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Stories

Stories

October 3, 2024

October 3, 2024

October 3, 2024

Exploring AI from the inside: my journey as an AI editor

Exploring AI from the inside: my journey as an AI editor

Exploring AI from the inside: my journey as an AI editor

As a brand strategist by day, I’ve always been drawn to the power of words and tone. I’d call myself a lifelong learner. I get bored when I don’t feel like I’m being pushed out of my comfort zone. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Communication Studies, I pursued a Master of Arts in Journalism. 

Four years into my career, I realized that while I love my work, I’d been missing the intellectual challenge of learning something totally new every day. That’s when I came across an opportunity that felt like the perfect fit: working on AI projects with Mindrift. I’ll admit, I was initially enticed by the idea of having a side gig and making a few extra dollars. But I didn’t expect to find the work as exciting as I do.

My role at Mindrift

At Mindrift, I started as a writer, crafting three-turn prompts and responses—asking questions as a human and answering as an AI. This gave me insight into how large language models (LLMs) work. It’s fascinating to see how they learn and structure information. I have been using AI tools personally to bounce creative ideas around, and it has been so valuable to understand how they work from the inside out. 

After a few months, an opportunity came up to become an editor. I jumped at the chance, went through some rigorous training, and now I edit the work of writers worldwide. I’m constantly learning from the wide range of topics we cover – from natural sciences to the arts. Reading and editing texts about in-depth topics scratches the itch in my brain to go down oddly specific wormholes about random things. I feel like I’d be so good at trivia now!

Learning and challenges

Now I’ll be honest. The training is no joke. The project leads put together comprehensive and helpful training before each new project, which can take a few hours and can be challenging. You need to be focused and highly attentive to detail. Some training tests give you up to two well-needed hours to complete because they require a deep understanding of the project rules and formatting styles. I’ve definitely failed a test or two…but our team leads are always available to help us learn where we went wrong and encourage us to try again. 

Once you’re accepted into a project, the timelines can be tight. Sometimes, we have a week or even less time to complete a project. I carve out some extra time on weeks like those to work on the project, or if I can’t make the time, I sit that project out. There are always new projects coming down the pipeline. 

A day in the life

A typical day for me starts with my 9-5. Some days are busier than others and that's why I love Mindrift. I don't always have time for anything extra – and that's perfectly okay! Whenever I have time throughout the week, I’ll make myself a snack after work, settle in and complete a few tasks. The flexibility is amazing and helps me balance my workload. My favorite time to knock off a few tasks is Saturday morning while sipping coffee (this is the best way to work!).

The Mindrift community

As a writer, I have had my fair share of freelance side gigs. I’ve written for clients, worked with teams of journalists as an editor and been a content creator. What’s unique about Mindrift is that you are part of a team that truly values flexibility and is excited about what they are doing. We are all here as experts in our respective domains, sharing knowledge and improving the future of AI together. 

We have a Discord server where we can chat about everything, from the projects we’re working on to the books we’re reading. If you’re stuck on a task, there is no shortage of helpful teammates ready to give you some advice from all over the world. There is an invaluable sense of community here and a shared excitement to be a part of something big together.

Looking ahead: AI in creative industries

Like everyone, I’ve been eagerly watching AI improve over the years. I’ve heard plenty of fear-mongering about how it will disrupt creative industries (and every industry, for that matter). Personally, I see it differently. AI isn’t here to replace us – it’s here to improve and simplify the way we work. I know that my role in the creative industry will change as AI advances, but that’s why I’m committed to working with AI, shaping the tools that will define our future rather than resisting them. How cool is it that I get to use my knowledge to help build the tools of tomorrow?

Article by

Sarah Livingston

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