Services
$300 / month
Start free, decide later
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1
Free intro call
No card needed to book. -
2
Ongoing calls + chat
2 calls per month, unlimited Q&A. Replies in 2 days. -
3
No lock-in
Month to month, no contract.
No spots left, but you can save the mentor to your wishlist to get notified about their open spots!
MentorCruise summary
Sara is a Principal AI Applied Scientist at Microsoft. She has more than 10 years of experience in data analytics and AI, holds a master’s and Ph.D. in engineering, and has mentored more than 300 students. She helps AI engineers and career switchers build portfolio projects, strengthen machine learning and generative AI skills, and prepare for industry roles.
Based on 42 verified mentee reviews
- Reviewers often praise her practical guidance on building AI projects, including RAG systems, datasets, and portfolio work.
- Several reviewers credit her with helping them plan career changes, prepare for interviews, and land data science roles.
- Mentees value her patient, kind style, careful listening, and timely answers.
About
Hello! I’m an Electrical Engineer with over 10 years of experience in data analytics and AI. I hold both a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Engineering, which have shaped my deep technical foundation.
Currently, I work at Microsoft, specializing in Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and copilots within the M365 ecosystem, following a tenure at Microsoft Research. My work blends research and engineering, from evaluating AI models to building impactful, real-world solutions, work that has led to multiple patents and publications.
Over the past 6 years, I’ve mentored 300+ students through MentorCruise, Udacity, and Data Science Dojo, helping them go from fundamentals in Data Science and Machine Learning to confidently applying those skills in projects, research, and industry roles. I’ve also consulted for companies like Shell, Fastshop, Symrise, and Petrobras on advanced AI and ML initiatives, giving me a strong perspective on what works in practice.
If you’re looking to strengthen your skills in DS, ML, or Generative AI, whether you’re a student, career-switcher, or working professional, I can help you create a personalized learning plan, master technical concepts, and build portfolio projects that stand out. Let’s connect on LinkedIn or send me a message here so we can start mapping your next step.
Looking forward to chatting!
Check out my website for more information: https://saramalvar.github.io/
What mentees say
5 out of 5 stars
Sara is a great mentor. She is nice and kind, and gives super relevant suggestions and advice. Working with her was amazing!
Navya
Standard Plan • 6 months
5 out of 5 stars
Weishan
Pro Plan • 1 month
5 out of 5 stars
Sara is a fantastic mentor! I reached out to her as I have been a software engineer for many years, but wanted to learn how to expand my AI and LLM skills and understanding. She was always able to answer all of my questions, or provide me with resources for learning. Being able to take current problems or projects I'm working on, and get her feedback was invaluable. Sara is kind, very responsive, and extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend anyone who's wanting to break into AI or grow in their understanding to work with her!
Chris
Standard Plan • 1 year
What happens when you start
You tell Sara your goals. They see exactly what you want to work on before session one.
You meet within days. Sara reviews your application and books your first session, usually within a day or two.
You leave with a plan. Concrete next steps and a weekly rhythm from your very first week.
