looking for AI data training and want to connect with people who can share experiences with me to help me succeed.

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23 answers

Updated Jun 25

Wong’s Answer

Since you are interested in AI data training and want to connect with professionals, networking can be one of the best ways to learn and grow. First, you need to create a professional LinkedIn profile and clearly state your background in finance and your interest in AI. Also, you can connect with people working in AI, data analytics, machine learning, and related fields.

And, do not be afraid to send polite messages asking for advice. Instead of asking for a job immediately, ask about their career journey, skills they recommend, and lessons they have learned.

You should also join online communities, webinars, workshops, and local networking events related to AI and data science. These events can help you meet people with similar interests and expand your network.

Thank you very much Wong! Really appreciate your advice. Melinina Jun 25

You're very welcome Wong Loke Yuen Jun 25

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Updated Jun 27

Anuj’s Answer

Professionals love helping people with this specific profile because it shows you understand business, but you want to build the technical skills for the future.

To get your profile match strength to High using a genuine, universal approach that matches your exact story, use these tags. They are focused on your true path—bridging finance, data, and human career growth.

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Updated Jun 24

Shelby’s Answer

One thing I always encourage is joining local networking groups- the YWA (young womens alliance) and YMBL (young men's business league) are both effective networking organizations

Thanks Shelby, appreciate it! Melinina Jun 25

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Updated Jul 15

Juan Manuel’s Answer

1. Get out there: You need to get into the community, and thankfully, there are tons of free events out there!
Go to Meetup.com right now: Search for groups in your city like "AI Tech Mixers," "Data Science Basics," or "Generative AI Builders." These meetups are usually free, super casual, and full of people who are happy to share their experiences.

Look at Eventbrite & LinkedIn Events: Keep an eye out for free local panels, tech mixers, or even virtual webinars. Attend them, and don’t be afraid to chat with the speakers or other attendees afterward.

2. Create your "Finance + AI" story: Learn how to leverage AI, on your own. Invest $20 to play with Claude/Gemini/ChatGPT or any other tool. And learn how to those them, what are the key use cases. Subscribe to AI newsletter and watch free youtube videos from experts in the topic. This will help you to initiate conversations or just built your expertise in the topic.

3. Use LinkedIn, with messages short and sweet When you do reach out to professionals online, skip the long message. People are busy, so give them a question they can answer in 60 seconds. Leverage people in your own network, to open warm introductions.

4. Always ask the "Golden Question". Whenever you have a great conversation with someone, always wrap up by asking: "Is there anyone else you think I should chat with, or another community I should check out?" or "Is there anything that you would recommend to keep learning about this world?"

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Updated Jun 27

Akshay’s Answer

Congratulations on graduating with your Finance degree! Pivoting into AI data training right now is actually a brilliant move. AI companies are currently in a race to make their models smarter, and they desperately need "Domain Experts" in finance to teach AI how to handle complex market logic, accounting standards, and risk assessments.

Akshay recommends the following next steps:

Create your "Finance + AI" story: Learn how to leverage AI, on your own. Invest $20 to play with Claude/Gemini/ChatGPT or any other tool. And learn how to those them, what are the key use cases. Subscribe to AI newsletter and watch free youtube videos from experts in the topic. This will help you to initiate conversations or just built your expertise in the topic.

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Updated Jun 26

Keerthan’s Answer

Congratulations on graduating with your Finance degree! Pivoting into AI data training right now is actually a brilliant move. AI companies are currently in a race to make their models smarter, and they desperately need "Domain Experts" in finance to teach AI how to handle complex market logic, accounting standards, and risk assessments.

To be completely candid with you, networking in the AI data training space (often called RLHF—Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback) looks very different from traditional corporate finance networking. Much of this work is done remotely through specialized platforms, so the workforce is highly decentralised.
Here is a quick way of how to connect with professionals in the AI data training space:

Where to Find the Right People
Reddit and Discord: This is where the most honest, real-time conversations happen. Look for active threads discussing "RLHF," "AI data trainer," and specific platforms like Outlier or DataAnnotation.

