Interviewer: Pavan Sai Pedapudi

Interview #1

Interviewee: Amrith Arunachalam

Date: 10/15/2023

Introduction:
I had the opportunity to interview Amrith Arunachalam, a seasoned professional in the field of
computer science and AI. Mr. Arunachalam's insights really opened my eyes towards the
significance of passion in one's intended career path, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the
work you do.

Interviewee Information:
Amrith Arunachalam was the interviewee, recommended by Manish Sriram and contacted
through LinkedIn. He works as an optimization artificial intelligence engineer at Optimal
Dynamics. He earned his bachelor's degree in computer science and applied mathematics at
Stony Brook University and then pursued his masters in operations research at Columbia
University.

Location:
The interview was conducted via a remote phone call, ensuring convenience and accessibility for
both parties.

Preparation and Comfort:

As an interviewer, I felt adequately prepared and comfortable during the interview, creating a
smooth exchange of ideas and information.

Summary of Insights:
Mr. Arunachalam emphasized the pivotal role of passion in career success, advising to pursue
roles aligned with personal interests to avoid dissatisfaction. Furthermore, he highlighted the
significance of honing mathematical skills and acquiring relevant certifications in the realm of
computer science and AI. He specifically emphasized the dramatic effect that these certifications
can have during the hiring process, and how they play an instrumental role in making an
applicant stand out from the rest.

Interview Evaluation:
Quality: Excellent
 Explanation: The interview provided valuable insights into both the technical and
mindset aspects required for professional growth. The conversational tone, which was
very friendly and casual, made it extremely common to talk with.

Mentorship Possibility: Unlikely

The lack of time commitment due to Mr. Arunachalam’s busy schedule may have caused me to
not choose to establish a mentor-mentee relationship.

Networking Opportunities:
While the interview did not lead to mentorship prospects, it provided a focused discussion on
computer science and AI topics.

Conclusion:
The interview with Amrith Arunachalam was enriching, offering valuable insights into career
development within the computer science and AI domains. Despite minor concerns regarding
time commitment, the depth of knowledge shared by Mr. Arunachalam undoubtedly enhanced
the interviewer's understanding of the field.