Project summary

I am seeking funding to pursue full-time positions in existential risk and artificial intelligence. In October 2023, I deferred my final year of law school and declined existing scholarships to pursue a career at the UK Bar. I allocated 2-3 months of savings (£1500-3000) to find a position before the new year.  In November 2023, I was offered interviews with 2 prestigious organisations, one of which will play a sizable role in the formation of UK AI policy. I would like to continue applying for and, ideally, accept either role if I receive an offer. I expect that both positions will have a significant impact on the future of humanity. 

Both prospects have communicated that the anticipated start date would be mid to late January 2024, with a first salary distribution in February 2024. By this point, I expect my savings to have depleted heavily (if not entirely). As a result, I am considering taking full-time and immediate positions in commercial law. I do not expect that these roles will significantly impact humanity, or otherwise pursue the goals of effective altruism.  

To resolve this, I am applying for a grant to cover my immediate expenses from December 2023 to January 2024. I believe that this will allow me to continue interviewing for, and accept, either position or related opportunities as they arise. 

What are this project's goals and how will you achieve them?

The primary goal of this project is to fund my transition to AI policy. I anticipate that I would build a long term career in this field, ideally focusing on UK regulation and governance.

What credentials do I have?

My credentials include:

1. Sutton Trust / Fulbright Scholar

2. Duke Graduate (3.7 GPA) / Robertson Scholar

3. AI Policy Research (International Institute of Strategic Studies)

4. Ex-Amazon (UK Corporate B2B Team)

How will this funding be used?

The main use of this grant will be to pay for basic expenses (rent/utilities) for 2 months, while I receive and accept an offer and/or pass relevant clearance processes. All other expenses would be self-funded by myself.

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails? (premortem)

It is likely that:

1. I will remain in my current career indefinitely; OR

2. I will wait 6-12 months to self-fund, and wait for an alternate job offer.

Both of these options are not desirable due 1) The relatively high prestige of the existing roles, and 2) The ongoing need for AI policy experts.

What other funding are you or your project getting?

1. None - I am currently funding this project out of pocket.