As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes global industries, thousands of Indian tech professionals are eyeing opportunities in this fast-growing sector. With tech giants offering multimillion-dollar packages for top AI talent, the career path appears both promising and daunting. Kriti Goyal, a 28-year-old AI/ML engineer based in Seattle, offers an inspiring example. Originally from Bikaner, Rajasthan, Kriti first aspired to be a doctor but pivoted to tech after watching a Code.org video featuring Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. The idea that coding could transform ideas into real-world solutions pushed her to pursue a career in AI. Today, she is part of a core infrastructure team at a leading U.S.-based tech firm, helping machine learning models interpret unseen data.
Strategic Steps and Skill-Driven Success: Kriti Goyal’s Path into AI
Her strategic journey included an internship at her company’s India office, followed by a master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. This move enriched her technical expertise and helped her build a network in the U.S., leading to a full-time role through direct manager outreach rather than job boards.
Kriti stresses that while higher education helped her with skills and immigration, the AI field increasingly values practical experience over degrees. She encourages aspirants to focus on hands-on projects, internships, and networking.
India’s AI Rise and Kriti’s Call for Adaptability in a Changing Tech Landscape
Kriti’s work involves coding, research, and team collaboration, with a strong preference for hands-on problem-solving. She advises young professionals to remain adaptable and continually update their skill sets. On a broader scale, India is becoming a hub for AI talent, especially in engineering and implementation. Though elite research roles are mostly U.S.-based, India offers cost-effective, skilled professionals.
Experts believe India’s dual advantage—affordability and talent depth—makes it attractive for global firms. However, for India to compete at the highest R&D levels, substantial investments in upskilling and innovation are essential. With initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission, India’s AI momentum is set to grow.
Summary:
Kriti Goyal’s journey from Bikaner to a top U.S. tech firm highlights India’s rising AI talent. She emphasizes skills, networking, and adaptability over degrees. While elite roles remain U.S.-centric, India’s cost-effective, skilled workforce is gaining traction. With initiatives like IndiaAI, the nation is poised for significant AI growth.
