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Last year, global technology consultancy company Thoughtworks, in collaboration with Microsoft Research, AI4Bharat, and OpenNyAI, created Jugalbandi, a conversation AI chatbot. It offers personalised assistance by comprehending user queries in multiple languages and covers 171 government programs, aiming to improve information accessibility for rural communities in India.
The chatbot operates using Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service’s GPT and Bhashini’s translation models. It has also developed data resources and modelling to support speech-to-text capabilities in multiple Indian languages, improving accessibility to digital services like healthcare and payments for non-English speakers.
Beyond specialising in Indic language support, the company has also come up with a fraud-detection platform for India’s payment gateway authority, and an AI/ML platform for the Indian government’s Aadhaar program.
Karrtik Iyer, principal data scientist, at Thoughtworks, told AIM that the company is currently expanding its generative AI bandwidth by hiring for the positions of lead consultant and senior consultant.
Ideal candidates should have a skill-set encompassing R, Python, or equivalent statistical/data analysis tools, along with a solid understanding of specialised areas in AI such as NLP, computer vision, and generative AI.
Inside Thoughtworks’ Data Science Team
“Our Data & AI organisation comprises over 500 members organised across service offerings, verticals, and regions for contextualised and value-driven solutions with a focus on regional nuances,” Iyer told AIM. Iyer, a seasoned industry leader, has been with the company for over eight years now,
He further added that the company tackles complex challenges through its data science team, specialising in NLP, speech, voice, and areas like reinforcement learning and computer vision. Generative AI finds applications in the company’s projects, including speech-to-text for Indian languages, fraud detection platforms, enhancing conversational AI, and even creating innovative whisky flavours for a Swedish whisky company called Mackmyra.
Thoughtworks champions open-source solutions and actively participates in the Digital Public Goods Alliance. “We prefer open-source solutions to encourage collaboration, facilitate knowledge-sharing, and contribute to the use of technology for the greater good without proprietary restrictions,” added Iyer.
Bahmni, an open-source hospital information system nurtured by the company for over a decade, received the prestigious ‘Best Open Source Creation’ award at the UNDP Future of Government Awards.
Recently, the company collaborated with the Ekstep Organisation to develop data resources and modelling for multiple Indian languages. Furthermore, the company also established a generative AI-powered platform for India’s payment gateway authority NPCI. This platform not only hosts data but also offers fraud detection services, ensuring secure transactions across different product lines.
In the government services sector, it is developing an AI/ML platform for the government’s Aadhaar program to manage encrypted biometric data, thereby enhancing security and privacy.
Besides liaising with the government, Thoughtworks has built a reinforcement learning-based personalisation engine for Marimekko, a Finnish online fashion store. This engine optimised digital experiences and customer engagement.
Similarly, it also developed a pricing platform for one of the largest global consultancies focused on low-latency, real-time data processing to enable dynamic pricing models. In the pharmaceutical sector, Thoughtworks built an AI decision engine that provides smart omnichannel recommendations, facilitating engagement with doctors and influencing prescription habits.
Interview Process
The current working situation in India follows a hybrid model, incorporating both in-person and remote elements. Candidates applying at Thoughtworks need to go through a thorough interview process to evaluate skills based on specific role requirements, cultural alignment, and leadership capabilities.
All interviews are currently conducted virtually, with each round assessing defined attributes such as technical depth, and leadership and collaboration skills. “The process typically involves two to three technical rounds, followed by a final interview focusing on leadership and cultural alignment,” said Iyer.
Skills Needed
“We prefer if candidates have experience in key technical skills, including proficiency in R, Python, or equivalent statistical and data analysis tools,” Iyer commented, talking about the hiring process for data scientists.
Additionally, it looks for individuals with expertise in specialised AI areas like NLP, computer vision, and generative AI, along with experience in deep learning, classic ML implementation, and MLops.
Candidates should demonstrate their ability to develop and implement ML models and algorithms, solve business problems using advanced statistical techniques, and address ethical concerns in data science, including privacy, bias, and fairness.
Expectations
Iyer further shared with AIM that the candidates joining Thoughtworks’ data science team can expect to be involved in a variety of projects where they will apply their extensive technical expertise to address intricate business challenges.
Upon joining Thoughtworks’ Data and AI service line, candidates can expect to be surrounded by a community of like-minded data experts, fostering knowledge growth.
In their role at Thoughtworks, data scientists leverage expertise in statistics, modelling, machine learning algorithms, and data mining techniques. They enhance the visibility of business value and data insights, facilitating effective decision-making.
In this dynamic and multifaceted role, primary responsibilities include developing strategies, productising solutions, and articulating business impacts. Integral to this position is collaborative engagement with cross-functional teams and effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Mistakes to Avoid
Iyer noted that the most common mistake observed in candidates during data science interviews is their difficulty in showcasing a clear understanding of the given problem statement and its appropriate addressing in the pairing interview. Thoughtworks uses pair programming, a collaborative software development technique where two programmers work together on a problem statement or codebase.
“In the pair interview, the candidate assumes the role of the driver, actively solving the problem, while the interviewee acts as an observer or navigator,” he added.
Secondly, another common error is when candidates attempt to impose deep learning-led solutions in situations where traditional approaches might be more effective and simpler to explain. This tendency to force-fit solutions can hinder effective problem-solving.
Work Culture
Thoughtworks is distinguished by its people-centric work culture, emphasising inclusivity, diversity, and the promotion of an authentic and whole self in the workplace.
“Our culture encourages mutual support, values honesty and transparency, and fosters a focus on purpose-driven goals,” commented Iyer. The company offers competitive benefits, including progressive parental leave policies, health and wellness perks, and learning and development allowances.
The company embraces a tech-agnostic stance, selecting a tech stack tailored to each client’s needs, providing diverse learning experiences with every project. Community plays a pivotal role at Thoughtworks, offering employees opportunities to learn and enhance their skills through events and internal meetups.
“If you’re seeking to expand your knowledge and expertise in data, work on impactful projects for our clients, and be a part of an organisation where you can feel empowered, Thoughtworks is the place for you,” Iyer concluded.
Click here to learn more about the open positions.
