Pronouns: He / Him
Home Country: India
Field of Study: Artificial Intelligence
Nilay Jain, from India is expected to complete his master’s in Artificial Intelligence in May 2025. We sat down with Nilay to take a deep dive into his journey and give his advice to fellow GRS students in this exclusive Q&A session.
What initially drew you to this field? How did your experiences (academic or professional) solidify your passion for this area of study?
As someone who is naturally curious, I’ve always been captivated by the underlying mechanics of AI and wanted to understand how it all works. During my undergraduate studies, I delved deeper into artificial intelligence, where hands-on projects and research allowed me to explore concepts like machine learning and neural networks. These experiences solidified my passion, and that’s what motivated me to pursue AI at a graduate level, to further deepen my expertise and contribute to this transformative field
Could you describe your role as Social Chair for the MS in AI program and what you hope to achieve in this position?
As the Social Chair for the MS in AI program, my primary goal is to foster a stronger sense of community within our department. In the tech field, there can often be fewer opportunities for socializing, so I aim to create events that bring students together in a more informal, engaging setting. I believe that these events can help us connect with like-minded peers, exchange diverse perspectives, and ultimately enrich both our academic and personal experiences. By encouraging collaboration and networking, I hope to cultivate a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing ideas and learning from one another.
What is one thing you believe is crucial for academic/professional success but is overlooked by many?
One of the most crucial yet often overlooked factors for academic and professional success is networking. It’s easy to get caught up in the intensity of coursework or technical challenges, but building meaningful relationships and connections is just as important. Networking opens doors to opportunities, whether through collaborations, mentorship, or even job prospects. It’s through these relationships that we can gain new insights, learn about emerging trends, and receive valuable support. Prioritizing networking helps us grow not just academically, but also professionally, by expanding our reach and influence in the field.
What are some opportunities and resources at BU that you’ve utilized and would recommend others to leverage during their time at BU that will benefit them in the future too?
At BU, there are numerous opportunities and resources that can significantly benefit students during their time here and in the future. I’ve found the SCC (Shared Computing Cluster), multiple interdisciplinary organizations, student well-being resources, and the multitude of events hosted across campus to be invaluable. BU’s diverse range of schools provides a unique chance to connect with students from different fields, which I think is one of the best aspects of being here. I highly recommend attending events not just within your own department, but across different schools. These interactions expose you to new ideas and perspectives, which can broaden your knowledge and even lead to unexpected collaborations. Whether it’s through joining a club or attending interdisciplinary lectures, these experiences will not only enhance your time at BU but also provide long-lasting professional relationships and learning opportunities.
Could you share a strategy or a technique you implemented that helps you achieve an efficient work life balance during graduate school?
One strategy that has helped me maintain an efficient work-life balance during graduate school is getting involved in clubs and pursuing hobbies. At BU, there are plenty of opportunities to explore different activities outside of academics. Engaging in these not only provides a much-needed shift in gears but also prevents burnout by offering a mental break from studying. Additionally, I make sure to schedule time for these activities, treating them as essential parts of my routine, rather than as an afterthought. This approach helps me stay active, boosts my mood, and ensures that I’m not just focusing on academics throughout the day. Doing something I enjoy outside of coursework allows me to return to my studies with a clearer mind and more energy, leading to greater productivity overall.
Did you have a mentor, professor, or colleague who significantly impacted your success? How did their guidance shape your path?
I can’t single out just one person, because I believe that everyone I’ve met has contributed to my growth in unique ways. Every interaction has offered a new perspective, helping me make more informed decisions. My friends, in particular, have been incredibly supportive throughout my undergraduate years. They’ve been there to encourage me, provide feedback, and, most importantly, hype me up when I needed it most. That kind of motivation is invaluable and reminds me that success isn’t a solo journey. Having a strong support system, whether it’s friends, colleagues, or mentors, has shaped my path by helping me stay motivated and grounded.
Do you plan on participating in any research or internship opportunities at BU? What opportunities do you hope to take advantage of before you graduate?
Yes, I definitely want to participate in research or internships at BU, especially in Natural Language Processing (NLP) or Data Science. These areas come naturally to me, and I find them really interesting. BU has a research-focused program with great professors and resources, so it feels like the perfect place to explore these fields. I see this as a great chance to learn more and apply what I’ve studied. Before I graduate, I hope to work on projects in these areas, which will help me build my skills and figure out where I can make the most impact in my career.
About the Author:
Doğa Sevgi
Marketing & Communication Assistant, GRS
Bachelor of Science, Psychology