I work for the Australian Bureau of Statistics in workload planning while also doing some basic data analysis. Previously, I studied sports and exercise science (bachelor's and master's degrees) and worked in the health and fitness industry for a number of years. I have since returned to university, undertaking an undergraduate degree in artificial intelligence. My ambition is to continue building my knowledge and, hopefully, one day work on AI alignment. I also maintain a blog on personal development, rationality, and other related ideas which you can find at ThereforeThink.blog.
Thanks mariushobbhahn, very useful. You summarised all my own hesitations.
I have bookmarked a number of resources, signed up for a newsletter, and have more clarity over what my next steps should be (which includes seeking more help).
Thanks for taking the time to put this together. I definitely benefitted.
Hello everyone, I am a new forum member.
I am 29, live in Geelong, Australia and discovered the EA community through reading LessWrong a few years ago. I have paid attention to it since then, as well as read some of the canonical books and set up a regular automated donation. With this considered, I have since realised I should be more proactive in reaching out and connecting with people. Especially as I am currently going through a transitional phase in my career.
Originally I completed a bachelor's and master's in exercise science and worked within the strength and conditioning industry from the age of about 21-27. After that, I worked in the mental health industry for 12 months and now work in government. This transition came about during COVID-19 after I took the plunge of learning to code. I loved the challenge and after gaining some basic skills, I decided to re-enrol at university for an undergraduate in artificial intelligence.
From about 24 onwards I had fantasised about changing careers and working in a space that was more pressing and impactful -- particularly AI alignment -- but felt I had already chosen my path and had to stick with it. (How naive of me!) Learning to code made me feel that maybe I hadn't missed my chance and the sooner I started making moves, the better. Although I still have a long way to go in getting my technical knowledge up to par, I am just taking it one small step at a time. Please let me know if you have any advice for someone at this stage of development who can start to get involved, contribute, and build skills that will have a scalable impact.
I also keep a blog where I try to arrange and distil my thoughts about topics that interest me, such as self-development, rationality, and productivity. If you're interested, you can find it at ThereforeThink.blog.
Nice to meet you all!