What does it take to shape the future of AI while navigating the ethical dilemmas that come with it? Our host, Carter Considine, tackles this question with the second half of our two-part series on becoming an AI ethicist!
Becoming an AI ethicist offers a wide array of career paths, each with distinct challenges and rewards. In the corporate world, AI ethicists—often known as Responsible AI Practitioners—work in large teams, focusing on ethics reviews and guiding AI product development within structured environments. This role demands strong communication, problem-solving, and persuasion skills to navigate complex business dynamics.
In academia, AI ethicists engage in deep research and critical thinking. Doing so helps them contribute to theoretical frameworks and practical ethics, all while requiring self-motivation and a passion for learning. The autonomy you’d enjoy in this environment allows for intellectual exploration, but it also requires discipline and intrinsic motivation to push forward valuable research.
Startups, on the other hand, provide a fast-paced and flexible environment where AI ethicists have the chance to make a direct impact on a company’s success. This requires creativity, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a chaotic, ever-changing environment!
And if your passion lies in policy and advocacy, becoming an AI ethicist can help you shape systemic change by drafting regulations and influencing public discourse on AI. These roles often involve collaboration with nonprofits, think tanks, and governmental organizations. These are responsibilities that demand a mix of technical expertise, diplomacy, and analytical thinking.
Finally, roles in communication and outreach, including journalism and public advocacy, focus on educating broader audiences about AI’s societal impacts. These positions require strong storytelling skills, curiosity, and the ability to simplify complex topics for the public.
No matter the setting, AI ethicists share a common mission: to ensure AI is developed and used responsibly, with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence!
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More info, transcripts, and references can be found at ethical.fm
