# What Does It Really Take to Start AI/ML Research? The journey to becoming an AI researcher and what it requires - **Source:** [r/MachineLearning](https://www.reddit.com/r/MachineLearning) - **Published:** 2026-07-15 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/df2f3a84-ec94-4b55-8a2f-bf7761375055 ## Passion for AI and Machine Learning The author has been passionate about AI and machine learning since 2019. The rapid evolution of the field, especially since the days of GPT-2, has made technology and research incredibly exciting. With a background in audio engineering, the author's connection to sound technology has been a major factor in pursuing AI research. ## Academic and Practical Steps To achieve the goal of becoming an AI researcher, the author attended coding bootcamps, studied the mathematics behind machine learning, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Post-graduation, the author plans to pursue a PhD, focusing on the intersection of audio and AI. ## The Dilemma Between Work and Research The author works as an AV systems designer and consultant but feels disconnected from the job. Preferring to spend days studying AI, audio, and machine learning, the author has applied for research roles but faced several rejections. A research paper submitted to ISMIR was also rejected, though the feedback was valuable. ## Challenges in the Research Journey The author has encountered numerous challenges on the path to becoming an AI researcher. Rejections and dissatisfaction in the current job have made achieving the goal difficult. However, the feedback received during this process has helped improve future work. ## Motivation Behind AI Research The author is pursuing the goal of becoming an AI researcher not for popularity or financial gain but out of a genuine passion for audio and AI. The desire to feel that the work done each day is meaningful drives the author's motivation in this research journey. ## Advice from AI Researchers The author seeks advice from AI researchers working in audio, music, speech, or signal processing. Insights into the qualifications, education, projects, and publications needed to land the first research role are requested. Understanding the challenges and what to know before entering the field could illuminate the author's path. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.reddit.com/r/MachineLearning/comments/1ux64ub/aiml_research_what_does_it_really_take_d/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._