Becoming a Machine Learning Engineer

Reflecting on my career, becoming a machine learning engineer (MLE) was never something I imagined. Growing up, I didn’t have clear role models who were doing what I wanted to do. I often struggled with fitting into one specific career, one specific role, and wearing one specific hat. My never-ending curiosity, steadfast determination and willingness to learn anything led me to carve out my own path—one that caters to my strengths and helps me grow in areas that need improvement.

From Data Science to Analytics

While my journey to becoming a MLE felt like an uphill battle at the start, it gradually transformed into a wonderful opportunity. When I first joined Vanguard three years ago, initially my role was focused on data science. At the time, we were focused on how to better understand contributions for customers in the advice space. Our goal was to provide additional context so that our business leaders could make the best decisions. Very quickly, I learned about Vanguard’s commitment to continuous improvement by adapting to the everchanging environment. These organizational changes pushed me into the world of analytics and solutions consulting. This new role focused on two key areas: pioneering cross team collaboration and providing actionable insights through data.

Up until this point, our analytics presence in the advice space Involved many separate conversations with product owners, developers, senior leaders and data engineers. There was a desire for a more comprehensive understanding of the entire process to enhance everyone’s contributions. With my manager’s support, we launched an initiative to create a more formal cross-team collaboration to guide and inform the analytical process. This initiative grew, and I streamlined the expansion of the team to implement this process across all our product lines. While I enjoyed exercising my leadership muscles and gaining valuable conflict resolution experience, I was eager to return to hands-on coding. This is what led me to my next step as a machine learning engineer.

I craved a challenge and going back to coding added a pep to my step! What I quickly learned is that this is an ever-evolving field. There are so many emerging trends, new technologies and innovation that can be overwhelming all at once. Fortunately, I’ve been able to take advantage of numerous learning opportunities. Vanguard has been incredibly supportive, offering training materials, sessions, and even opportunities to attend conferences to further my professional development. These continuous learning experiences have broadened my understanding and kept my skills sharp.

Advice for Aspiring MLE’s

For anyone considering a career in machine learning, particularly here at Vanguard, here are three things to keep in mind:

1. Embrace the learning process.
2. Seek out trusted mentors.
3. Give yourself grace.

Embracing the learning process doesn’t just mean focusing on the theory. It means understanding how to apply that theory to solve real-world business problems. When seeking out trusted mentors, look for someone who is doing what you want to do and ask about their journey. Be honest with them as mentors can help you navigate difficult decisions and provide different perspectives. Lastly, learn to give yourself grace. It takes time to master the skills needed to feel confident. Trust the process and remember to start one step at a time.

As I look back over my Vanguard journey, I can see that my career has been shaped by a combination of continuous learning, the support of my mentors and my own determination to overcome obstacles. While Vanguard has played a tremendous role in providing opportunities for my professional development, it’s been my personal drive and passion for learning that have truly fueled my growth. Machine learning can be incredibly challenging but also incredibly rewarding. It’s a field that requires both technical expertise and the soft skills to communicate your ideas to a non-technical audience. For anyone considering this path, my advice is simple: stay curious, search for mentors, and take one step at a time.

-Alison T.

Learn more about Data Science and Machine Learning at Vanguard.