Pivoting career towards AI/AI Safety- possible for someone who isn’t particularly “special”? /u/DryJuice5318 CSCQ protests reddit

I spent a month agonizing over an application to Anthropic’s AI Safety Fellowship but never submitted it, because I couldn’t possibly measure up to other applicants.

Due to unfortunate circumstances, I only earned my degree in my late 20s and now work as a web developer at a small company. I dream of transitioning into AI but feel stuck. A master’s degree isn’t financially feasible, and traditional schooling hasn’t worked well for me. AI jobs, fellowships, and internships seem out of reach, targeting only top-tier talent.

I am an intelligent and capable woman, but I don’t fit the “overachiever supergenius with a PhD” mold. Is there a realistic path for me to break into AI, or have I missed my chance? Any actionable advice would mean a lot.

I spent a month agonizing over an application to Anthropic’s AI Safety Fellowship but never submitted it, because I couldn’t possibly measure up to other applicants.

Due to unfortunate circumstances, I only earned my degree in my late 20s and now work as a web developer at a small company. I dream of transitioning into AI but feel stuck. A master’s degree isn’t financially feasible, and traditional schooling hasn’t worked well for me. AI jobs, fellowships, and internships seem out of reach, targeting only top-tier talent.

I am an intelligent and capable woman, but I don’t fit the “overachiever supergenius with a PhD” mold. Is there a realistic path for me to break into AI, or have I missed my chance? Any actionable advice would mean a lot.