Artificial intelligence is on a trajectory to be one of the most influential technology of the 21st century—if not the most. Its global market cap stood at around $120 billion in 2022, and may pass $1.5 trillion by 2030! 

This incredible financial growth doesn’t even capture truly revolutionary aspects of AI—its potential to transform business, our lives, and society at large.

At AI/ML, we are well-informed about the range of activities in and around the sector in 2023. In this guide, our focus will be on AI residency programs, explaining what they are and exploring the best programs to apply for. 

Are you ready to launch an exciting AI career? You’re in the right place!

What Is an AI Residency Program?

An artificial intelligence (AI) residency program is a research training position that can offer you direct experience with AI research whilst working for an AI company. 

Just as there are many medical residency programs, a range of tech and tech-related companies now provide AI residency programs, including OpenAI, Meta, Salesforce, Toyota, and VinAI. 

In general, AI residency programs can offer hands-on research ranging from rudimentary to practical AI research. 

How Can AI Residency Programs Benefit You?

There are many advantages to AI residency programs. Let’s take a look at some of the clearest examples.

Learn in a Collaborative Environment

One key benefit of an AI residency program is the opportunity to learn from fellow residents through collaboration. Often, AI residents will work in pairs on projects. Moreover, you’ll likely organize discussions and reading groups as part of the entire residency group. 

Progress Toward Specialization

Completing an AI residency program will make you a more appealing prospect for potential employers. This could mean starting your career at a higher level than would otherwise be possible, and providing the opportunity to specialize in an area of artificial intelligence (e.g., machine learning engineering, data science, or business intelligence development).

Gain Hands-On Experience

As mentioned, an AI residency program will give you direct, hands-on experience. By working with AI researchers, engineers, and product teams, you can gain a ton of practical AI experience. 

Moreover, you’ll learn how to develop AI methods and solutions and apply them at scale through various fields (e.g., healthcare, video gaming, cybersecurity, digital personal assistance, etc.).

Things to Consider When Choosing an AI Residency Program

Even if you are committed to applying for an AI residency program, it’s important to find the ones that are right for you.

Research and Prioritize

Before selecting which programs to apply for, you’ll want to allocate plenty of time to researching your initial options. Try to narrow things down to a list of options selected based on those that best meet your priorities.

Geographical location 

One key consideration is where the residency program will take place. If you don’t plan on moving, be sure to consider the commute time and how practical it will be on a daily basis.

If, instead, you’re willing to relocate, you’ll still want to consider whether living in a new location is for you and any consequences it will bring (e.g., distance from friends and family). A residency program is usually a 12-month commitment, so be sure to consider the quality of the experience over such a timeframe.

Collect Objective Program Information 

You’ll want to gather plenty of online information on each program. With that said, don’t overlook any print resources and information that you might find through meetings and conferences. 

Some pieces of information that will be particularly relevant to your decision may include:

• Region
• Call schedule 
• Community size
• Unique educational opportunities

Different AI Residency Programs

In 2023, AI residency programs are relatively common. We’ll be sharing a few of the best options—highlighting their duration, location, requirements, and compensation—so that you can find the program that’s right for you.

OpenAI Residency — Research

OpenAI is arguably the hottest name in the AI research and development space right now. 

ChatGPT currently holds the record for the fastest-growing user base of any online tool or service—beating out tech giants like Spotify and Facebook. Clearly, OpenAI knows a thing or two about developing powerful, user-friendly AI tools.

The company’s residency program offers you the chance to learn and work on practical problems with experienced teams. You’ll work as part of Research or Applied teams, working to overcome key AI roadblocks and deliver world-changing solutions.

Qualifications

• You must have published in a STEM field or have an equivalent level of practical research experience.
• Proficiency in programming languages.
• A strong match background, including an understanding of linear algebra, calculus, and statistics.
• You’ll also require additional achievements in another field (e.g., authoring highly cited publications, awards in math/science/programming contests, or creating a large software system).
• You must also have availability and interest in joining OpenAI full-time when your residency concludes.
• You must be motivated to discover AI breakthroughs and understand how they can benefit humanity at large.

Duration

This AI residency program lasts six months, making it one of the shorter options out there.

Location 

Based in OpenAI’s San Francisco HQ, this program provides a flexible work environment that encourages residents to come to the office for a minimum of three days per week. OpenAI offers relocation assistance if required.

Compensation

As an OpenAI Resident, your monthly salary will be $17,500. Compensation also features benefits such as 401(k) plan with 4% matching, mental health and wellness support, and medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family.

MetaAI Residency Program

Meta’s AI Residency program is a year-long research training position that can provide you with direct experience working with AI research.

