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AI hiring rush targets doctoral researchers before graduation
Recruiters and tech employers are contacting candidates up to three or four years early as AI research talent becomes scarce.
South China Morning Post describes a growing urgency in the AI sector as headhunters reach out to doctoral students well before they graduate, seeking to secure top research talent early.
The outlet cites doctoral researcher Hu Qi at the University of Hong Kong, who still has about two years left, but is already being approached to discuss specific post-graduation roles. Hu, who specializes in artificial intelligence agent security, is interning at a Chinese tech company where team leaders regularly ask about his future plans and press for a full time role immediately after he finishes his degree.
According to South China Morning Post, recruitment agencies say some outreach can begin three to four years before graduation. The report also notes that tech firms use conferences and seminars as a way to make early contact with potential candidates.
Silicon Valley Associates Recruitment managing director Vahid Haghzare is quoted by the outlet saying that waiting until graduation can mean missing out on the strongest candidates, reflecting how competitive AI hiring has become.