u/Familiar-Data8797

Starting a training contract April 27 and feeling confused as to whether this is the correct path for me. I am very eager to gain experience in AI / Tech / Data / Privacy. The thought of training for 2.5 years to only then, if I am lucky, get to choose where I want to specialise and start gaining experience from there seems daunting to me. I suppose I feel like my career is a little out of my control and in the hands of a large firm! I have been considering doing a masters and heading towards the PhD route, but obviously the cost is a factor. Upon reflection I dove straight into the training contract route and now that I am a year post-grad and Fe1s done, I am reflecting on whether there were different paths I should have considered. Any advice would be appreciated. Or any tips on how to gain experience in AI / Tech between now and qualification to help steer my path in the right direction would be welcome!