Fireside Chat #23: From Theory to Practice — Machine Learning Engineering with Santiago Valdarrama



Join us for a fireside chat with Santiago Valdarrama, a machine learning engineer, educator, and freelancer, renowned for his hands-on, pragmatic approach to AI and ML. Hugo Bowne-Anderson will host this Outerbounds event, diving into the real-world challenges and opportunities of implementing machine learning at scale.

​Santiago, creator of a highly acclaimed end-to-end machine learning course, is dedicated to equipping engineers with the practical skills needed to excel in real-world ML environments. His expertise in simplifying complex concepts and preparing students for real-world challenges offers invaluable insights for ML practitioners at all levels.

​Key topics of discussion:

– ​Full Machine Learning Lifecycle: How to master the entire process from data collection to deployment and monitoring.
– ​ML in Production: Overcoming common pitfalls in deploying machine learning models.
– AI/ML Evolution: What sets modern AI approaches apart from traditional ML methods?
– Freelancing in ML: What does it take to succeed as a freelancer in the machine learning space?
– ​Future ML Skills: Which competencies will be critical for ML engineers in the AI-driven future?

​This conversation aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry application, offering actionable insights on implementing machine learning solutions.

​This fireside chat is relevant for students, practitioners, and leaders in the ML space, providing actionable insights and a realistic perspective on the current and future state of machine learning engineering.

00:00 Introduction to Santiago
00:48 Machine Learning Lifecycle Overview
07:27 Importance of Labeling and Monitoring
09:42 Practical Examples of Model Drift and Monitoring
12:18 Deploying Models to Production: Challenges and Solutions
16:30 Relationship Between Traditional ML and Generative AI
24:18 Usefulness and Limitations of LLMs
29:08 Future Directions and Research in AI
31:14 Skill Set Evolution and the Role of LLMs in Coding
36:35 Importance of Coding and System Design
42:26 Navigating the AI Hype Cycle
45:07 Freelancing in Machine Learning
56:00 Advice for Aspiring Machine Learning Professionals

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