From DeepMind Intern to Mentor: A Captivating Tale of Personal Growth and Achievement
Introduction:
Former intern turned intern manager, Richard Everett, shares his journey to DeepMind and provides tips and advice for aspiring DeepMinders. DeepMind, a leading AI research lab, offers internship opportunities in various teams including Research, Engineering, Science, Ethics & Society, and Operations. Richard’s own experience as an intern and now full-time employee at DeepMind has shaped his passion for supporting and mentoring interns. He describes the internship interview process, the type of work interns do, and highlights the kind and collaborative culture at DeepMind. Richard encourages aspiring interns to take the leap, mentioning that DeepMind welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and AI/ML experience levels. The 2023 internship applications will open on September 16th.
Full Article: From DeepMind Intern to Mentor: A Captivating Tale of Personal Growth and Achievement
Former Intern Turned Intern Manager Shares Journey to DeepMind and Offers Tips for Aspiring DeepMinders
DeepMind, a leading AI research lab, has gained attention for its groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence. One person who has witnessed this progress firsthand is Richard Everett, a former intern who now serves as an intern manager at DeepMind. In a recent interview, Everett shared his experience and offered valuable advice for individuals aspiring to work at DeepMind.
A Longtime Passion for AI Leads to DeepMind
Everett’s journey to DeepMind began with a childhood fascination with multiplayer video games. The interactions between human players and computer-controlled players sparked his interest in AI. This passion led him to pursue a degree in computer science and later a PhD. In 2016, he applied for an internship at DeepMind and, despite not initially receiving an offer, he reapplied the following year and successfully secured an internship. This experience eventually led to a full-time position, where he now works on AI projects and supports interns.
The Internship Interview Process
According to Everett, the internship interview process at DeepMind has evolved over time. Today, the process typically lasts a few months and includes both technical and team interviews. Applicants have the opportunity to indicate their preferred researchers to work with, and if selected, they may have the chance to speak with these researchers during the interview process. Everett advises applicants to thoroughly prepare for the technical interview by reviewing relevant material from undergraduate courses and practicing coding exercises. Additionally, he suggests researching the team’s recent work and preparing questions to demonstrate interest and curiosity.
Joining DeepMind Full-Time
Once Everett joined DeepMind full-time, he recalls the initial challenge of finding his footing amidst the numerous stimulating projects and brilliant individuals at the company. However, he now enjoys supporting new starters through this process, as he understands the excitement and challenges they face. DeepMind offers a supportive environment where employees have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI projects and collaborate with renowned researchers.
Becoming Involved in the Internship Program
Everett’s positive experience as an intern motivated him to get involved with DeepMind’s internship program. He coordinates his team’s internship program, conducts interviews, mentors interns, and actively participates in outreach efforts to connect with potential candidates. He feels it is important to provide the same support and guidance that he received as an intern to future interns.
The Wide Range of Internship Projects
Interns at DeepMind have the opportunity to pursue a diverse range of projects. On Everett’s team, interns collaborate closely with team members to co-develop projects that align with their interests. Past intern projects have included designing new multi-agent environments, developing infrastructure for studying human-agent interaction, and applying cooperative game theory to language models. The internship program at DeepMind encourages interns to explore their interests and make valuable contributions to ongoing research.
The Collaborative Culture at DeepMind
The culture at DeepMind is described as kind and collaborative. Many interns and new starters have remarked on the friendliness and supportiveness of their colleagues. Collaboration is integral to the company’s success, with projects often involving multiple collaborators from various roles and teams. The internship program embodies this collaborative culture, as interns work closely with DeepMind employees across different offices and locations.
Tips for Aspiring DeepMind Interns
For students interested in AI, there are numerous accessible resources to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the field. Reading papers, blog posts, and watching talks can provide valuable insights. Additionally, participating in workshops and conferences can offer mentorship opportunities and networking connections. DeepMind welcomes diverse backgrounds and expertise, making it accessible to students studying various subjects. Everett encourages aspiring interns to overcome self-doubt and apply, as many talented individuals mistakenly believe they are not qualified or that DeepMind is out of reach. He assures applicants that they have nothing to lose and potentially much to gain by submitting an application.
Apply for the DeepMind Internship
DeepMind’s 2023 internship applications will open on September 16th. For more information and to apply, visit the DeepMind website. Embrace the opportunity to join a dynamic and innovative team at the forefront of AI research and development.
Summary: From DeepMind Intern to Mentor: A Captivating Tale of Personal Growth and Achievement
Former intern turned intern manager, Richard Everett, shares his journey to DeepMind and offers valuable tips for aspiring DeepMinders. The internship applications for 2023 will be open on September 16th. Richard describes how his passion for AI, developed through playing video games, led him to pursue a computer science degree and eventually a PhD. He applied for an internship at DeepMind and, after being rejected the first time, he reapplied and got the opportunity. Now, as a full-time employee, Richard coordinates the internship program, mentors interns, and manages projects. The culture at DeepMind is described as kind, collaborative, and supportive. Richard encourages aspiring interns to take advantage of available resources, attend workshops and conferences, and not hesitate to apply for an internship at DeepMind.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
A1: Artificial intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. It involves the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as speech recognition, decision-making, problem-solving, and visual perception.
Q2: How is artificial intelligence being used in various industries?
A2: Artificial intelligence has found applications in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, transportation, and entertainment. In healthcare, AI is helping in diagnosing diseases, personalizing treatments, and monitoring patient health. In finance, AI is used for fraud detection, risk assessment, and algorithmic trading. Similarly, in manufacturing, AI is employed for process optimization and predictive maintenance.
Q3: Are there any ethical concerns surrounding artificial intelligence?
A3: Yes, the development and implementation of AI have raised ethical concerns. Some of the major concerns include job displacement due to automation, data privacy and security, biased decision-making algorithms, and the potential for AI to be used for malicious purposes. Ensuring that AI is developed and used responsibly while being transparent and accountable has become crucial.
Q4: What are the different types of artificial intelligence?
A4: Artificial intelligence can be classified into three main types: narrow or weak AI, general or strong AI, and superintelligent AI. Narrow AI systems are designed for specific tasks and excel in those areas, such as voice assistants or image recognition software. General AI refers to systems that have the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across various tasks similar to human intelligence. Superintelligent AI surpasses human intelligence and is hypothetical at this point.
Q5: What are the potential advantages and challenges of artificial intelligence?
A5: The potential advantages of artificial intelligence include increased productivity, improved decision-making, enhanced efficiency, and automation of repetitive tasks. It can lead to significant advancements in fields like healthcare, transportation, and scientific research. However, challenges include job displacement, ethical concerns, bias in algorithms, data privacy issues, technological dependencies, and the need for continuous monitoring to prevent potential risks.
