Application Guide

How to Apply for AI Governance Taskforce

at Arcadia Impact

🏢 About Arcadia Impact

Arcadia Impact is a London-based nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals find high-impact career opportunities through reading groups, research sprints, and networking events. Their focus on AI governance as an internship topic reflects a commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.

About This Role

As an AI Governance Taskforce intern, you'll join a small team to produce academic papers and policy articles over 12 weeks, investigating frontier AI risks and governance. Your work will directly contribute to shaping policy discussions and mitigating existential risks from advanced AI.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a virtual stand-up with your small team to discuss progress on your research paper, followed by independent deep work reading policy documents or drafting sections. Afternoons could involve collaborative editing sessions with your Research Team Leader or expert partners, and you might end the day by attending an Arcadia Impact networking event or reading group to expand your connections.

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🎯 Who Arcadia Impact Is Looking For

  • Strong research skills with experience in academic writing or policy analysis, ideally with a background in AI, philosophy, political science, or public policy.
  • Demonstrated interest in AI governance, existential risk, or effective altruism, evidenced by coursework, personal projects, or previous internships.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a remote team, including giving and receiving constructive feedback on drafts and research directions.
  • Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for policy audiences.

📝 Tips for Applying to Arcadia Impact

1

Tailor your cover letter to explicitly mention your interest in AI governance and how your skills align with producing academic papers and policy articles.

2

Highlight any previous research experience, especially if it involved writing long-form documents or collaborating with experts.

3

Showcase your ability to work remotely by mentioning past remote projects or your self-discipline and communication tools you use.

4

Include a writing sample that demonstrates analytical rigor and clarity, preferably on a topic related to AI, policy, or ethics.

5

Research Arcadia Impact's past events and outputs (e.g., reading groups, research sprints) to show genuine interest in their approach.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your passion for AI governance and understanding of frontier risks, such as misalignment or arms races.', "Demonstrate your research and writing skills by referencing specific projects or papers you've contributed to.", 'Explain how this internship aligns with your career goals in high-impact policy or research.', 'Mention your ability to work in small teams and your openness to feedback from Research Team Leaders.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Arcadia Impact's website and blog to understand their mission and previous projects.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key AI governance organizations and frameworks (e.g., OpenAI's approach, EU AI Act).
  • → Review recent papers from institutions like the Centre for the Governance of AI or the Future of Humanity Institute.
  • → Look into the backgrounds of the Research Team Leaders and expert partners listed on the job posting if available.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 What is your understanding of frontier AI risks and why is governance important?
2 Describe a time you worked on a collaborative research project. How did you handle disagreements?
3 How would you approach writing a policy article for a non-technical audience?
4 What specific AI governance policy areas interest you most (e.g., compute governance, safety standards)?
5 How do you stay organized and motivated while working remotely on a 12-week project?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't reference AI governance or Arcadia Impact's specific work.
  • Overemphasizing technical AI skills without connecting them to policy or governance implications.
  • Ignoring the collaborative nature of the role—avoid portraying yourself as a lone researcher who dislikes feedback.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Arcadia Impact!

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