What's your job about?

As a technology graduate, my role involves working on application development and managing data streams. My specialization is in AI and machine learning. During my rotations in the TAL Graduate Program, I have contributed to developing AI products and providing AI-driven business solutions across various departments. One of the AI solutions I worked on was building a chatbot specifically tailored to the life insurance industry. This chatbot functions as a virtual TAL employee and is knowledgeable about the company’s insurance products.

What's your background?

I grew up in China and moved to Melbourne in 2018 as an international student. I spent four years in Melbourne completing a Master’s in Information Technology at The University of Melbourne.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Yes! The future trend of AI is moving toward non-coding platforms, making it possible for more people to contribute to the product development process by sharing ideas and driving innovation, even if they don’t have a coding background.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

One of the coolest aspects of my job is the entity extraction task, where I work on identifying names and other information from data to improve my AI model. I’ve achieved several breakthroughs during this process, which have consistently enhanced the model's benchmark. I’m passionate about finding the best solutions at every step.

What are the limitations of your job?

As an AI Engineer at TAL, most of my work focuses on algorithms and back-end development. This means I’m less involved in the more interactive stages of the product development cycle. In the future, I hope to spend more time collaborating on product development as my role evolves.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student:

1. Keep studying consistently. Most people’s IQs are similar, but good habits and a growth mindset set people apart after graduation.
2. Build strong relationships with your lecturers, and don’t hesitate to ask for help, no matter how small your question may seem.
3. Be humble but brave. I landed my first job by writing a straightforward email to a company’s CTO. Even though the application deadline had passed, I still got the job!

What is the coolest thing about your graduate program?

The Japan business trip has been the highlight of the program for me. TAL is part of the Dai-ichi Life family, and to promote global initiatives, graduates have the chance to visit the Tokyo headquarters. In the second year of the program, we traveled to Japan to experience Dai-ichi Life’s corporate culture, history, and spirit firsthand. We visited the underwriting team's office and had meaningful discussions with Dai-ichi Life graduates.

What impressed you most about your graduate program?

As a graduate at TAL, I’ve participated in many enriching activities. The Graduate Development Days, in particular, stand out. These sessions focus on developing soft skills such as leadership, empathy, and problem-solving, which, while not directly related to my technical role, are vital for my career growth. I appreciate how TAL invests in its graduates with a long-term vision, fostering overall professional development rather than just technical expertise.

I’m also impressed by the wellness benefits at TAL. My second favorite spot in the office (after my desk!) is the gym on level 9. Exercising there after work is a great way to unwind, and I often run into fellow graduates and team members. It’s a wonderful way to stay healthy and connected.