Tanya Jain - TrueHue

Tanya Jain (MT1) Domain: Machine Learning Intern

Interned at TrueHue (startup)

Mode: Online Interviewed by: Anushka Gupta

MOTIVATION:

My primary motives behind a second-year internship were to venture into a new domain and enhance my CV. I had tried out DSA projects during a course, but machine learning was something I had yet to work on as part of my coursework. I had done some online courses for ML and found them intuitive and rewarding, so I was particularly inclined towards them. The beauty of algorithms guiding machines to understand the data and make highly accurate predictions was enchanting to understand. Additionally, since Machine learning is so helpful in all domains nowadays, it seemed like a resourceful option to explore.

PREPARATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS:

I was always inclined toward a corporate internship but also applied for research. Initially, I was also interested in a foreign research internship. So, I started applying for it in December, and after seeing the abysmal denial rates, I quickly realized it was too late. Then, I started looking into off-campus corporate interns on LinkedIn and Unstop, and I did this from December to January. Around January, I got a reply from the company about my interviews—the two rounds tested my understanding of ML algorithms and gauged my approach to data analysis problems. Then, after the two rounds of interviews, I got accepted at the end of February. The actual internship was two months long, from May to July. 

For preparation, I embarked on the renowned machine learning specialisation by Andrew Ng online. This experience was truly eye-opening and deepened my interest in machine learning. Furthermore, I started learning about valuable libraries and tools in Python, such as Tensorflow, Scikit, etc. Amongst other resources, there is also this book called "Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow" by Aurelien Geron, which was a tremendously helpful read. Subsequently, I delved into Kaggle hackathons and took inspiration from projects on YouTube to gain hands-on experience. These projects were instrumental in empowering me with practical skills and knowledge.

ACTUAL EXPERIENCE:

It was an AI-powered beauty startup called TrueHue. It is an innovative beauty tech startup that leverages AI to redefine the online shopping experience. I had to create machine learning models to classify natural human lip pigmentation and use various data analysis techniques. One exciting thing was that I had to start everything from scratch without any starter code. I was just given raw data, so I had to pre-process and analyze it from scratch and create classifiers and categories. I was initially called to work from Ahmedabad, but I requested that they let me opt out of offline work. Since I had to work away from home for my 3rd-year internship, I wanted to stay with my family and friends during my 2nd-year internship. Also, working from home worked out for me better because I had more flexible working hours and could manage and take out time for my third-year internship preparation. The internship went very well and was better than I had expected. I got to learn a lot about both machine learning and work ethics. A big plus point was my motivating and optimistic manager, who had a lot of faith in me. Anytime I got stuck, she believed that I could crack it. The internship went smoothly, and I gained valuable insights about both corporate jobs and machine learning. Since it was a startup, I did not expect a high stipend. But I got a decent amount of 50K for the whole 2-month duration. Ultimately, the model gave fantastic results, and I got a sparkling recommendation from my manager on LinkedIn. It immensely helped me during the interviews for my 3rd-year internship.

CHALLENGES FACED:

When it comes to choosing an internship, it's important to pursue something that excites you and will enhance your academic record. Additionally, 2nd-year internships can be challenging because there isn't as much guidance on where to apply and how to prepare compared to the more structured process for 3rd-year internships. To overcome this hurdle, many students rely on advice from seniors to help them navigate the process. 

During the internship, juggling a 9-5 work role along with the demanding third-year intern prep was tiring. Even so, since I had opted for work from home, I was able to devote approximately 5 hours to my daily preparation.

LEARNINGS:

The internship was a valuable learning experience for me. I learned to take responsibility and have confidence in my abilities. I also had the opportunity to work with neural networks and various other machine learning models, which helped me gain invaluable skills in data analysis and model creation.

TIPS:

1)Try not to focus solely on your existing interests. Keep an open mind about new opportunities and be willing to explore new things.

2)One of the most crucial tips I can offer is to start your application process as early as possible. This proactive approach will give you ample time to research, prepare, and apply, significantly increasing your chances of securing a rewarding internship. Early application not only demonstrates your commitment and enthusiasm but also allows you to explore a wider range of opportunities.

3)When contacting recruiters and HR, don't just send your CV. Instead, include a personalized message on LinkedIn (or whichever platform you are using to apply) that highlights your relevant experiences and interests. This personal touch can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.