Tinatini Buturushvili (MSc Business Analytics 2016) is leading a research team of data scientists at an AI company based in Vienna, Austria. Passionate about artificial intelligence (AI), Tinatini's job requires her to stay ahead of the curve on the sector's latest developments in order to adapt strategies and enhance the organisation's AI capabilities.

Outside of her job, she is the group lead of The Imperial College Alumni Association Austria where she organises local events and informal catch-ups throughout the year and connects Austria-based graduates with the College and each other. Find out more about our regionally run alumni groups here. 

We met up with Tinatini to find out more about her studies at Imperial College Business School, what it is like to work in AI, and her experience volunteering with the College. 

Can you tell us about your studies at Imperial?

I studied analytics/data science at Imperial. It was a mixture of lots of programming, stats, and theoretical foundations but also, at the same time, how industries should best use it.

What is your fondest memory of your time here?

I have many, but one I loved the most is going to the music rooms on the fifth floor of the Sherfield Building. I used to practice the piano very often. It was a sort of meditation for me.

Who did you find inspiring at Imperial and why?

It would be hard to pick just one. I genuinely met many inspiring people in class or outside.

Tell us a bit about the work you’re doing now.    

I am working at an AI company where I am leading the research data science team. Developing AI models, researching what could be the next big thing to implement. My work is mostly focused on large language models (LLMs) and graph deep learning. Always staying on top of AI development to see what is coming next. 

How has what you learnt at Imperial helped you in your career so far?

What I am most grateful for is that at Imperial, I have learned how to combine state-of-the-art research with what the industry needs. Even though we studied the fundamentals of how things work, it was always in combination with how one can use it in the real world. This gave me a huge advantage over others. Besides, Imperial has an earned name for its excellence in technology and science. This opened many doors. People recognise that to get a spot, you compete with the best of the best candidates already. I am very proud that I even got a scholarship to attend Imperial.

What have been your career highlights and lowlights?

I created models that make millions in net revenue. Seeing that the algorithms that you write have such a massive impact on the company is great. The lowlight is that you do not have control over other things. Even if the model is great, it needs coordinated work from other departments to make it successful. 

What inspired you to work in data science?

This field has an intersection with many other areas, such as maths, statistics, programming, and engineering, which I find fascinating. Besides, AI is transforming societies. I am inspired to be part of something so big.

What does a typical day look like for you now?

When you have AI models in production, the focus is always on how to improve it, so exploring what can make it better, how to implement, and then deploy. It is a lot of stakeholder management, explaining why something is a good idea and needs prioritisation, as well as guiding juniors on which direction to explore, etc.

What are your plans for the future?

I am exploring starting my own AI product company, publishing research papers, and writing a second book.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions about data and AI?

That AI is here to take people’s jobs. We are missing the point that it is not to replace but to work together with humans. I believe the future is human with AI assistance where productivity is optimal.

What recent developments or innovations in your sector inspire or excite you? 

OpenAI’s ChatGPT is truly exciting and how many things can be build on top of it. ChatGPT is just the beginning.

Tell us a bit about your volunteer role as a group leader for the local alumni community.   

For me, being a volunteer is always giving back to the Imperial community. I am happy to support its growth and development in any way. I love to mentor the younger generation, too. I find it very rewarding.

What do you get out of your volunteering?

I stay in touch with inspiring graduates. They connect to each other. Many became lifelong friends. They always give different perspectives on topics. It is very refreshing and engaging.

What is your standout moment from volunteering with Imperial?

Realising how many accomplished and curiosity-driven graduates we have who are transforming their fields in Austria.

What makes you proud to be an Imperial alumnus?

The College's focus on excellence and uncompromised stand on the quality of research and education.

What one word or phrase would you use to describe Imperial alumni?

Lifelong learners/curiosity-driven people.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I wrote a children's book called 'The Melted Hearts' which is inspired by true events and places in Tbilisi.

You can connect with Tinatini through Plexus and LinkedIn.