What do you do if you need to research a company's AI initiatives before an interview?

Company Website

While the website about us section is a good starting point, a deeper dive into a company's AI efforts can reveal hidden gems. Look for dedicated AI sections on their website where they might publish in-depth blogs or whitepapers. These resources go beyond basic information, offering a window into their cutting-edge research and development. Additionally, many companies host webinars and industry events. Attending these virtually (recordings are often available, too) can be insightful. You'll see how they present their AI initiatives and engage with the broader industry.  Let's say a blog post by IBM detailing their strides in natural language processing (NLP) –– this signifies their commitment to improving AI applications.

Online Articles

Refrain from settling for surface-level research. Uncover the company's AI game plan by seeking articles that detail their current projects, future aspirations, and even their AI hiring sprees. Explore how other companies in the same field are using AI. Are they pioneers or followers? Reputable tech publications with journalists who understand the intricacies of AI will be your guide. To make it better, turn to independent AI referees. Seek reviews and comparisons that weigh the company's AI solutions against the competition. Finally,  witness AI in action! Customer stories and case studies bring AI to life, showcasing real-world applications and the impact these solutions have on businesses. 

Social Media

Social media is a goldmine for getting any info if you do a little research! Look beyond the company's channels and connect with current or past employees on LinkedIn (for bigger companies) or X/Twitter/YouTube (for smaller ones). They may share valuable insights about the company's AI culture and the day-to-day impact of these projects. But that's not all! Follow their interactions with industry experts and AI researchers. Does Company Z frequently engage with Dr. Alice Wang, a renowned AI ethics expert? This might signal their commitment to responsible AI development.

Financial Reports

Warren Buffett rightly mentions, "When I look at a company's annual report, if I don't understand it, they don't want me to. It's a red flag." 

Annual reports shouldn't be cryptic puzzles. They're a chance for companies to be transparent about their financial health and plans. A clear, well-written report tells investors a story - about the company's strategy, its competitive edge, and how it creates value. 

Feel free to dig deeper. Look beyond the annual report and seek additional resources like investor presentations or interviews with management. If the company prioritizes transparency and clear communication, you can find the information you need to make informed decisions.

Employee Insights

While researching a company's AI initiatives, consider seeking insights from current or former employees. Remember, their role matters. A data scientist can offer a technical perspective on the inner workings of AI, while someone in marketing might shed light on how AI is used in customer-facing applications.  Glassdoor & Indeed reviews can be a treasure trove of information about the company's AI culture. Remember, unhappy employees are likely to vent online, so take these reviews with a grain of salt. 

Also look at job postings to see the direction the company intends to be heading.