Data Science Hiring and Interview Process at Fujitsu
Fujitsu, founded in 1935 and shaped by the aftermath of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, has emerged as a global technology leader catering to services encompassing IT consulting, system integration, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital transformation solutions. The company also provides hardware products, including servers, storage, and client computing devices. Over the years, Fujitsu has played a pivotal role in the evolution of computing. From pioneering successive FACOM computers in the 1950s to embracing international standardisation in the 1970s, the company has consistently expanded its global influence. “Our current focus lies in key areas of computing, network, AI, data & security, and convergent technologies, with significant developments like Computing as a Service (CaaS), the Kozuchi AI Platform, and the 1FINITY Ultra Optical System,” Amit Kumar Shrivastava, Head of AI, Fujitsu Fellow & Distinguished Engineer, told AIM. Last April, the company launched Fujitsu Kozuchi – Fujitsu’s AI platform to deliver access to a range of powerful AI and ML technologies. The platform includes tools like Fujitsu AutoML for automated machine learning model generation, Fujitsu AI Ethics for Fairness to test AI model fairness, and Fujitsu Wide Learning for simulating scientific discovery processes. The aim is to accelerate the testing and deployment of AI solutions for specific business challenges, offering best-of-breed tools, open-source software access, and collaboration with partner companies. In generative AI, the company has developed solutions spanning various sectors, from predicting protein structural changes in drug discovery to streamlining operations in finance and enhancing customer engagement in retail. A collaboration with Tokyo Tech, Tohoku University, and RIKEN focuses on developing distributed training for LLMs to bolster Japan’s AI research capabilities. Additionally, Fujitsu has made efforts to tackle the issue of hallucination in conversational AI by launching technologies that protect systems from adversarial attacks. This ensures ongoing advancements in AI technology while prioritising safety and reliability. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company’s tech strength is exemplified by the development of groundbreaking supercomputers, including K in 2011 and the remarkable Fugaku in 2020. Beyond technology, Fujitsu places a strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility, deeply rooted in our enduring values and Japanese heritage principles of Kaizen and Ikigai. Inside Fujitsu’s Data Science Lab The company is dedicated to leveraging AI technology for the creation of secure, diverse, and universally accessible solutions. With a global deployment exceeding 6,000 AI solutions, Fujitsu aims to integrate AI into daily life, with a team comprising experts from diverse backgrounds. “We work closely with clients to turn AI proofs of concept into practical business applications, as demonstrated by our Kozuchi AI platform,” said Shrivastava, stating that the platform incorporates AI innovation Components and Core Engines, facilitating swift validation and implementation across diverse business scenarios. Fujitsu’s contributions extend to cancer research acceleration, particularly in combating drug resistance, resulting in a significant reduction in timeframes. “Our Fujitsu AutoML and fairness technology exemplify our dedication to democratising AI. This technology is open-source and hosted on the Linux Foundation,” he added. Emphasising transparency in AI, Fujitsu provides solutions like WideLearning and Deep Tensor, supporting explainable AI. As a founding member of AI4People, dedicated to AI ethics, the company aims to develop ethical AI, eliminating biases. To ensure safe and secure AI deployment, Fujitsu has established an AI Ethics and Governance Office. In the space of diversity, the company developed tools such as LiveTalk for multilingual speech recognition and AI-equipped translation engines. “As generative AI is a hot topic, let me tell you, we have multiple solutions addressing various sectors in the field. We developed technology to predict protein structural changes in drug discovery to reduce development time and costs. In finance, our AI streamlines development and system maintenance operations. Our AI modules generate avatars and customised content based on consumer behaviour data in retail, enhancing customer and business engagement,” said Shrivastava. Interview Process At Fujitsu India, the interview process for AI roles is methodically structured to identify and bring on board the most qualified candidates. The process kicks off with their specialised recruitment team, well-versed in sourcing talent for niche areas like AI. They meticulously comprehend the project teams’ requirements, reaching out to candidates whose profiles align precisely with the projects’ specific scope and needs. This initial screening is pivotal in considering only the most suitable candidates. Once shortlisted, candidates undergo a further evaluation by the project team, constituting a two-tier filtering process to ensure quality and relevance. Successful candidates at this stage become potential fits for their AI team. Those who navigate the initial stages are invited for an interview, commencing with a challenging yet accessible 15-minute live programming assignment to assess practical problem-solving skills. Subsequently, candidates face a 45-minute to an hour technical interview featuring scenario-based questions probing their practical experience and understanding of AI. The complexity of this round varies based on the role, incorporating diverse skills and multiple panellists for comprehensive evaluation. “In the next round, a project manager, or sometimes I, take the interview for senior data science roles that we are hiring for, then assess the candidates who stand out in the technical interview. This stage of the interview process expands to include a broader range of skills, assessing the candidate’s technical knowledge in AI, business understanding, and interpersonal abilities,” said Shrivastava. A holistic approach is taken to select technically proficient candidates who align with our organisational culture. Proficiency in an additional language, like Japanese, is considered an advantage. Successful candidates progress to the final phase of HR discussions tailored to align the candidate’s career aspirations with Fujitsu India’s goals and values. This stage facilitates mutual understanding, ensuring a decision that benefits both parties. Work Culture In fostering a workplace that champions sustainability, innovation, and core values, Fujitsu’s work culture revolves around three pillars: aspiration, trust, and empathy. The focus is on purpose-driven management, encouraging employees to align their personal goals with the broader mission of the organisation. Continuous learning is pivotal, transforming the team into dynamic digital transformation (DX) experts adept in digital technology, adaptive mindsets, and cultural agility. “Our work-life shift initiative, consisting of smart working, borderless office, and culture change, is designed to boost autonomy, well-being, and work-life balance,” said Shrivastava. The company prioritises diversity, equity, and inclusion to create an environment where uniqueness is celebrated, and everyone is empowered to contribute fully for a truly inclusive culture. Central to the company’s principles is environmental responsibility, guided by the Global Responsible Business framework. Addressing human rights and well-being issues, the commitment extends beyond the organisation, aiming for a significant social impact, long-term contributions to society, and ample opportunities for employee growth and development. If you think you are fit for Fujitsu, check out its career page for open positions.
The company’s focus currently lies in key areas covering computing, network, AI, data and security, and convergent technologies.
Fujitsu's focus currently lies in covering computing, network, AI, data and security, and convergent technologies. 
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["AI", "machine learning", "ML", "data science", "generative AI", "Aim", "RAG", "cloud computing", "R", "Go"]
Shritama (she/her) is a technology journalist at AIM who is passionate to explore generative AI with a special focus on big techs, database, healthcare, DE&amp;I, hiring in tech and more.