Project summary

Thanks in advance for reading this application. I've completed the BlueDot AGI Strategy course and am looking to move into a career in AI safety full-time. I've been offered a place on the Cambridge University PACE AI Engineering Career Accelerator. This application is an ask for help with course fees so that I can gain a technical understanding of AI Engineering to strengthen my ability to check and challenge from an AI safety perspective.

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

This project will upskill me by helping with course fees so I can accept my course offer. This will enable me to offer a more credible critique of AI Engineering technical practices (with relevance to AI safety). The course is 36 months (online, and part-time). The modules are as follows:

Module 1: From no code to AI application builder

Module 2: From coder to production software engineer

Module 3: From software engineer to AI engineer

Final assessment: Employer capstone

I will commit to at least the estimated weekly time suggested to complete the course to a high standard.

How will you know it worked?

I will achieve the completion of the course, pass all of the modules and final assessment. I will be able to make a career change into AI safety.

How will this funding be used?

This funding will be used for course fees so that I can accept my place on the course.

Who is on your team? What's your track record on similar projects?

Just me. However, I do have an MA in International Relations and a BA Hons in European Studies (Durham University) so I do have a strong record of completing learning to high standard with the required level of focus and commitment.

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

I don't intend to fail. What would make this fail would be if a significant life event occurred and I couldn't continue the course, or even be unable to accept the course place if I can't get funding. If I get funding, attend and pass the course and I fail to make the move into AI safety (highly unlikely I won't be able to move), I will still have achieved a technical understanding of AI engineering and I will continue to write articles on my Substack page - 'Red Flags' and influence the debate in other ways.

How much money have you raised in the last 12 months, and from where?

I have not raised any money in the past 12 months.