Amid job cuts and AI shake-up, Indian engineer who joined Meta after OpenAI reveals his winning formula to get hired in big tech
Who is Prakhar Agarwal? The Indian Engineer Behind Meta’s Super Intelligence Labs
According to his LinkedIn profile, Prakhar Agarwal completed his bachelor’s degree in engineering from BITS Pilani before pursuing higher education at the University of Washington, specializing in machine learning.
He started his professional journey by interning at research-focused organizations and then worked as a software engineer at Walmart Labs. His big break came in 2020 when he joined Apple as a machine learning engineer, where he worked for nearly five years.
In January 2025, Prakhar moved to OpenAI as part of the OpenAI API team, and in July 2025 he joined Meta Superintelligence Labs, a division focused on next-generation AI systems.
Speaking to Business Insider, he told Business Insider: “I started my career at Apple in 2020. I spent five years there, then moved to OpenAI on the OpenAI API team. I moved to Meta Superintelligence Labs this summer, when a lot of people were transitioning.”
He added that he applied to Apple while he was in graduate school at the University of Washington, but then as his profile grew, “OpenAI, Meta, and a lot of other companies started reaching out to them,” so he didn’t even need to apply for those roles directly.
How Prakhar Agarwal Got Hired by Top AI Companies
Breaking into big tech isn’t just about earning degrees from prestigious universities, it’s also about building a strong foundation of skills, practical experience and problem-solving ability. Prakhar emphasized that experience plays an important role in getting hired by elite AI companies such as Meta or OpenAI. “Most of these companies have very few positions, so they naturally gravitate towards experienced people.”
But he believes even recent graduates can stand out if they develop the confidence, clarity and adaptability to solve complex problems.
Best Tips for Finding a Job at an AI or Big Tech Company
1. Get Hands-on with Real Projects
Prakhar advises aspiring AI engineers to “get their hands dirty” with real-world problems.
“Practical experience gives you the necessary skills and a foundation to build on. It also teaches you what not to do and what won’t work. Developing this intuition will set you apart from the crowd in interviews.”
2. Learn to Work in Uncertainty
The best companies look for people who can perform well in uncertain and rapidly evolving environments. Being comfortable with uncertainty is a crucial skill in AI research and product development, he says.
3. Consider Further Education
Having a PhD or master’s degree in a relevant field can be particularly useful for research roles. Demonstrates a deeper understanding of the subject and the ability to work independently on complex problems.
4. Work on Your Communication Skills
According to Prakhar, companies want people who can communicate clearly, identify gaps and deal with challenges effectively. Technical knowledge alone is not enough, being able to explain and discuss your business is equally important.
5. Stay Updated and Follow Industry Experts
“Start following people who post a lot in these areas. You may not understand everything on the first day, but you will start to understand,” he said.
Keeping up with AI researchers, engineers, and thought leaders helps you stay in tune with the latest trends and technologies.
From BITS Pilani to Meta: An Inspiring Journey
Prakhar Agarwal’s story reflects the evolving landscape of AI careers. His path from BITS Pilani to Meta Super Intelligence Laboratories; is a masterclass in consistent learning, self-belief and networking.
His journey shows that taking on roles at big tech companies isn’t just about intelligence, it’s about curiosity, resilience, and the drive to keep trying. For anyone dreaming of working at OpenAI, Meta, or Apple, their advice offers a realistic roadmap to success.
Input from agencies
