u/Medium-Sugar-1081 wrote (the comment Michael replied to):
With 3YOE as a backend engineer I’m starting a part time masters. Trying to keep up with the more demanding market and am struggling to choose between a traditional computing systems specialization and a machine learning/AI track. I am wondering if even with a masters ML speciali
u/michaelnovati replied · ★ FEATURED
Hey, you might be overgeneralizing AI and you won't be forever 'behind' in AI.
ML specifically - it's very high demand right now. You'll probably be behind the curve for leading edge ML research, but a master's could be a good way to get an Applied ML job or ML Data Engineer role - roles on the border where having ML knowledge helps you stand out amongst SWEs, rather than feeling behind as an ML Researcher/Academic.
I wouldn't see a master's a away of upleveling to Senior though - it's a way to open up breadth of positions at the same level.
You'll have to get to senior ON THE JOB, by gaining experience in complex systems and demonstrating the scope of responsibility and impact that the company wants to see at the senior level.