A former Machine Learning Analyst
looking to expand her knowledge
in lots of different areas of AI
Research and Development Department Engineer S
Sasaki：As you would like to remain anonymous, I will refer to you as S for the course of this interview. What made you join Neural Group?
S：After graduating university I worked overseas in data authentication engineering before coming to Japan in 2016 to work as a machine learning analyst.To expand my knowledge of AI in new and exciting areas I hadn't worked in before, I came to work at Neural Group
Sasaki：What was your impression of Neural Group after joining?
S：The company is engaged in a broad range of business activities and offers plenty of opportunities to learn. It currently gives me the opportunity to acquire a broad range of skills, not just in relation to AI development, but database management, app development and coding as well. This is wonderful for me, as I was looking for new opportunities to learn.
Additionally, at Neural Group, development projects begin from a specific business idea, and the company has its hands in a broad range of fields. In contrast to other companies, Neural Group does not begin development based on orders received from a client, nor does it pursue AI development “because it is the hip thing to do”. I was personally drawn in by this unique set of values and corporate climate.
Sasaki：Is there anything that particularly stands out
to you about the company’s structure and culture?
S：I feel that the workplace is one that promotes active communication, and facilitates those with business ideas to speak up. To give a specific example, I was initially taken aback that everyone was welcome to enter whichever in-house company meeting they wanted to attend. Anyone can participate in management meetings, and we sometimes have the company president join us for engineer team meetings. We have coffee breaks every morning, and there is a real air about the place which promotes active discussions at all times.
I’d like to also note that our mini new business ideas contest, “Idea Camp”, can sometimes even lead to new products. This contest is a recent addition, taking place in a friendly atmosphere that resembles a meeting-like environment. An AI drive recorder is one such example of an idea developed from here which was later turned into a product. This product was completed in three months following a simple conversation lamenting the recent increase in road rage, and pondering what there was that could be done about it.
Sasaki：Could you take a moment to describe the assignment and training system we have in place here at Neural Group?
S：Our assignment system involves members that specialize in a specific field leading projects, with sub-members acting as pupils, following their lead. This teacher-pupil arrangement changes from project to project. There is no hierarchical structure per se, but rather pupils on one project may then serve as professionals specializing in other fields on other projects. This approach to training allows for the mutual acquisition of skills, and facilitates mutual growth. This system allows us to further explore and expand upon our areas of business. Being surrounded by professionals in their field gives us ample opportunities to learn, while the ability to draw upon one’s own capabilities makes for a highly stimulating working environment.
Sasaki：Lastly, please tell me what kind of person you think would fit in well with Neural Group.
S：With the teacher-pupil rotation system I touched upon before, I think Neural Group makes for a great workplace environment for those who want to acquire new skills, while deepening their knowledge of their field of expertise.
Neural Group looks for people capable of developing avenues for business based on user needs, not AI. For this reason, the company is ideal for those who want to expand their level of involvement beyond just basic research to encompass all aspects of the business through to product commercialization.
We are involved in a number of projects, and offer interesting opportunities for one to apply their experience and skills toward developing products that have a social impact. I hope those wishing to engage in business implementation and further their level of knowledge and experience while learning new things stop by for an interview.
