Shivaank Agarwal is an alumnus of BITS Pilani (Hyderabad, ’16). He earned a BE in Computer Science and an MSc in Mathematics. Later, he pursued an MS in Computer Science at the University of California, San Diego. Currently, he works as a deep learning engineer at Apple, California. Shivaank's journey from BITS to Apple showcases his dedication, passion, and the valuable experiences he gathered along the way. Shivaank Agarwal's journey from BITS Pilani to Apple demonstrates the power of curiosity, dedication, and the supportive community of BITSians. His experiences and insights serve as an inspiration to current students and alumni alike.

Q 1: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your journey led you to BITS?

The journey to BITS was similar to many others; at that age, in 11th and 12th grade, you didn’t know much about the world. I was interested in science and decided to pursue engineering to get into one of the top colleges in the country. BITS offered a dual degree program, which gave me an extra year to plan my career and explore pure sciences alongside engineering. This flexibility and the opportunity to delve into both engineering and science made BITS the right choice for me.

Q 2: How did you balance academics and extracurriculars at BITS?

 At BITS, the zero-attendance policy allowed for flexibility. While many found it cool to skip lectures and watch them at double speed later, I preferred attending lectures for a few courses each quarter. It saved time and reduced the stress of last-minute cramming. I created a schedule that balanced academics and extracurriculars. I dedicated my mornings and afternoons to academics and my evenings to hobbies and sports. For example, I focused on table tennis in my first semester and then switched to art and other activities after the sports season. Having a structured routine helped me maintain a balance and enjoy both my studies and hobbies.

Q 3: What were some other clubs and departments you were part of, and any memorable experiences?

I was part of the table tennis team and Shades. Initially, I tried photography and dance, but Shades and sports resonated more with me. In Shades, we bonded by spending hours daily for months, creating sketches larger than life. A memorable moment was during Pearl 2018, where we created a live sketch of Thanos using salt. When we lifted the drawing, all the salt fell, revealing the Avengers. We received a standing ovation, which was a proud moment. The friendships and connections made through these clubs have lasted beyond my time at BITS.

Q 4: What is deep learning, and why did you choose this field?

Deep learning involves using large neural networks to make predictions or generate data. I got into it during my Practice School at Reliance Jio, where I learned machine learning and Python. This sparked my interest, leading me to pursue online courses and relevant projects. My summer internship in Canada further deepened my interest. I chose my thesis and further studies in computer vision and deep learning. To excel in this field, I realized that I needed more than online courses, so I pursued a master's in the US to deepen my knowledge and skills.

Q 5: How does it feel to work at Apple, and what is the work culture like?

Working at Apple feels like a dream because of the team and the projects I get to be a part of. I work on deep learning algorithms for the Apple Vision Pro, mainly doing applied research. The work culture is balanced, with no strict hierarchy. It's more about the quality of work than the number of hours spent in the office. In the US, there's a strong emphasis on work-life balance. You're not expected to stay late just because someone else is. It's a very collaborative and supportive environment, and you won't be pinned on weekends or late hours after work.

Q 6: Can you share some favorite spots on the BITS campus and how the campus changed during your time?

My favorite spots, include the rocks, the garden area, and various coffee spots outside the library and Nescafe. The Shades Room was a special place for me. During my time, the campus saw new food stalls, the opening of Nescafe, and the construction of a new academic block. The campus had a different vibe depending on the time of the year, especially during fests with unique decorations. These spots hold fond memories of spending time with friends and participating in various activities.

Q 7: What is your best memory of BITS?

One of my best memories is preparing for batch snaps with my M.Sc. Mathematics batch. Despite low-class attendance, almost everyone showed up for the practice sessions, and we bonded over choreographing our performance. It was the last time our entire batch was together, and the preparation itself created fond memories. We had a lot of fun regardless of how bad we were at dancing, and the final performance was special because we did it all ourselves.

Q 8: What opportunities and challenges do you foresee in Machine Learning and Image Processing? What are other up-and-coming fields apart from AI, ML, or data science?

Making AI models accessible and efficient for everyday use is a significant challenge. Fields, like cybersecurity, quantum computing, and AR/VR have promising opportunities. Integrating AI into hardware for better accessibility is crucial. As technology evolves, these areas will present both challenges and opportunities for innovation. For instance, the size and constraints of AI models need to be addressed for them to run efficiently on various devices. AR/VR is also ramping up, and the way we interact with the environment could change significantly with advancements in this space.

Q 9: How did being a part of BITS leave a mark on you? How do you feel about the Bitsian community?

You don't realize how lucky you are to be at BITS until you leave. Almost my entire friend circle at UCSD and in the Bay Area consists of BITSians. We form strong bonds irrespective of which campus we come from. The BITS alumni network, especially in the Bay Area, is incredible. We have huge events and celebrations every year for BITSian Day, making it feel like a home away from home. The connections and friendships I made at BITS have been invaluable and have continued to support me throughout my journey.