Surabhi Bhargava, a machine tech lead at Adobe's San Jose office, recently shared her insights on career growth in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. In a conversation that shed light on her journey, Bhargava emphasized the importance of swiftly getting ideas into the hands of users. Her perspective is a vital one for those looking to navigate the tech landscape effectively.

Over the past five years, Bhargava has transitioned from an entry-level machine learning engineer to her current role, showcasing an impressive career trajectory. She credits her success to her consistent involvement in Adobe's most relevant AI projects, which has allowed her to stay at the cutting edge of technological advancements. During this time, artificial intelligence has made significant strides, and Bhargava's career has mirrored this evolution. Starting with computer vision, she moved on to natural language processing and is currently focused on generative AI, highlighting her adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges.

According to Bhargava, a critical factor in her career advancement has been her ability to seize the right opportunities and to be in the right place at the right time. She believes that sometimes, starting projects from scratch can lead to unforeseen successes and innovations. One of her core principles is that in the tech industry, it is crucial to translate ideas into tangible products that users can interact with.

Youve probably heard the phrase show, dont tell, Bhargava remarked. People often share ideas but rarely provide a proof of concept or something tangible that others can engage with. She advocates for the creation of prototypes that can be tested by product managers or senior colleagues. If those prototypes resonate positively, it paves the way for further product development. If not, the feedback received becomes instrumental in refining the idea.

Bhargava emphasizes that these prototypes do not need to be fully developed products with polished interfaces; even simple fronts that demonstrate back-end technology can suffice. This iterative process allows for quicker feedback and broader sharing of ideas, ultimately building credibility within the team and the organization.

Another key theme in Bhargava's narrative is the importance of building connections within the workplace. Although she initially found it challenging to engage with colleagues, she learned that stepping out of her comfort zone and embracing vulnerability could lead to deeper connections and collaboration. By openly discussing her challenges and aspirations, she discovered that others were more willing to share their experiences and provide support.

Bhargava also notes the significance of having a strong support network, particularly as a minority in the tech industry. Fellow women engineers have played a crucial role in her journey, providing encouragement and advice. The key was always bringing that advice back to my work and growth, she insisted, underscoring that vulnerability fosters connection and community.

She advises that while one might not always receive exactly what they ask for, making the request is essential. This principle applies not only to career advancement but also to personal development. Vulnerability helps create those connections, she explains. People are more likely to support you when you let them in. Be open, reach out without hesitation, and help will come in unexpected ways.

If you have a story to share about your experiences working in AI, Bhargava encourages you to reach out to the reporter at cmlee@businessinsider.com.