1. Learn about the field

Don’t assume you need to be a tech expert to work with AI models, but it’s great to have a basic understanding of the field from the very beginning. Many of our AI Trainers and Quality Assurance (QA) specialists had some previous interest in, and even experience with, AI models prior to joining the Mindrift platform.

That being said, if you’re starting from zero, that’s okay too! We’ve got tons of great content over on our blog to get you inspired:

• Break down the key principles of AI training

• Learn about the evolution of GenAI models

• Explore why human intelligence is essential for AI

Understanding the basics of how GenAI models work and what goes into AI training will also help you succeed once you’re actively contributing.

“I would advise someone interested in AI training to understand how AI processes information differently from humans. Sometimes you need to break down the knowledge points to feed AI piece-by-piece. The process takes patience and time,” explains Chloe, a QA at Mindrift.

2. Set realistic expectations

A lot of our AI Trainers, from mathematicians to lawyers to mechanical engineers, are experts in their field. Unfortunately, being an expert doesn’t automatically make you good at AI training.

It’s important to go into AI training opportunities with an open mind and clear expectations. Training models for your clients in your field of knowledge doesn’t always involve the same tasks and workflows you’re used to. Most AI training projects focus on writing and editing text while following strict guidelines.

“An AI Trainer is responsible for creating question-answer pairs, dialogues, tasks, solutions, and other text-based prompts that will later be used to train an AI model. Imagine explaining a scientific topic to a friend or student, solving a math problem, or writing a brief article about a medical case or historical event. These are the kinds of tasks you can expect,” explains Roman, a QA at Mindrift.

To make sure your expectations line up with reality, learn about the basic concepts of AI Training before you start freelancing.

3. Expect to be challenged

Side hustles are supposed to be easy, right? Not in the case of AI training.

Of course, AI training can be very enjoyable and fulfilling! You’ll get the opportunity to contribute to exciting, cutting-edge projects, collaborate with people around the world, and learn more about the mechanics of AI technology. But it’s not something to consider if you’re looking for mindless, quick money-making tasks.

AI Trainers at Mindrift often find the projects satisfyingly challenging. You’ll have to sift through complex project requirements, get used to new workflows, collaborate with different types of people, and harness your creativity to succeed.

“The biggest challenges come with big projects, where the learning curve takes weeks. There are strict deadlines, which can result in long hours of work that might drain you by the end of the project. That happened to me on one occasion. To deal with it, I asked to do fewer projects for a few weeks or to take a short break,” says Alexander, a QA at Mindrift.

4. Set yourself up for success with onboarding

We know you might be excited to jump into a project, but skimming through the onboarding process without retaining critical information is a bad idea.

Onboarding is a necessary requirement for every single first project, no matter how many times you’ve contributed, because every client has unique requirements. Even projects that sound similar initially might have one or two specific differences that change the entire focus and scope of the project.

“Experts often skim guidelines because they don't see them as important, but in reality, writing quality work and strict compliance with instructions are critical,” confirms Simon, a QA at Mindrift.

Not only does onboarding help you understand the needs and expectations of the project, but it also ensures your submitted tasks are following the guidelines. Quality and accuracy during task submission is crucial for approval and prompt payment.

5. Use feedback to your advantage

Our AI Trainers are never micromanaged or treated like employees because this is a freelance, project-based opportunity. That being said, you’ll sometimes receive feedback from our QAs, fellow trainers who ensure projects run smoothly and quality stays on top.

The difference between AI Tutors and QAs at Mindrift

“One challenge is that we now recruit domain experts, but expertise in a field doesn’t automatically translate to success in AI tasks. For example, a PhD in medicine doesn’t mean someone can craft effective LLM prompts. This disconnect leads to frustration when experts struggle with the tasks and fail to meet requirements,” says Simon.

Use feedback to improve your skills, ensure you meet requirements, and learn from the experts. AI Training can come with a bit of a learning curve and any feedback provided by our QAs is meant to help, not hinder you. And while feedback sometimes does come up, it’s important to note that individual, consistent feedback isn’t something you’ll encounter.

6. Brush up on your language and grammar skills

A large part of what our AI Trainers do is writing and editing text. Strong language and logic skills really help. We recommend testing your writing, language, and grammar skills ahead of time.

We’re extremely focused on working with people who embody these skills so you’ll definitely encounter a language test if you apply to contribute to Mindrift. We’re not necessarily looking for native speakers but clarity is key when working with AI models.

As an AI Trainer, one of your key goals is to encourage natural-sounding, accurate responses from the AI models. It should sound like a conversation with a friend—not a robot. That’s why a strong knowledge of the required language is critical for your potential clients.

