This is a request for advice. (I hope this is the right place for this. Decided against the discussion area.)
Hello LessWrongers! Well, this is more for those who do/dig AI in particular.
I do an BSc Hons degree in AI at the University of Edinburgh, and I’m in 2nd year. Recently because I have been requesting concessions to take math courses not usually permitted, I have been offered an opportunity to switch my degree to one of AI & Maths (BSc Hons).
Before I entered university, when I decided on BSc AI, I was mainly concerned with course structure. But after reading much Robin Hanson, I realize the importance of signaling. This is not to say it is all signaling of course. There is also the question of signaling what and to who.
The course structure of AI&Maths does look moderately more interesting and fun, now that I have had first hand experience of the math courses for BSc AI students. But how do I weigh this up against signaling considerations?
So what do I want to signal? I’m not entirely sure, but my first choice is to do research, though not necessarily in academia. I want to give off the impression that I can bring deep theory out into hard practice. So perhaps signaling unconventionalism is not too detrimental to my hoped-for prospects, maybe even beneficial. But I also don’t want to signal my head being lost in the clouds. First choice of research area is of course AI, but I’m OK with anything that has leverage into increasing our collective problem solving ability.
Should I consider an entirely different degree altogether? Physics for instance, because it conveys ability to just solve any damn problem?
If you have any experience/knowledge that are relevant to this decision, I kindly request your advice! Thanks.
Let me underline this. I was guessing. It seems like a very plausible guess, but you might consider other methods of getting information about ways of getting what you want.
This is a request for advice. (I hope this is the right place for this. Decided against the discussion area.)
Hello LessWrongers! Well, this is more for those who do/dig AI in particular.
I do an BSc Hons degree in AI at the University of Edinburgh, and I’m in 2nd year. Recently because I have been requesting concessions to take math courses not usually permitted, I have been offered an opportunity to switch my degree to one of AI & Maths (BSc Hons).
Before I entered university, when I decided on BSc AI, I was mainly concerned with course structure. But after reading much Robin Hanson, I realize the importance of signaling. This is not to say it is all signaling of course. There is also the question of signaling what and to who.
The course structure of AI&Maths does look moderately more interesting and fun, now that I have had first hand experience of the math courses for BSc AI students. But how do I weigh this up against signaling considerations?
So what do I want to signal? I’m not entirely sure, but my first choice is to do research, though not necessarily in academia. I want to give off the impression that I can bring deep theory out into hard practice. So perhaps signaling unconventionalism is not too detrimental to my hoped-for prospects, maybe even beneficial. But I also don’t want to signal my head being lost in the clouds. First choice of research area is of course AI, but I’m OK with anything that has leverage into increasing our collective problem solving ability.
Should I consider an entirely different degree altogether? Physics for instance, because it conveys ability to just solve any damn problem?
If you have any experience/knowledge that are relevant to this decision, I kindly request your advice! Thanks.
This is not based in experience or knowledge, but I’m suggesting it anyway.
The best signal might be actually doing something cool that takes theory into practice.
It’s good to know it’s more generally valued as well. Thanks.
Let me underline this. I was guessing. It seems like a very plausible guess, but you might consider other methods of getting information about ways of getting what you want.
Don’t worry, I have. I will seek out the the services of a certified medical professional!