My interviewers at DeepMind were highly accomplished Ex-Google senior and staff software engineers with intimidating degrees. One of them significantly contributed to Google Assistant’s WaveNet technology. I was to join the team that researches for Google’s products, opposed to general AI research. Specifically, Google Assistant. These were the nicest, warmest, most understanding and least condescending potential bosses one could have. I felt like they were rooting for me to clear all rounds. The coding questions were modifications of uncommon Leetcode Hard questions. I took too long to complete them and they clearly explained stuffs I got wrong! For the 2 stages, each asked me to skip steps whenever I explain correctly. I got extra time in both. After the second coding interview with the staff research engineer, I asked for an overview on my performance. He offered some guidance for acing coding interviews like explaining the algorithm properly and designing pseudo code in comments first to avoid getting stuck with bugs. He then told me I seem to have a nice character, as well as demonstrated a strong command of Python, breaking down problems, clean and readable coding. He advised me not to feel bad as I came off as smart and they will try to weigh the strengths I showed. I also had a soothing experience with OpenAI earlier. The rejection feedback was something like “Many good points were made in your favour, so don’t see this as failure. We are a small company and can only take as much. We believe you’re off to a great start in your career. Thanks and good luck.” OpenAI’s interview was very difficult btw. Apple’s Siri Research Lab in Cambridge gave me a take home project but rejected on grounds of “We would have loved to see improved testing”. The head of R&D recruitment advised to immediately apply to other roles with them. These 3 teams, especially DeepMind’s treated me with respect despite being an MSC only candidate pursuing a career in research. On completing my current project with my current employer, in addition to more Leetcoding and developing where all suggested, I most certainly will reapply to the three. My DeepMind interviewers however will be outstanding mentors for me. What are the odds of being interviewed by the same guys? TC: 🥜 YOE: 1.5yrs (interships), (2yrs full-time) all AI MSC Artificial Intelligence Very interesting thesis however
It’s heartwarming to see highly accomplished people are humble asf whereas jerk managers at Apple think they are geniuses and overbearing.
You are indeed a nice relatable person. This post was well written and respectfully. Took positives out of it. You will go far for sure. If Deep mind is the right place for you it will happen. Keep going. You made me go Deep in my mind with this post!
Congrats on landing interviews at those places. It’s really not that easy.
I know people in deep mind and yeah I got the impression they were nice and very smart too.
Saying that your rejection wasn't a failure is like saying that your dog is dead but you can keep it.
you need to solve LC hards to become a researcher in industry? wtf....
Research scientists get easier coding but much harder maths & ml. I apply for Research Engineer roles where the reverse is the case. We focus on prototyping and experimentation while they on theoretical analysis. They require PhD and strong research publications while we need MSc with advanced software engineering experience. Aspiring research scientists should want top universities on their cvs while prospective research engineers should want top companies on theirs.
More accomplished people are usually more humble. It’s the people who know less that are the most cocky. Not so bright people in prestigious places are the worst.
Damn! I was skeptical for a moment but as I read more I'm convinced this is legit and there are decent people in our industry. With minimal info, I want to agree with that feedback that you likely have a good/positive character and want you to succeed stranger. Good luck in your efforts.
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Even for a blind post that was an exciting read.