Hi ML community,
I’m nearing the end of my three-year PhD journey. Throughout this period, I’ve dedicated myself to producing a research paper annually, targeting top-tier conferences like ICML, ICLR, and NeurIPS. Despite my efforts and resubmissions, none of my papers made it through. As a result, my publication record consists solely of three manuscripts on arXiv.
My initial post-PhD ambition was to delve deeper into machine learning research at leading tech companies such as Facebook, Google, or Microsoft. However, my applications were turned down, primarily due to the lack of publications in prestigious conferences, which seems to be a crucial criterion for these roles.
Confronted with this setback and the pressing need to manage my finances, I shifted my focus to more traditional industry roles in consulting and finance. I’ve recently secured a position in quant finance, which, while exciting, means I won’t have the bandwidth to revisit and resubmit my research papers.
Reflecting on this journey, I sometimes feel disheartened, questioning the value of my PhD experience, especially when I consider my lack of published work in major machine learning conferences.
I see other PhD students in my field publish 2 papers per year in these top conferences which makes me wonder whether I am a failure? I’m open to any thoughts or advice on my situation.
Program requirements vary, but I would expect 6 or more publications in an IEEE/ACM sponsored conference from a student prior to scheduling examinations. A good way for students to demonstrate they are extending the field of study is through peer reviewed works.
The advisor-student relationship is perhaps the most important part of the process. It’s not what you did, it’s how much could you do, and did you meet your potential. The process is not technical training, but guidance on how to conduct research and how to be a good mentor. Not all people spend their life in research and teaching, but this is the historical intent.
Your advisor, and to a lesser extent your committee, has as much of a responsibility for your success as you do. If you gave it your all, and could have done more, the failure, if there is one, is shared with your advisor.
Most people feel a bit of fear and loathing when completing their academic work, this is normal. Take what you have enjoyed and learned to enjoy and move on. Your work, even if not peer reviewed is likely to open doors.