Firm
Meet Sylvia Christie, our training partnerships supervisor who’s performed a number one position in increasing our scholarship programme, which has simply celebrated its five-year anniversary.
What was your path to DeepMind?
Earlier than DeepMind, I labored for a social goal startup that elevated entry to psychological healthcare. Then I received a job at a college alongside teachers and college students. At that time, I realised I used to be on the lookout for a ‘Goldilocks’ position that introduced collectively the whole lot I beloved about these completely different environments – the pace and pleasure of a tech startup, impact-focussed objectives, and the fascination of working with good researchers. It appeared unimaginable to mix all this stuff. Then, enter stage left: DeepMind.
In the course of the interview course of, I used to be stunned by how a lot the interviewers wished to get to know me and the way I associated to the tradition DeepMind was constructing. Individuals from all completely different backgrounds, disciplines, and approaches discover their method to DeepMind, and having such an open dialogue in regards to the setting I’d be a part of as a brand new worker made me really feel at dwelling.
What drew you to the training group?
I consider in guaranteeing that individuals from all walks of life, and particularly these from underrepresented communities and backgrounds, are capable of contribute to the event of AI. I’ve had the possibility to work on some actually particular initiatives at DeepMind, however the scholarships programme is – by far – essentially the most personally rewarding programme I’ve ever been concerned in. Each educational 12 months, we get to see the brand new crop of proficient AI students change into a part of a world group of scholars and mentors. It’s an extremely particular second – and I can’t wait to see what all of them obtain sooner or later!
Photograph: Maximilian Kindersley
How would you describe the scholarship programme in a single sentence?
The DeepMind scholarship programme goals to take away limitations for college kids from underrepresented backgrounds who wish to pursue postgraduate research in synthetic intelligence (AI) and associated fields.
What’s your typical day like? And your group?
My days are at all times a combination. I wish to have a little bit of focus time daily to advance project-based or planning work, however the remainder of the time may be full of conferences, group catch-ups, or talking to college students and our companions at universities all over the world. It’s tremendous various, and by no means boring.
We’re a comparatively new group, so we’ve had the chance to create our group tradition from the beginning. Personally, I discover the training partnerships group to be considerate, respectful, and enjoyable! We’ve grown rather a lot too. Within the final 12 months, we’ve welcomed group members to assist launch six new partnerships and develop our training programmes.
What’s the largest problem your group faces?
Discovering the correct methods for DeepMind to make a constructive impression is crucial problem. We have to be sure that our work drives actual change within the wider group and for AI training extra typically. It’s a great problem to have as a result of it’s a possibility as effectively.
How did you rejoice the five-year anniversary?
We held a Students Summit. It’s a digital celebration of the programme, and the superb mentors, college students, and alumni. It was an important week with unbelievable panel discussions with DeepMinders and business and educational audio system.
We additionally launched our AI By You movie sequence, the place a few of our students shared their concepts and insights on what AI means to them. The sequence additionally consists of the quick cinematic movie beneath as a brand new method of talking to audiences in regards to the scholarship programme in a inventive method. I’m so pleased with the students concerned and the superb work of our group. Watch all six movies at deepmind.com/scholarships.
What’re your greatest learnings now that the scholarship programme is 5 years previous?
How essential collaboration is. The Scholarships programme wouldn’t be doable with out our superb college companions all over the world, plus contributions from folks throughout DeepMind – together with those that initiated the programme in 2017 and the mentors who volunteer annually. And naturally, the arduous work of the students themselves.
So far, we’ve had over 335 students come by our programme. This educational 12 months, we’ll be welcoming as much as 115 new students at 26 educational establishments in 13 nations, so it’s actually thrilling to see the programme going from power to power annually.
Any recommendation to college students taken with making use of for a DeepMind Scholarship? Or a job at DeepMind?
Potential students – maintain checking our web site! The scholarship utility course of and deadlines range, college by college, so our web site is one of the best place to remain up to date.
To these on the lookout for a job at DeepMind – don’t rely your self out. I typically hear from individuals who say it feels intimidating. The imposter syndrome is actual, and it’s for me as effectively, to today. However for those who care in regards to the mission, and are enthusiastic about your work, go for it!
