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I'm a junior developer skilled in Java, Angular, HTML, and CSS, but l'm at a standstill in my current role with no project experience after 1.5 years. I'm torn between seeking a new job to further my web development career or pursuing a master's in Al and ML abroad, despite not being strong in math. I'd love to hear your opinions and suggestions on this. What would you do in my shoes?
Web Development or Masters in Al/ML
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7 answers
Updated
Victor’s Answer
Enthusiast,
You have a good foundation of coding then. Use your skills to learning Python and JSON. Get a good grip on those then, learn a bit of Terraform or at least the foundations of it and Ansible. The wave of the future is in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and Configuration as Code (CaC).
Enterprise netwroks are going digital. Before you would buy hardware and software appliances like routers, codecs, servers, etc. Now these have become cloud appliances that are virtual in every aspect. But they need to be implemented and configured. That's where your new skills will come in handy.
I don't recommend going and getting Master's or any other degree anymore because that is old school too. Get certifications. You can get a lot more certifications under your belt faster than getting another costly degree.
My two cents worth
Vic
You have a good foundation of coding then. Use your skills to learning Python and JSON. Get a good grip on those then, learn a bit of Terraform or at least the foundations of it and Ansible. The wave of the future is in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and Configuration as Code (CaC).
Enterprise netwroks are going digital. Before you would buy hardware and software appliances like routers, codecs, servers, etc. Now these have become cloud appliances that are virtual in every aspect. But they need to be implemented and configured. That's where your new skills will come in handy.
I don't recommend going and getting Master's or any other degree anymore because that is old school too. Get certifications. You can get a lot more certifications under your belt faster than getting another costly degree.
My two cents worth
Vic
Updated
SHAOMIN’s Answer
Clearly, you have desirable skills in Java, Angular, HTML, and CSS, which are highly appreciated in the tech world. Why not add AI and ML to your toolbox as you venture into new job prospects or tech projects? This could open doors to significant advancement and learning possibilities.
Updated
Monina’s Answer
Why should you travel overseas to learn about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) when you have the opportunity to do so right here? I managed to study AI and ML while still maintaining my regular job. If you're eager to work on a genuine project, I suggest communicating with your superiors and requesting a new task. Don't hesitate to express your thoughts and ideas.
Updated
Dimple’s Answer
Your current skillsets are good. Since you feel you are at a standstill in your career and no new project experience, I would suggest looking for different project in your current organization. If this is not an option and AI/ML excites you, try a few free courses online or look up some videos on YT. After this if you still feel your math skills are inadequate and AI/ML excites you, consider spending some time to get your math expertise upgraded. Consider some online portal like coursera, pluralsight, khan academy etc.
There are many universities that offer online Masters as part time , you could consider this option. The financial outlay for this will be significantly lower. With AI/ML your chances of advancement in current organization and any future job hunt will only be better. Good Luck!
There are many universities that offer online Masters as part time , you could consider this option. The financial outlay for this will be significantly lower. With AI/ML your chances of advancement in current organization and any future job hunt will only be better. Good Luck!
Updated
Sahida’s Answer
It sounds like you're at a critical juncture in your career, and you have two distinct paths in front of you. Let's break down each option:
Seeking a New Job in Web Development:
Pros:
You already have valuable skills in Java, Angular, HTML, and CSS, which are in demand in the industry.
Moving to a new job could expose you to different projects and technologies, providing opportunities for growth and learning.
Cons:
Lack of project experience in your current role might make it challenging to compete for certain positions.
You may end up in a similar situation if you don't actively seek out projects and responsibilities in your next role.
Pursuing a Master's in AI and ML Abroad:
Pros:
AI and ML are rapidly growing fields with significant demand for skilled professionals.
A master's degree could provide you with a solid theoretical foundation and practical experience in these areas.
Studying abroad might offer unique networking opportunities and exposure to different perspectives.
Cons:
If you're not strong in math, you may face challenges in grasping certain concepts, as AI and ML heavily rely on mathematical principles.
Pursuing a master's degree is a significant time and financial commitment.
Considering your current skill set and career aspirations, here are a few suggestions:
Evaluate Your Current Situation: Reflect on why you haven't gained project experience in your current role after 1.5 years. Is it due to lack of opportunities, motivation, or other factors? Identifying the root cause can help you decide whether seeking a new job is the right move.
