I agree! FIG (as the example most familiar to me) was initially pretty accessible to entry-level folks (in 2023) and now has an acceptance rate of <2%. Entry-level programmes are flooded with applicants, making them both extremely competitive and slow to move. Solely applying to fellowships and jobs is an inadequate strategy for most newcomers to AI safety.
In some sense, fellowships' primary value-add is to systematise and reduce the agency required to find a mentor. But, as you suggest, emailing mentors/organisations directly can be an excellent way to bypass long, competitive application processes.
Based on what I did when I was getting into the space, this is what I'd suggest:
I agree! FIG (as the example most familiar to me) was initially pretty accessible to entry-level folks (in 2023) and now has an acceptance rate of <2%. Entry-level programmes are flooded with applicants, making them both extremely competitive and slow to move. Solely applying to fellowships and jobs is an inadequate strategy for most newcomers to AI safety.
In some sense, fellowships' primary value-add is to systematise and reduce the agency required to find a mentor. But, as you suggest, emailing mentors/organisations directly can be an excellent way to bypass long, competitive application processes.
Based on what I did when I was getting into the space, this is what I'd suggest:
- Identify people or organisations
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