tech
Consultants have found an unlikely new career path: policing AI
Some consultants are uncomfortable with the industry's embrace of AI, and have left to help rein it in instead.
TL;DR
- A segment of consultants is leaving traditional roles to address the risks of AI systems.
- These former consultants are pursuing careers in AI safety, governance, and policy at nonprofits, government agencies, and policy organizations.
- Organizations like Consultants for Impact are facilitating this career transition, with AI safety roles becoming a significant focus.
- Former consultants are finding roles at institutions such as the UK AI Safety Institute and RAND.
- Skills developed in consulting, such as management and operational expertise, are transferable to AI safety roles.
- There is a perceived imbalance, with significantly fewer people working on preventing AI catastrophes compared to those developing AI.
- The shift to AI safety roles may be influenced by increasing uncertainty in traditional career paths due to hiring freezes and automation.
- Compensation in AI safety nonprofits can be competitive, sometimes matching or exceeding consulting salaries at junior levels.