San Francisco: An Indian techie who spent four years as a full-time software engineer has taken a bold career turn to enter the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence. Twenty-eight-year-old Phani Sai Ram Munipalli, who previously worked with IBM in Bengaluru and Walmart Global Tech in Chennai, has now transitioned into AI product management in the United States.
From Bengaluru and Chennai to Silicon Valley
After completing his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, Munipalli began his professional career in 2018 as an intern before joining IBM Bengaluru. He worked there for two years before moving to Walmart Global Tech in Chennai, where he continued until 2022.
Reflecting on his decision, Munipalli explained that he did not leave software engineering for monetary reasons. Instead, his move was inspired by the belief that AI has the power to transform lives.
“In July 2022, I left software engineering and chose to compete for an AI/tech product management role at Walmart in the US, even though I had little experience in that field,” he told Business Insider.
Inspired by AI breakthroughs
Munipalli said that the global launch of ChatGPT helped him realise that AI would reshape industries. His technical background, he added, gave him a “unique entry point into the AI talent wars.”
“Right as ChatGPT was introduced to the world, I knew a massive shift was coming. My technical background was my way to step into AI,” he said.
During this period, he pursued a master’s degree in computer software engineering at San Jose State University in California, graduating in 2022. He simultaneously worked as a part-time AI research assistant at the university. Following this, he undertook two internships before landing a role at Walmart in California in 2024, where he continues to work.
Why he made the switch
For Munipalli, the shift was not about leaving behind coding altogether but about expanding his role.
“I love coding and still do it for my side projects, but I wanted to go beyond just writing code. I wanted to understand what products can be built leveraging AI, who the users are, and how it’s helping them,” he said.
He added that this realisation led him to create a personal road map built around three strategies:
- Rewiring his brain for AI product thinking.
- Ditching popular frameworks in interviews.
- Building a platform to prioritise giving before networking.
The road ahead
As AI adoption accelerates across industries, professionals like Munipalli see opportunities far beyond traditional tech roles. His career path reflects a growing trend of software engineers moving into AI-focused management and strategy roles that combine technical expertise with product vision.
Munipalli believes that leveraging AI for real-world impact will be a defining factor in the next decade of global technology. His story resonates with many young Indian professionals seeking to build careers in the United States while staying ahead of the next big technological shift.