LinkedIn: Search strategically for titles like "RLHF Specialist," "AI Data Trainer," or "Domain Expert - Finance" at companies like Scale AI, Alignerr, or Remo Experts.

How to Approach Them
Keep Outreach Brief: Professionals are busy. Send short, personalized messages stating your finance background and asking for brief, specific advice on getting started.

Focus on Your Niche: Ask specifically about how to pass Domain Expert assessments. Your finance degree qualifies you for higher-paying, specialized tasks, so focus your networking on that premium tier rather than general data entry.

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Updated Jul 24

Akasha’s Answer

Congratulations on graduating in 2025! Your background in finance is a massive asset. Leading AI companies are actively hiring domain experts to train models on advanced financial reasoning, financial modeling, and regulatory compliance. You are positioning yourself as a Finance Domain Expert who teaches AI how to think accurately about money.To attract the right professionals, update your professional headline on networking platforms to be precise, such as: "Finance Graduate (2025) | Specializing in Financial AI Data Training."When searching for people to connect with, look for professionals with titles like AI Training Specialist, Data Annotation Project Manager, or AI Evaluation Lead. Target companies like Outlier AI, DataAnnotation, and Scale AI, which hire experts for this exact intersection.When you find professionals in these roles, send a short note asking for their insight rather than a job right away. You can use this template:"Hi [Name], I graduated with a Finance degree in 2025 and am pivoting into AI data training to help evaluate financial models. I see your great background in this space and would love to connect to learn what skills you think are most critical for succeeding in financial AI evaluation. Thanks! — Melinina"While you network, show people you are serious by opening a public AI tool and asking it to build a financial model or explain a finance trend. Spot the errors or calculation gaps. When professionals reply to your messages, mention that you are actively practice-checking AI outputs for financial accuracy. This proves you already have the exact attention to detail that AI data trainers need.

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Updated Jun 24

Karen’s Answer

Hello, do you have access to LinkedIn? its a great place to look for professionals and browse companies. Also dive into looking at large company websites like Salesforce, Accenture, IBM, Google, Apple, Microsoft. There websites would provide insightful information and give you a good idea whats coming with AI :-)

Thanks Karen, appreciate it! Melinina Jun 25

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Updated Jul 15

Emily’s Answer

The best way to start is by using LinkedIn. It's a simple tool you can use for networking. First, spend some time improving your profile. A good profile will help you connect with others. Once it's ready, reach out to people in roles that interest you. I've had many people contact me over the years to ask questions or have quick chats, and it's always been helpful for networking and sharing advice.

Also, check out your local community and online. There might be groups where you can get involved with AI and data.

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Updated Jun 26

Anuj’s Answer

1. Build a Standout Headline
Your finance background is a major asset for training AI models in finance, fintech, and economic reasoning. Use this specific headline on your networking profiles:

"Finance Graduate (2025) pivoting into AI Data Training | Looking to connect with Data Professionals & AI Trainers"

2. Connect with the Right People
On LinkedIn, look for professionals with these exact job titles:

"AI Training Specialist"

"Data Annotation Project Manager"

"FinTech Data Analyst"

3. Use This Low-Pressure Message Template
When sending connection requests, use a brief, genuine message to ask for insights:

"Hi [Name], I graduated in Finance in 2025 and am now moving into AI data training. I see your great experience in this field and would love to connect to learn what skills are most critical to succeed today. Thanks for your time!"

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Updated Jun 26

Anilkumar’s Answer

Use LinkedIn with brief and friendly messages. When contacting professionals online, keep it short because everyone is busy. Ask a question they can answer in 60 seconds. Use your own network to help you get warm introductions.

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Updated Jun 26

Saubhagya’s Answer

To succeed, position your 2025 finance degree as a premium asset for training domain-specific AI models, and target AI Trainers, Data Labeling Specialists, and Financial AI Analysts on LinkedIn. Reach out with a short, personalized note highlighting their career path, and request a brief, 15-minute informational interview focused entirely on their advice rather than a job ask. During the conversation, ask specific questions about the tools they use and the unique challenges of processing financial datasets.

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Updated Jun 24

Kyra’s Answer

There are so many resources available to you that it can get overwhelming to choose where to start. I would start by creating a LinkedIn profile and following thought leaders in the AI space. They are posting regularly about AI trends and news related to AI. I would also recommend listening to some podcasts like "The AI Daily Brief" to educate yourself and stay up to date on the latest, which will help you form your own perspective as you engage with others in your network.

Thanks Kyra! Much appreciated! Melinina Jun 25

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Updated Jun 24

Valli’s Answer

Use social and professional networks to connect with others. If someone doesn't match your interests, you can always disconnect.

Thanks Valli! Melinina Jun 25

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Updated Jun 26

Kumar’s Answer

You can look for open-source projects on GitHub and then find those people on LinkedIn. You can also search for people in the same field on Twitter or Reddit and ask to connect on LinkedIn. Additionally, attend local developer meetups and events to make real in-person connections.

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Updated Jul 22

Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. Below are my suggestions :
1. Join the professional organizations. They usually would organize networking activities from time to time
2. Attebd industry seminars
3. Explore any relevant groups in social media
4. Join the alumni association to keep connection and collaboration
Hope this helos! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!

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Updated Jul 07

Adil Kamal’s Answer

A great way to succeed in connecting with professionals is to actively reach out to people on LinkedIn who have similar interests, backgrounds, or career paths. Use keywords such as AI Data Training, Data Annotation, AI Operations, Machine Learning, Data Analyst, AI Engineer, Prompt Engineering, Data Science, and Generative AI to find relevant professionals and communities.

Don't be afraid to send connection requests and ask for short coffee chats to learn about their experiences and career journeys. Most people are willing to share advice if approached respectfully and genuinely.

At the same time, continue building your skills through online courses and hands-on projects. With today's AI tools, the barrier to entering software and technology roles is lower than ever. Try creating personal projects, building clones of apps you already use, and leveraging AI assistants to help you learn and develop solutions.

Share your work on platforms like GitHub and LinkedIn to demonstrate your skills and make yourself more visible to employers and professionals in the field. Most importantly, be persistent;networking and career growth take time, so don't give up if you don't receive immediate responses. Consistent effort and continuous learning will create opportunities over time.

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Updated Jul 06

Sabarinath’s Answer

Integrating finance with AI can enhance your career trajectory with two high impact domains. I recommend actively building your professional network on platforms like LinkedIn, while also leveraging mentorship portals to connect with experienced professionals in your field. Many of these platforms allow you to schedule focused conversations, such as 30-minute sessions, to gain practical insights and guidance.

In parallel, engage with professional associations and membership-based communities where industry experts and researchers regularly publish thought leadership. This will help you stay informed on emerging trends and deepen your domain knowledge. Most importantly, invest time in exploring real-world AI use cases within finance—understanding how AI is being applied in areas such as risk modeling, fraud detection, and financial forecasting will allow you to align your skills with evolving industry needs and create meaningful impact.

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Updated Jun 25

Addison’s Answer

Hello! I faced similar worries when I was about to graduate from college. It can be tough to network when you're new to the workforce. I joined a group called Girl Security, which is for women in STEM and national security. Even though it focuses on national security jobs, it's a great way to meet other women in the cyber field. The group welcomes everyone, from high school students to experienced professionals and retirees. If you're interested, you can visit their website to learn more.

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Updated Jun 26

Kumar’s Answer

That's a smart pivot! Financial data is huge in AI right now, so your 2025 degree gives you a massive advantage for specialized training roles.

Here is the quickest way to get people talking to you:

Search Smart on LinkedIn: Look for people with titles like "AI Data Trainer," "RLHF Specialist," or "Subject Matter Expert" at companies like Scale AI, Outlier, Snorkel, or OpenAI.

Send a Targeted Message: Keep it super brief. Try something like: "Hey [Name], I'm a recent finance grad transitioning into AI data training. I'd love to ask you one quick question about your experience at [Company] if you have a minute."

