3 people who pivoted into AI share how they used their college experience to break into the field

Tech Insider : Business, Environment, Technology
Varun Goyal, Deep Shah, and Kriti Goyal.
Varun Goyal, Deep Shah, and Kriti Goyal share their experiences transitioning from college to the AI industry.

Photos courtesy of Varun Goyal/Deep Shah/Kriti Goyal

We're raising our kids to speak three languages, and it's not as hard as people think.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Kids reading a book
The author is raising her kids to speak German, Dutch, and English.

Courtesy of the author

I left my university in Milan to study in a much smaller town. I loved the lower cost of living and slower pace.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Sports
Via Donato Bramante with Palazzo Albani which houses the headquarters of the University of Urbino, the Institute of Art History, the Institute of Archaeology and the Presidencies of Political Sciences and Education Sciences. Urbino (Italy), April 4th, 2024
The author left the busy streets of Milan for a slower pace at the University of Urbino.

Marta Carenzi/Archivio Marta Carenzi/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

I was over 300 pounds in high school. Then, college life pushed me to lose over a third of my body weight.

Tech Insider : Business
Dan Petetsky before and after losing 100 pounds
The author lost weight in college.

Courtesy of Dan Petetsky

Universities risk becoming passive arms of Silicon Valley if they don't question how AI shapes truth, a professor says

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Engineering students at the International Technology Olympics, Pardis Technology Park, in Tehran, on October 28, 2025.
A professor says AI didn't cause the crisis in education — it exposed it.

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

I'm trying to be hands-off as my teen applies to college. It's been difficult for me, especially when they missed a deadline.

Tech Insider : Business
A pile of college mailers
The author's son is applying to college.

Courtesy of Trisha Daab

My kids went to an outdoor elementary school with no art, music, or library. They loved it, but adjusting to public school was hard.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment, Travel
Alli Hill's kids standing in front of their school's sign outside
The author's kids attended an outdoor learning school.

Courtesy of Alli Hill

I'm an entrepreneur who never went to college and taught my kids to avoid debt. They both decided to go to college anyway.

Tech Insider : Business
terrina taylor's daughter weating a maryland univeristy sweatshirt
The author's daughter decided to attend college.

Courtesy of Terrina Taylor

I dropped out of college to work at Trivago. Now I run the company.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology, Travel
Johannes Thomas headshot
Johannes Thomas went from intern to CEO of Trivago

Courtesy of Johannes Thomas

The 'Godmother of AI' says your college diploma is losing power — here's what she looks for instead

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Fei-Fei Li at a reception at St James's Palace in London on November 5, 2025
AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li says that fast learners who embrace AI now outshine degree holders in hiring.

YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Subscribe to Education