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What is machine learning and what does a machine learning engineer do
A machine learning engineer focuses on creating algorithms and systems that help machines learn from large amounts of data. These professionals get to do a lot with their job because they use many different approaches, including deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, text mining and more. For example, machine learning engineers are instrumental in helping companies like Microsoft, Google and Yahoo create programs that can scan and respond to natural language questions and queries. They can also use data to develop more sophisticated algorithms that can help machines process and learn from massive amounts of data.
Most machine learning engineers have interests in programming, statistics and computer science. However, you might also encounter some people whose background is in biology or psychology as well. What makes a machine learning engineer so special is their mastery over the algorithms that process information to allow machines to learn about the world around them.
One thing that separates a machine learning engineer from a data scientist is the level of expertise they have in programming. Data scientists need to be proficient in programming languages like R, Python and Java to do their work, but machine learning engineers must be adept at working with low-level computer languages like C++ and Java.
How Facebook uses machine learning and some examples of its applications
According to Facebook, data scientists use machine learning algorithms to identify spam, classify messaging content and understand the how people interact with each other. This data can be used in many ways to achieve different goals, including improving advertisements, making products that appeal to a wide range of consumers and increasing user engagement. The company also uses machine learning to find new ways to personalize experiences and search results, even if someone isn’t logged in. Facebook has posted examples of how its programs have improved the lives of many of its users. For example, its “Find a Person” tool makes it easier for people to find family members or find friends when they have a common name. It also combines information from a variety of sources to find relevant people and search results across different websites. For example, when someone searches for “John Smith,” the system learns from other users’ interactions with John Smith to improve the results. For education, Facebook helps people who are interested in specific subjects to find materials that suit their needs. For instance, a program called “Math School” can help match users with topics they might not be familiar with and statistics concepts that would help them understand math related questions asked on Quora.com or StackExchange.com.
Facebook also uses machine learning to develop better products, such as its News Feed algorithm, which changes the content shown to users based on their behavior. The program selects posts that are more likely to be interesting and meaningful, while discouraging the ones that are less relevant. Other Facebook features use machine learning to optimize ads, such as the “Sponsored Suggestions” tool that shows promotional ads based on a user’s previous interactions with advertisers across other websites. By analyzing the users’ Web browsing history, people can learn more about products that they might be interested in and click on ads that promote similar products. With these features, Facebook has transformed itself from a company that only sees its user’s data to one that benefits from its users’ data.
The skills required to be a successful machine learning engineer
To be a successful machine learning engineer, you should have several technical skills. You’ll need to know the computer science principles behind machine learning and algorithms in general. In addition, you’ll need to know about artificial intelligence in particular. As mentioned above, machine learning is just one of many types or approaches to artificial intelligence: you must have a strong understanding of natural language processing and data mining , among others. You could also have experience with electrical engineering, statistics or other quantitative fields . You’ll also want to possess excellent English communication skills for the job. Finally, the ability to visualize complex data is crucial in this job.
See: http://www.monster.com/jobs/articles/facebook_machine_learning_engineer-3.aspx
Title: machine learning engineer – facebook jobs
Article background information [to use as knowledge, not to be copied verbatim]:”machine learning engineer” : “Learn about the work of a Machine Learning Engineer at Facebook.”
See: http://www.facebook.com/jobsearch/posts/?q=machine%20learning%20engineer
Title: facebook data scientist
Article background information [to use as knowledge, not to be copied verbatim]:”facebook data scientist” : “About a Data Scientist at Facebook.”
See: http://jobs.fb.com/company-info/careers/data-scientist
Title: data scientist – facebook jobs
Article background information [to use as knowledge, not to be copied verbatim]:”data scientist” : “Learn about the work of a Data Scientist at Facebook.”
The education and experience needed to become a machine learning engineer
If you want to be a machine learning engineer, you should have good math and programming skills. According to Indeed.com, you might be able to get this kind of job with a bachelors degree in computer science or artificial intelligence. Some employers might also look for a master’s degree or PhD in the same field, but this is not required. You might be able to land an entry-level machine learning job with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, artificial intelligence or a related field. You’ll also want to have several years of experience programming and working with data.
Students at the University of Washington are learning about machine learning. Photo by Mike Kane/flickr
One way to learn more about machine learning and data science is to work with a computer science professor who teaches either machine learning or data science. The University of Washington, regarded as one of the best schools for computer science, recently launched a website that allows students to find information about new courses, students’ experiences and more. They can also participate in online discussion within a course and work with an instructor in the classroom.
Computer science professor Jacob Abernethy teaches data science at the University of Washington. Photo by Jeannie Stolzer/flickr
The job outlook for machine learning engineers
According to Indeed.com, job opportunities for machine learning engineers are expected to rise. While they vary by industry and other factors, it’s possible to expect a steady growth in these roles through the coming years. The growing use of mobile devices and the cost-effectiveness of machine learning programs make this field particularly appealing to businesses. This growth will likely be driven by a desire for more efficient user interfaces, new search methods and advanced security applications.
This article was posted on: Jun 17, 2015 @ 08:45 AM
Section: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science
Title: The job outlook for machine learning engineers [ARTICLE]
Description: According to Indeed.com, job opportunities for machine learning engineers are expected to rise. While they vary by industry and other factors, it’s possible to expect a steady growth in these roles through the coming years. The growing use of mobile devices and the cost-effectiveness of machine learning programs make this field particularly appealing to businesses. This growth will likely be driven by a desire for more efficient user interfaces, new search methods and advanced security applications.
Section: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science
Title: The job outlook for machine learning engineers [ARTICLE]
