Stuck between my current career path and my interest in AI/ML — what should I do?*
I’m a recent engineering graduate and I’ve recently started/will soon be starting my first full-time job in a field that is quite different from what I eventually want to do.
My long-term interest is in AI/ML. I’ve spent some time learning and working on ML-related projects during college, and I genuinely enjoy it. I would eventually like to work as an ML/AI engineer.
However, my current job is in a more traditional engineering domain, and I’m unsure whether I should:
* Continue in my current field and learn AI/ML alongside my job
* Try to move internally into an AI/data-related role
* Build my skills for 1–2 years and then switch directly into AI/ML
* Consider doing a Master's in AI/ML later
My biggest concern is that if I spend the next few years working in a completely different domain, I’ll become too far removed from AI/ML and employers won't consider me for entry-level AI roles anymore.
At the same time, I don't want to throw away a good job without having a realistic alternative.
For people who have made a career transition from one engineering field into AI/ML:
What would you do in my situation? What would you focus on during the next 2–3 years to make the transition realistically possible?
I’d especially appreciate honest advice from people who have actually made a similar transition, rather than generic career advice.