Skill Enhancement: If you're leaning towards AI and ML but feel unsure about your math skills, consider dedicating some time to improving in that area. There are numerous online resources, courses, and books available to help you strengthen your mathematical foundations.
Exploring Opportunities: Start actively seeking out projects or responsibilities within your current organization. This could involve discussing your career goals with your manager or seeking mentorship from colleagues who are working on interesting projects.
Networking and Research: Reach out to professionals in both web development and AI/ML fields to gain insights into their experiences and career trajectories. Attend industry events, webinars, or workshops to expand your network and gather information that can inform your decision.
Combining Both Paths: Consider how you can integrate AI/ML into web development. For instance, exploring areas like natural language processing for chatbots, recommendation systems for personalized content, or image recognition for enhanced user experiences.
Ultimately, the decision should align with your long-term career goals, interests, and strengths. If you're passionate about AI/ML and willing to put in the effort to overcome challenges, pursuing a master's degree abroad could open up exciting opportunities in a rapidly evolving field. However, if you enjoy web development and see potential for growth in that area, seeking a new job with more project opportunities might be the right step for you.
Seeking a New Job in Web Development:
Pros:
You already have valuable skills in Java, Angular, HTML, and CSS, which are in demand in the industry.
Moving to a new job could expose you to different projects and technologies, providing opportunities for growth and learning.
Cons:
Lack of project experience in your current role might make it challenging to compete for certain positions.
You may end up in a similar situation if you don't actively seek out projects and responsibilities in your next role.
Pursuing a Master's in AI and ML Abroad:
Pros:
AI and ML are rapidly growing fields with significant demand for skilled professionals.
A master's degree could provide you with a solid theoretical foundation and practical experience in these areas.
Studying abroad might offer unique networking opportunities and exposure to different perspectives.
Cons:
If you're not strong in math, you may face challenges in grasping certain concepts, as AI and ML heavily rely on mathematical principles.
Pursuing a master's degree is a significant time and financial commitment.
Considering your current skill set and career aspirations, here are a few suggestions:
Evaluate Your Current Situation: Reflect on why you haven't gained project experience in your current role after 1.5 years. Is it due to lack of opportunities, motivation, or other factors? Identifying the root cause can help you decide whether seeking a new job is the right move.
Skill Enhancement: If you're leaning towards AI and ML but feel unsure about your math skills, consider dedicating some time to improving in that area. There are numerous online resources, courses, and books available to help you strengthen your mathematical foundations.
Exploring Opportunities: Start actively seeking out projects or responsibilities within your current organization. This could involve discussing your career goals with your manager or seeking mentorship from colleagues who are working on interesting projects.
Networking and Research: Reach out to professionals in both web development and AI/ML fields to gain insights into their experiences and career trajectories. Attend industry events, webinars, or workshops to expand your network and gather information that can inform your decision.
Combining Both Paths: Consider how you can integrate AI/ML into web development. For instance, exploring areas like natural language processing for chatbots, recommendation systems for personalized content, or image recognition for enhanced user experiences.
Ultimately, the decision should align with your long-term career goals, interests, and strengths. If you're passionate about AI/ML and willing to put in the effort to overcome challenges, pursuing a master's degree abroad could open up exciting opportunities in a rapidly evolving field. However, if you enjoy web development and see potential for growth in that area, seeking a new job with more project opportunities might be the right step for you.
Eric Liszt
AVP Product Management, Product Development, Customer Support
10
Answers
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hi Enthusiast,
Two key points:
1) If you feel stalled and you don't have a line of sight to expand your role, then it's a good time to start seeking something different. In nearly all cases, you can't rely on someone else to progress your skill set and career for you. You've got to take the ownership.
2) AI/ML is a TRANSFORMATIVE technology. Much like the Internet transformed nearly every aspect of our business and personal lives, AI/ML will do the same. As you sound like you are early in your career, now is the time to take risks and make investments. Betting on AI/ML is 100% something worth your consideration. You are at the beginning of this sea change and well positioned in time to take advantage of it.
Best of luck... let us know if you have more questions.
