From Fintech to AI: My Journey from Visa to Google, TikTok, and Meta

Editor's Note: What happens when a fintech engineer steps into the world of machine learning and AI? Vincent Tatan's journey takes him from Visa’s digital payment systems to pioneering work at Google, TikTok, and Meta. Along the way, he navigates challenges, embraces learning, and shares insights on staying adaptable in an ever-evolving tech landscape. This is his story of transformation, resilience, and curiosity — first told in his own words on Medium, and now shared with the Get Ahead community to inspire those exploring unconventional paths in tech.

My Journey into Tech: From Visa to Google

Hello, I'm Vincent Tatan, and my career has been a whirlwind adventure through fintech, machine learning, AI, and some of the biggest tech companies in the world. Looking back, I can’t help but be amazed at the unexpected turns my journey has taken.

After graduating from Singapore Management University (SMU), I jumped into fintech, an industry at the forefront of digital payments and financial services. My first role at Visa Singapore, as part of the Network Processing Team, saw me developing full-stack cloud and web solutions that facilitated acquirer and issuer onboarding. It was an exciting experience that sparked my curiosity and introduced me to the vast potential of technology.

This curiosity led me to Google in the United States, a company celebrated for its culture of innovation and bold thinking. Transitioning from Visa to Google was a significant leap—tech giants like Google operate on a completely different scale, developing global solutions powered by cutting-edge technology. At Google, I worked on Real-Time Phishing Detection, applying machine learning and computer vision to protect billions of users across Chrome, Gmail, and Android. I had the privilege of collaborating with world-class engineers from institutions like MIT, Stanford, and ETH Zurich. It was both humbling and exhilarating—an environment that taught me the importance of data-driven decision-making, deep collaboration, and having the courage to take moonshot risks. It also challenged me to confront imposter syndrome and grow beyond it.

Vincent with Alfan Hendro, former COO of Traveloka, and his wife, an Apple Analyst, during a memorable trip to the US. Both have been invaluable companions and mentors as he navigates the ever-evolving tech world.

A Shift to Social Media: Google to Meta and TikTok

After four years at Google, I decided to return to Singapore to be closer to family. This move took me to TikTok and Meta, where the challenges were equally compelling but vastly different from those I had encountered in fintech and at Google. Social media is all about user engagement, creativity, and virality, which brought a new dimension to my work.

At TikTok and Meta, I tackled complex challenges related to recommendation algorithms, user privacy, and security. The fast-paced, consumer-centric environment pushed me to think on my feet, adapt quickly, and innovate continuously. One standout project involved optimizing the recommendation system—seeing the immediate impact of our team’s work on user engagement was incredibly rewarding. It was a stark contrast to the world of fintech, and even to the structured innovation culture I experienced at Google, offering a new lens on agility, scale, and real-time problem-solving.

Vincent at the iconic Meta 1 Hacker Way, capturing a moment at the heart of innovation.

Navigating Career Pivots and Staying Curious

One of the most common questions I’m asked is: “How do you stay adaptable in such a fast-changing industry?” For me, the answer lies in continuous learning. Whether it’s enrolling in online courses, attending industry conferences, or simply keeping up with emerging trends, staying curious is essential. I believe in being proactive—taking on side projects, exploring new technologies, and connecting with the wider tech community. The support I’ve received along the way has been invaluable, with mentors, peers, and friends always willing to share knowledge or lend a hand. Growth is rarely a solo journey—I’ve found that pursuing opportunities alongside friends makes the experience more meaningful and sustainable.

Albert, my best friend, and I studying together during our Saturday morning sessions at the Google Singapore office.

When it comes to technical skills, a solid understanding of algorithms, data structures, and machine learning frameworks is essential. But equally important are soft skills like collaboration, communication, and adaptability. In the tech world, things move quickly, and the ability to learn on the fly and pivot when necessary is crucial. I’ve seen firsthand how these skills led to breakthroughs—like when my team’s AI model outperformed industry benchmarks, a true testament to the power of teamwork and innovation.

Giving Back and Mentoring the Next Generation

Giving back is also a priority for me. One of my most fulfilling experiences was mentoring at Bangkit Academy, a program aimed at nurturing digital talent in Indonesia. Sharing my knowledge with eager young minds and seeing them progress was a humbling reminder of the power of education. It reinforced my belief in the ripple effect of sharing knowledge—how a single act of mentorship can help shape the future of tech.

Sharing his career journey and insights with university students during a session at Google Singapore.

Final Thoughts

From fintech to frontier tech, my journey has been an exhilarating rollercoaster of challenges, growth, and learning. Each transition—whether moving from Visa to Google or from Google to Meta—has taught me something new, not only about technology but also about collaboration, people, and myself.

As I look ahead, I’m excited about the potential of AI and machine learning. For anyone looking to transition into tech or change career paths, my advice is simple: stay curious, keep learning, and be adaptable. The ability to continuously learn, adapt to new environments, and work collaboratively is key to success in tech. The world is full of unexpected opportunities, and staying open to change will allow you to seize them when they arise.

I’m immensely grateful for the support of my wife, family, friends, and mentors, who have been with me every step of the way. Without them, I wouldn’t have had the chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the tech world.