IIT-Madras alumnus, offered Rs. 92 lakh by Google in college, joins OpenAI after decade

Kavin Karthik, an alumnus of IIT-Madras, recently made headlines by transitioning from Google, where he landed a lucrative offer straight out of college, to join the artificial intelligence startup OpenAI after over ten years.

Expressing gratitude to Google for shaping his professional journey, Karthik emphasized the invaluable lessons and experiences he gained during his tenure at the tech giant. He described Google as more than just a workplace, calling it a crucible of growth and innovation that defined his twenties.

Late update!

After an incredible journey spanning nearly a decade at @Google , I'm thrilled to announce my new chapter with @OpenAI as a Member of the Technical Staff.

Google was more than a workplace; it was a crucible of growth and innovation that defined my 20s. Leading…

— Kavin Karthik (@KavinIK) April 7, 2024

Upon joining OpenAI, Karthik conveyed his excitement about harnessing the transformative power of AI with ChatGPT, the company’s flagship product. OpenAI president and co-founder, Greg Brockman, welcomed Karthik to the team, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

Karthik’s journey from IIT-Madras to Google and now to OpenAI underscores his exceptional trajectory in the tech industry. Back in 2013, he was among the three IITians who received a staggering Rs. 92 lakh salary placement offer from Google, reflecting his early success in the field of computer science.

Amidst his professional accomplishments, Karthik remains rooted in his educational background, having completed his schooling at Chennai’s DAV Gopalapuram. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring engineers and technologists, showcasing the possibilities that await those who embark on a path of relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence.