Meta: Rohan Kulkarni Reinvents Learning with AI

Rohan Kulkarni's Commitment to AI

Rohan Kulkarni, a software engineer at Meta, dedicates a significant portion of his free time to exploring artificial intelligence tools. On average, he spends between four and six hours a week deepening his knowledge of AI outside of work hours. To carve out this time, he has chosen to reduce his use of entertainment platforms like YouTube and Netflix. For him, the key is not to let AI overshadow his own ability to think.

Within his professional environment, Kulkarni has observed that AI has transformed the brainstorming and prototyping process. Projects that previously took a month can now be completed in two to three weeks thanks to these technologies. Outside the office, he continues to learn by experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity, for which he spends about $50 a month on subscriptions.

Kulkarni, who is in his late twenties and resides in California, is part of a growing group of tech professionals who invest their personal time in AI. Some of them are creating side projects or developing skills they cannot acquire during their work hours. Motivations vary, ranging from fears that AI will redefine their careers to a genuine curiosity about the technology.

A Lifelong Learning Journey

Originally from India, Kulkarni developed an interest in technology at a young age after receiving a Windows 98 computer when he was five. In 2021, he moved to the United States to pursue a master's degree at Stony Brook University, before joining Meta as a software engineer the following year. He attributes his success to a recommendation and rigorous preparation for his interview, which allowed him to advance quickly in his career.

Before generative AI became mainstream, Kulkarni was already self-teaching new technologies through side projects. The emergence of AI simply redirected his learning efforts. "My main motivation is that new technologies create new opportunities," he said. "I want to be ready to seize them when they arise." To this end, he dedicates his personal time to learning while preserving important moments, such as those spent with his family. He has chosen to cut down on time spent consuming aimless content on YouTube Shorts and Netflix.

Thinking with AI

Kulkarni emphasizes that one of the greatest advantages of AI is its ability to transform the way he approaches problems. Before the era of generative AI tools, he often sought the advice of mentors early in the development process to exchange ideas and explore different approaches. Today, he views AI as a "thinking partner," allowing him to work on many issues independently.

"Mentors remain essential," he asserts, "but you can do a lot of thinking with AI before reaching out to others." However, learning to use AI effectively has been a learning process. Kulkarni admits that he initially tended to "delegate thinking" to AI, entrusting it with a problem to solve entirely. He has since realized that a more productive approach is to develop his own ideas first, then use AI to test and challenge his assumptions before making decisions. "Don't see AI as a magic solution," he advises. "It's a tool that empowers you."

Kulkarni has adapted to this new way of thinking, but he acknowledges that this shift can contribute to "AI fatigue" among some tech workers. Before the rise of generative AI, workers were often responsible for executing every part of a task themselves. Today, they spend more time working with AI tools that can help brainstorm and evaluate ideas, requiring a different way of thinking. "You almost see yourself as an architect at this stage," he says, "which requires a different muscle."

Tips for Navigating the AI Era

Kulkarni notes that layoffs in the tech industry remind him to focus on what he can control. Rather than worrying about business decisions, he strives to do his job well while supporting affected colleagues. "All I can do is do my job well, be grateful to have a job, and be compassionate towards those around me," he states.

He offers two additional pieces of advice to tech workers. First, he recommends using AI to develop existing skills. Regarding career management, he insists that, despite the rise of AI, "everything is human." Whether building products with AI or working on side projects, the goal is to solve problems for others — and keeping this perspective can help make better decisions.

This mindset begins even before starting a project. Rather than jumping straight into building something, Kulkarni first asks what value a project will bring to the client. He adds that this same human-centered mentality applies to networking. Rather than viewing conversations solely as opportunities for career advancement, he believes that stronger connections are formed when people take the time to get to know each other. "Be genuinely curious about the person and don't just be there for the work," he advises.