Seeking advice on careers in AI Safety

post by nem · 2025-04-27T23:59:00.039Z · LW · GW · 1 comments

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Title sums it up. I am a mid-level software engineer (no CS degree*, but 4 years of full-stack dev work at mid-size local company).

I was recently laid off, and have been looking for new jobs. However, I am seriously considering taking this time to retool myself to work on AI safety. I just don't know exactly what that means.

Does that mean going back to school so that I can do technical safety work in a few years? Does it mean trying to get a job in AI safety right away? Ditching software altogether and using my background to become an advocate?

If anyone has a strong opinion on how best my background can be put to use, I would very much appreciate hearing it. I am especially interested to hear thoughts about what, if any education, might prove to be most valuable at this junction.

(I've already applied for advising with 80,000 hours, and am very hopeful to hear back)



* my degree is a BA in economics, lightly used

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