If your application succeeds, you’ll be paired with an AI Researcher and AI Engineer for project guidance. You will then pick a research problem with your team members and work on new deep-learning techniques to find a solution. 

Qualifications

• You must have exposure to AI research that you can demonstrate through self-guided study, research projects, or university coursework. Your candidate’s personal statement should also elaborate on these experiences.
• Completed coursework is also required in either linear algebra, probability, calculus, or an equivalent area.
• You’ll also require knowledge of learning platforms (e.g., Jax, PyTorch, or TensorFlow).
• You must also have given significant contributions to open-source projects which display strong skills in the areas of machine learning, math, engineering, or statistics.
• It’s also necessary that you have experience communicating complex research in a manner that is clear, concise, and actionable.

Duration

This residency program lasts 12 months. However, it’s possible to extend your residency by up to 12 months if project progress is at a satisfactory level and work authorization is permitted.

Location

You will be expected to work on-site at your allocated office.

Compensation

The MetaAI Residency Program pays a competitive salary. You will be eligible for most benefits offered by Meta, such as medical and paid time off. 

Apple AI/ML Residency Program

Another prominent AI and machine learning residency program worth considering is that run by long-time tech giant Apple.

This program offers experts in a wide range of fields the opportunity to bring their unique knowledge to an Apple team while working collaboratively to develop cutting-edge AI-powered products.

Qualifications

• You must either be proficient in programming languages (e.g., C++, Swift, Python, Objective-C) or/and you should have experience finishing a mid-sized software project.
• You must have a demonstrated capacity to connect and collaborate with others.
• Ideally, you will also have industry, academic, or research experience in natural learning processing, speech, or data mining. You can also qualify with a thesis, dissertation, internship, co-op, capstone project, or/and industry experience in the aforementioned fields.
• A graduate degree in a STEM field or comparable industry experience in software engineering.

Duration

Apple’s AI/ML Residency Program lasts one year, commencing July 2023. You must be available to work full-time from July 17th, 2023 until July 12th, 2024.

Salesforce AI Residency Program

This AI residency program run by the cloud-based software company Salesforce is designed to foster a fresh generation of AI researchers and applied engineers.

As a resident, you’ll have the chance to avail of valuable hands-on experience in basic and applied AI research while closely working with the company’s researchers. 

Qualifications

• Preferably, you’ll have a Masters or Ph.D., if not relevant experience in STEM (e.g. in CS, Math, Statistics, Economics, Bioinformatics, or/and related fields).
• If you have non-traditional backgrounds and experiences, Salesforce strongly recommends that you apply (once you meet other requirements/qualifications, of course).
• You must be based in the US and have work authorization, although the company hopes to expand worldwide in the not-too-distant future.

Duration

This is a 12-month training research program.

Locations

Residents will work at Salesforce AI Research’s main hub in Palo Alto. Their Palo Alto office, situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, is close to the company’s San Francisco headquarters.

Shell.AI

Last but not least, the Shell.AI Residency Program is designed to give AI engineers and data scientists the opportunity to gain experience by working on various AI projects.

These projects will be relevant to a wide range of Shell business areas, including:

• Exploration
• Retail
• Refineries
• Trading
• And more!

Residents will join data scientists and engineers to work on real business issues. The program will give you the chance to work with like-minded mentors, experts, and innovators on real world AI applications.

Qualifications

• Passion for data and a desire to work on real-life business issues with your skills related to machine learning, deep learning, advanced analytics, data engineering, or software development
• You need three years of work experience with a relevant study background (e.g., in AI, data science, econometrics, IT, or computer science) or scientific background with suitable coding and software development skills. You should have a Ph.D., MSc or BSc degree to be considered.
• You should enjoy challenges with complex issues and have the desire to innovate and develop your skills and knowledge.

Duration

This is a full-time two-year residency program.

Location

The Shell.AI Residency Program is hosted in various cities across Europe, North America, and Asia. Depending on the project requirements and location, travel to other Shell locations, either domestically or/and internationally, may be necessary. In many cases, you will be working in a Shell Technology Center.

The program’s locations are currently (as of March 2023):

• London
• Amsterdam
• Houston
• Boston
• San Francisco
• Bangalore

Conclusion

This guide has explored the best AI residency programs to apply for in 2023. We also looked at how you can benefit from an AI residency program and what to consider when applying.

Whether you are ready to apply for an AI/ML job right now or plan to once you conclude your residency, AI/ML is the number one place to browse thousands of jobs in the sector! 

Whatever your AI journey holds, we wish you the best of luck and hope to help you find your dream AI/ML career in the near future!