Pitch Your Edge: When they reply, ask them how companies are utilizing finance experts to train their models. People love talking about their niche and giving advice.

Have you already updated your LinkedIn profile to highlight your finance background specifically for AI roles?

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Updated Jun 24

Teklemuz’s Answer

To connect well with professionals, start by joining workshops, AI events, and conferences. Engage with others thoughtfully before reaching out directly. Be clear about your move from finance to AI data training and share your background with a strong, focused portfolio. When you connect, ask specific questions about their experiences or career paths, and interact with their content. Consistently offer value through insights or thoughtful comments, not just requests. Be intentional by following up when needed, choosing the right people based on relevance, and networking regularly on platforms like LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Kaggle, GitHub, Reddit, Discord, and Meetups. This will help you build familiarity and visibility over time.

Thanks Teklemuz Ayenew! Much appreciated! Melinina Jun 25

It’s my pleasure! Teklemuz Tesfay Jun 25

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Updated Jun 26

Kumar’s Answer

Navigating college majors in the age of AI can feel daunting, but the key to future-proofing your career is to look for fields that either build the AI, apply AI to complex data, or rely on human traits AI cannot easily replicate (like empathy, complex physical manipulation, and high-level strategy).

The highest-paying, most resilient bachelor’s degrees generally fall into four distinct pillars.

1. The Builders: Computer Science or AI Engineering
If you want to be the one designing the future rather than just using it, this is the most direct path. While routine coding is becoming automated, the demand for high-level system architects, cybersecurity experts, and machine learning engineers has skyrocketed.

High-Paying Roles: Machine Learning Engineer, AI Architect, Cybersecurity Specialist.

Average Starting Salaries: $90,000 – $115,000+

2. The Analysts: Data Science or Quantitative Economics
AI thrives on data, but it needs human oversight to turn that data into profitable business strategies or scientific breakthroughs. Combining a background in mathematics/statistics with business or economics makes you highly valuable to tech firms, Wall Street, and consulting agencies.

High-Paying Roles: Data Scientist, Quantitative Analyst, AI Risk Modeler.

Average Starting Salaries: $85,000 – $105,000+

3. The Translators: Robotics or Biomedical Engineering
AI is incredibly powerful in software, but connecting it to the physical world is a massive growth sector. Robotics combines mechanical and electrical engineering with smart automation, while Biomedical Engineering merges tech with healthcare (e.g., AI-driven drug discovery or medical imaging), an industry highly insulated from full automation.

High-Paying Roles: Robotics Engineer, Biomedical Tech Consultant, Automation Engineer.

Average Starting Salaries: $80,000 – $100,000+

4. The Human-Centric Strategists: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) or Finance
As technology becomes more complex, businesses need people who understand human behavior to design intuitive tech interfaces or lead cross-functional teams. A degree in HCI (which blends psychology, design, and computer science) or a traditional Finance/Management degree specialized in tech implementation ensures you sit at the executive table.

High-Paying Roles: AI Product Manager, UX/UI Architect, Technology Consultant.

Average Starting Salaries: $85,000 – $110,000+

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Updated Jun 25

Ruben Sandeep’s Answer

To connect well with professionals, students should make LinkedIn their go-to platform and follow some simple tips.

First, set up a strong LinkedIn profile. Choose a clear photo, write a headline that shows your interests or skills (not just "Student"), and add a brief summary about what you're studying and your career goals.

Second, connect with the right people, like college alumni, professionals in jobs you want, recruiters, and those just starting their careers. Avoid sending random requests—make sure each connection has a purpose.

Third, always personalize your connection requests. Explain why you want to connect, like learning from their career path or getting industry advice. This makes it more likely they’ll accept.

Fourth, engage with them before asking for help. Like or comment on their posts and thank them for connecting. Don’t ask for a job or referral right away.

Finally, be consistent and respectful. Share updates about what you’re learning, follow up politely, and always show gratitude. Building professional relationships takes time, but with the right approach, LinkedIn can help you find mentors, internships, and job opportunities.

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