I’m a FAANG ML engineer with a Masters in CS (no thesis) and one third author paper in Robotics (from Bachelors). Didn’t end up publishing in Masters due to various reasons. Also, didn’t do PhD (kept thinking over whether I’d be accepted or not and didn’t apply). I’ve been trying to get into ML research. I want to work on original ideas and not just implement known stuff. I’m trying to transfer internally to some research role but finding it very difficult. Even research engineer roles seem to ask for first-author papers or something (or maybe it’s the recession or maybe I don’t have the right connections). Keep thinking about if I should press the PhD application button but get demoralized due to my poor research experience. Just wanted to put my dilemma to rest by asking this group.
Yes, you can be accepted into an ML PhD program without having authored any papers. Your FAANG experience, Master’s in CS, and third-author paper in Robotics already give you a solid foundation. Emphasize your professional experience, motivation for research, and get strong recommendation letters. PhD programs look at the overall potential, not just publications. If a PhD aligns with your goals, go ahead and apply.
Yes, you can get into an ML PhD program without having authored any papers, but you’ll need strong letters of recommendation from professors or researchers who can vouch for your potential, skills, and dedication.
Thank you for the encouragement @Neenah. I’m glad to hear that my background and experiences can still make me a strong candidate for an ML PhD program.
@Neenah Also, can I get into an ML PhD program by attending conferences, workshops, or other academic events?
I’m eager to join the program as soon as possible.
Landing a spot in a Machine Learning program, especially a top one, is tough. Having published research is practically essential these days.
I’m a FAANG ML engineer with a Master’s in CS, a third-author paper in Robotics from my Bachelor’s, but no publications from my Master’s due to various reasons. I’ve been trying to break into ML research, seeking roles that allow me to work on original ideas rather than just implementing known techniques. Despite my efforts to transfer internally, it’s been challenging due to the demand for first-author papers and possibly the recession or my lack of connections. I keep contemplating applying for a PhD but feel demoralized by my limited research experience. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.