Hello. I have been working in the AI field for 18 months as an AI trainer. I am a freelance worker for a data company, reviewing model responses, and working to improve the model’s ability, helpfulness, and output. Before this, I worked as a freelance marketer and content writer. I moved into freelance work while my children were young and I became a single mother. Before I became a freelancer, I worked as a project manager at a digital content provider. As my children grow and my time opens up, I would like to return to employment, using my skills as a writer, communicator, and project manager to help orgs that are shaping the future of AI, in safety and governance. My primary motivation is user benefit, and I believe my unique blend of marketing skills, knowledge of model output, and growing interest in AI safety make me a good fit for a coordinator or marketing role within AI safety and governance. My technical AI knowledge is limited, as I work on the user end, and I have a BA in English Literature. What advice do you have for me, as I would like to expand my understanding of AI safety and return to work in a part-time, most likely entry-level role?
First off, it’s useful to gain context. Read through BlueDot’s Future of AI course, and this post which points to helpful attitudes towards working in high-impact roles.
Consider demonstrating that you “get stuff done.” Say “Yes!” to volunteer opportunities, and take ownership where you can. Read through these incredible pieces of advice that my colleague Laura put together.
Build networks from where to learn and find opportunities, and your own personal portfolio to make your skills legible. Both of these are also ways to get feedback on your own thinking/output, so invite/encourage folks to do so.
Apply to things! Yes, things are competitive, and usually one should expect that the most likely outcome is that you don’t get a role, but it still makes sense to engage with application processes, for a number of reasons, e.g. (i) they can be cheap and deliver a huge return if you get any feedback at all; (ii) they can force you learn about orgs and their work, building context; (iii) they can potentially build network and get you on someone’s radar for future opportunities, (iv) interviewing is a skill like any other, and requires practice.
As you make progress with the above actions, you’ll get a better sense of what it is that you’re excited to do, and where you’d be a good fit.
If you’d like to explore more strategies and options, read our career guide, or consider applying for advising!
Hello. I have been working in the AI field for 18 months as an AI trainer. I am a freelance worker for a data company, reviewing model responses, and working to improve the model’s ability, helpfulness, and output. Before this, I worked as a freelance marketer and content writer. I moved into freelance work while my children were young and I became a single mother. Before I became a freelancer, I worked as a project manager at a digital content provider.
As my children grow and my time opens up, I would like to return to employment, using my skills as a writer, communicator, and project manager to help orgs that are shaping the future of AI, in safety and governance. My primary motivation is user benefit, and I believe my unique blend of marketing skills, knowledge of model output, and growing interest in AI safety make me a good fit for a coordinator or marketing role within AI safety and governance.
My technical AI knowledge is limited, as I work on the user end, and I have a BA in English Literature. What advice do you have for me, as I would like to expand my understanding of AI safety and return to work in a part-time, most likely entry-level role?
Many thanks for reading my question!
Jenny
Hi Jenny, thanks for writing in.
First off, it’s useful to gain context. Read through BlueDot’s Future of AI course, and this post which points to helpful attitudes towards working in high-impact roles.
Consider demonstrating that you “get stuff done.” Say “Yes!” to volunteer opportunities, and take ownership where you can. Read through these incredible pieces of advice that my colleague Laura put together.
Build networks from where to learn and find opportunities, and your own personal portfolio to make your skills legible. Both of these are also ways to get feedback on your own thinking/output, so invite/encourage folks to do so.
Apply to things! Yes, things are competitive, and usually one should expect that the most likely outcome is that you don’t get a role, but it still makes sense to engage with application processes, for a number of reasons, e.g. (i) they can be cheap and deliver a huge return if you get any feedback at all; (ii) they can force you learn about orgs and their work, building context; (iii) they can potentially build network and get you on someone’s radar for future opportunities, (iv) interviewing is a skill like any other, and requires practice.
As you make progress with the above actions, you’ll get a better sense of what it is that you’re excited to do, and where you’d be a good fit.
If you’d like to explore more strategies and options, read our career guide, or consider applying for advising!