7. Understand that project availability can be unpredictable

One of the most common pieces of feedback we get is that project availability is unpredictable. Some AI Trainers complete one project and hear nothing for months, others contribute consistently—so what’s the deal?

The truth is, project availability is unpredictable. Expect that opportunities can be a one-time project or there might be pauses between projects. On freelancing platforms like Mindrift, project availability depends on the client’s needs. They might need a very niche, small group of experts for an extended project or a large number of generalists for a short opportunity.

“I would say manage your expectations because projects are very much dependent on the client's requirements. But I think it's a privilege to be able to work on projects like this,” confirms Tristan, a QA at Mindrift.

Learn more about the project lifecycle at Mindrift to ensure your expectations are realistic. And remember, it’s a flexible, project-based opportunity and a great additional source of income for your freelancing business, but it’s not a guaranteed full-time role.

8. Join our diverse community

Mindrift encourages professionals from around the world to contribute to our projects, which has led to us building a very fun, diverse community of experts. We encourage new freelancers to get involved in any way they can.

“There’s a very interesting and enriching aspect of this job: working on different projects and getting insight into how people from different industries interact and interpret the world. It’s been kind of eye-opening,” explains Tristan.

From Discord to forums to blog contributions, active involvement benefits everyone. You get to experience a new community and network with experts in your field, and we get to know you a little better! Plus, peer support from fellow freelancers and shared tips really help with motivation and consistency.

9. Treat it with care

AI depends on your judgment, which means treating AI training opportunities with care and respect is key. At Mindrift, we focus on advancing AI models with three core values in mind:

• Honesty

• Helpfulness

• Harmlessness

In practice, this means that quality matters more than speed. We know it might be tempting to rush through tasks in order to finish faster and move onto the next, but your goal as an AI Trainer is to teach the model how to think—and that requires time and mindfulness.

Rushing through tasks, completing them carelessly, or using automations doesn’t benefit anyone. It might mean an account violation for you, or a rejection of your tasks that results in lost payments. Most importantly, it doesn’t help the purpose of advancing AI models.

11. Master workflows with project management tools

A key part of successful freelancing is strong time management. When you're your own boss, you're also your own manager. For every new client and as your side business grows, it's good practice to explore tools that can help you organize your tasks, track your client list, and keep finances in order. 

Even complex big projects can be broken down into a to-do list of manageable tasks. Creating a daily schedule can help you save time and ensure you put forth your best efforts, while using productivity apps helps you set (and keep!) deadlines.

11. Build your brand to find clients

For a new freelancer, growth depends on consistently leveling up your client list. Finding prospective clients often depends on building a strong professional image and cultivating your personal brand. Your freelancing journey depends on how potential clients perceive you. A professional personal website is a great starting point to showcase your skills. You should also be active on social media platforms, as many freelancers find projects through a strong online presence.

12. Handle the business side of freelancing

Running a freelancing business means paying attention to your finances. You must manage your cash flow to make sure you have enough money, especially between projects. Successful freelancers know this from the beginning and immediately create the habit of tracking all their income. This practice is especially crucial when it’s time to pay tax bills. Understanding the business behind the work is what separates a hobby from a sustainable freelance career.

13. Stay ahead by learning new skills

A static skillset can be a major risk in a long-term freelance career. Remain valuable to both existing clients and potential clients with a commitment to continuous learning. Dedicate a specific time each month to acquiring new skills, whether it's mastering new software, understanding emerging industry trends, or earning a certification. This proactive approach allows you to offer more to your clients, gather positive reviews, and find the best projects. It signals to the market that you are committed to delivering high-quality work and sets you apart from other freelancers.

14. Set boundaries to protect your mental health

When you work independently, it's easy to work too much. You must decide how many hours you're willing to work each week and set boundaries. Protecting your free time is crucial for handling your personal responsibilities and preventing burnout. Your mental health is the most important asset you have in your freelance career. Failing to set boundaries is a mistake many freelancers make, and it can negatively impact the results your clients expect over a long time period.

15. Stay curious

“I highly recommend this role to someone open-minded to upcoming changes, passionate about technology, brave enough to embrace uncertainties, patient with training, and generous with sharing knowledge,” says Chloe.

Curiosity and openness to new experiences will make your freelancing journey more enjoyable—and successful!

The AI field is evolving very quickly and things change every single day. New projects pop up when least expected, others are put on hold without warning, new requirements can arise, and innovative breakthroughs can change the entire course of technology. Being curious and eager to learn are strong indicators of success at Mindrift.