Susanna Pirttikangas, AMD Silo AI
"It’s worth mastering the basics. I still marvel at how the things I learned 30 years ago are still important and relevant today."
What have you studied and what influenced this choice back in the day?
I first studied for a master’s degree in mathematics, with a specialization in computer science. I completed my PhD in embedded systems in 2004.
When I finished high school, mathematics felt suitably challenging. After my master’s studies, there was a very interesting AI project going on in the computer science field, which I initially joined as an employee and then continued as a graduate student at the Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Oulu.
How did you end up being in your current position?
For a long time, I worked on various industry-driven projects in the intelligent systems group at the university. When Silo AI was founded, their work matched my expertise perfectly. Indeed, half of the staff there were PhDs in AI, and the other half were data engineers. I moved full-time to Silo AI when it became AMD Silo AI.
What is the best thing about your job?
The fast pace and varied tasks. I work directly in a client-facing team, a so-called first-hand engineering team. Our clients and our team are international, and no two days are the same.
What have been the highlights and key lessons of your career?
Highlights are the daily successes, and of course, also the failures. Learning through experience is very effective.
The most important things are colleagues and interesting, challenging tasks. Self-awareness is key so that you can steer your work in a direction that is meaningful and not too exhausting.
What do you expect from the future?
Health and longevity. Time with family and interesting work assignments. The basics!
For whom this is a suitable career option?
You need to be interested in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and/or programming. Although AMD has some supporting roles, most employees are professionals in engineering or natural sciences.
What message would you like to send to a young person pondering their career?
It’s worth mastering the basics. A general education aimed at a bachelor’s degree is a solid foundation for many paths. I still marvel at how the things I learned 30 years ago are still important and relevant today.