Thanks,
Eric
PS... I'm willing to bet that the two responses prior to mine were created in part with AI/ML. :-)
Two key points:
1) If you feel stalled and you don't have a line of sight to expand your role, then it's a good time to start seeking something different. In nearly all cases, you can't rely on someone else to progress your skill set and career for you. You've got to take the ownership.
2) AI/ML is a TRANSFORMATIVE technology. Much like the Internet transformed nearly every aspect of our business and personal lives, AI/ML will do the same. As you sound like you are early in your career, now is the time to take risks and make investments. Betting on AI/ML is 100% something worth your consideration. You are at the beginning of this sea change and well positioned in time to take advantage of it.
Best of luck... let us know if you have more questions.
Thanks,
Eric
PS... I'm willing to bet that the two responses prior to mine were created in part with AI/ML. :-)
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
As an aspiring professional, you may find yourself at a crossroads, deciding between taking a new job to further your web development career or pursuing a master's degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) overseas, despite your self-perceived weak math skills. Both options offer distinct growth and advancement opportunities, but choosing between them requires thoughtful examination of your long-term career objectives, interests, and priorities.
To start with, evaluate your enthusiasm and talent for web development compared to AI and ML. Think about which area excites you more and aligns better with your career goals. Reflect on the kinds of projects and technologies that ignite your interest and where you envision making the most significant contribution in the future. If you have a real passion for web development and envision yourself excelling in this field, it might be worth looking for opportunities to gain more practical project experience in your current role or finding new job opportunities that offer more growth potential and exposure to challenging projects.
However, if the potential of AI and ML intrigues you and you view it as a promising path for your career, pursuing a master's degree overseas could be a worthwhile investment in your future. Even if math isn't your strong suit, don't let that discourage you from exploring this avenue. Many AI and ML programs offer a well-rounded approach that merges computer science, statistics, and other fields, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to excel. Consider taking prerequisite courses or self-study programs to enhance your math skills and establish a solid foundation before pursuing a master's degree.
Moreover, research the job market and industry trends in both web development and AI/ML to understand the demand for professionals with your skills and the potential career opportunities each field offers. Take into account factors such as job prospects, salary potential, and career growth opportunities when making your decision. Networking with professionals in both fields and seeking advice from mentors or career counselors can also offer valuable insights to guide your decision-making process.
In conclusion, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, and the choice to seek a new job or further education should be based on your personal goals, interests, and circumstances. Take the time to carefully consider your options, weigh the potential risks and rewards of each path, and select the option that best aligns with your long-term career goals and personal satisfaction. Remember, career paths are seldom straight, and there may be opportunities to shift or merge your interests in the future. Regardless of the path you choose, approach it with determination, resilience, and an eagerness to continue learning and growing in your chosen field.
To start with, evaluate your enthusiasm and talent for web development compared to AI and ML. Think about which area excites you more and aligns better with your career goals. Reflect on the kinds of projects and technologies that ignite your interest and where you envision making the most significant contribution in the future. If you have a real passion for web development and envision yourself excelling in this field, it might be worth looking for opportunities to gain more practical project experience in your current role or finding new job opportunities that offer more growth potential and exposure to challenging projects.
However, if the potential of AI and ML intrigues you and you view it as a promising path for your career, pursuing a master's degree overseas could be a worthwhile investment in your future. Even if math isn't your strong suit, don't let that discourage you from exploring this avenue. Many AI and ML programs offer a well-rounded approach that merges computer science, statistics, and other fields, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to excel. Consider taking prerequisite courses or self-study programs to enhance your math skills and establish a solid foundation before pursuing a master's degree.
Moreover, research the job market and industry trends in both web development and AI/ML to understand the demand for professionals with your skills and the potential career opportunities each field offers. Take into account factors such as job prospects, salary potential, and career growth opportunities when making your decision. Networking with professionals in both fields and seeking advice from mentors or career counselors can also offer valuable insights to guide your decision-making process.
In conclusion, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, and the choice to seek a new job or further education should be based on your personal goals, interests, and circumstances. Take the time to carefully consider your options, weigh the potential risks and rewards of each path, and select the option that best aligns with your long-term career goals and personal satisfaction. Remember, career paths are seldom straight, and there may be opportunities to shift or merge your interests in the future. Regardless of the path you choose, approach it with determination, resilience, and an eagerness to continue learning and growing in your chosen field.