Pros
Experience in AI, machine learning, tech, and analytical skills. Good work environment and flexible working hours, and the program is tailored to the individual's interests.
Cons
I was a member of the AI for Good Foundation's most recent class of fellows in 2022. During my interview it was stated that this position was paid, and that a stipend was provided to all fellows. Before accepting the position, I asked what the compensation was, and was informed that the previous class of fellows had received $3,500 and that they were seeking to increase this amount if possible for my class of fellows. Keep in mind, in the contract its stated that fellows must work at LEAST 20 hours a week, and for me that was more like 30. At the end of the program, me and 2 other fellows (the others dropped out) were told to expect our payment within two weeks. It is now two months later, multiple people that I was contact with during my time there no longer work for the organization, and having still not received my payment, I have been told that the full amount is now expected to be $1000. I am no stranger to the way nonprofits operate, and I understand the financial difficulties that an organization can face, however I still believe it is quite strange that there were no precautions in place to ensure that the summer fellows- something that the organization has hosted for multiple years now- could receive adequate compensation instead of being expected to do 20-40 hours of work per week, 5 days a week, for $1,000. The fact that this possibility didn't even come up in the many conversations I had about the stipend with the COO and other staff is bizarre. I do believe that the experience was worth it in some ways, however I would have never agreed to accept the position in lieu of other more lucrative ways to gain experience had I known this could happen.
