Our Industry Person of the Week is Srinimisha Morkonda Gnanasekaran, Director of Data Science and Advanced Analytics for Western Digital.
Q: How did you get started working in your field?
Srinimisha: Like the most of us, when I was young, my career aspirations were constantly evolving ranging from a doctor to a teacher, to a famous actor. My mother was a Financial Advisory and for her job, we had got a computer at home that embarked my journey into Technology. It gave me the opportunity to see the power of computers and machines. That instilled my interest in Tech and while I was in middle school, we used to get a technology for student’s magazine subscribed to our home. It was in that magazine that I encountered the field of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. So, naturally, I then started to explore where I could pursue a degree in AI and found University of Reading in UK. That is how my journey started.
Q: What do you love the most about your job? What are you most proud of?
Srinimisha: I have a background in AI and Systems Engineering. When I finished my studies, the AI job market was not very strong, and I had to start my career with a more conventional Computer Science job. I always felt the lack of applying AI to real-world applications. Now, with all the progress, I am in a stage in my career where I can combine both my skills in Systems Engineering and AI to address business problems. The joy of solving problems in any domain is incomparable. It makes me happy to be able to overcome challenges with innovative technology which has been acknowledged by two trade secrets that I own.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work or new to the field?
Srinimisha: My foremost advice would be to understand the field you are getting into, its capabilities, and limitations. There are lot of resources available where experts in each industry share how the industry functions. Practical is different from Theory. So, understand the reality. The realization will help evaluate if this field of interest is truly what you would like to pursue. Success in any field comes with the passion we operate in, and passion is organic when you are working on something you love.
Q: Can you talk about a project you recently worked on?
Srinimisha: In general, my work revolves around charting technical strategy, objectives, and steering the team towards delivering tangible business outcomes. With increased interest in the field of Data Science and AI, my work is always focused on researching and how best we incorporate these technologies in empowering the manufacturing industry.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
Srinimisha: Many people may think that the core engineering jobs are not very exciting in the AI age. I want to stress that this is a false impression. A lot of innovation is driven by engineers from different fields, such as Mechanical, Chemical, Materials, Manufacturing etc. These are just some examples. As AI progresses, it is very important that the core engineering fields are not neglected.
Connect with Srinimisha on LinkedIn.
THANK YOU, SRINIMISHA! WE LOOK FORWARD TO KEEPING UP WITH YOU THROUGH THE #PUMPTALK COMMUNITY!
