Self-directed projects rarely work for breaking into AI safety, adviser says
austinc3301 · x · 2026-10-04
In a thread with sophiekimai, austinc3301 argues that while people should be highly agentic about their path into AI safety rather than relying only on fellowships, high-quality self-directed research is very hard before you're high-context. Having advised many people who tried upskilling via self-directed projects, he says the route only works rarely and in specific circumstances: exceptional conscientiousness, a good support network, and pre-existing taste from elsewhere. Structured paths may remain more reliable for most people.
Related event: Debate over AI Safety Career Paths: Self-Study Rarely Pays Off(2 posts)→
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