“My advice would be to follow your curiosity, speak your mind, stay in alignment, and honor your deepest values and principles. Always think about the deeper “why” you are doing something.”

“For students passionate about being involved in the responsible tech ecosystem, I would share that everything starts with how you choose to keep the communities around you healthy and accountable.”

“Being eager to learn, connect efforts across impact/responsible investing, responsible tech, sustainability in business - many similar driving forces and incentive systems, as well as shared outcomes across these efforts.”

“If you’re feeling upset by the seemingly limited prospects of a meaningful career in tech, know that there are tons of opportunities out there waiting to be discovered, and it’s vital to not settle! Better yet, if you can’t find your dream company, it’s easier than you think to start your own!”

“Responsible tech is not a degree but a mindset and approach to making a difference. Combine curiosity with skepticism, and realize that every action or technology generates consequences.”

“The biggest way to pave your career in Responsible Tech is to lead by example — to build tech that champions inclusion, privacy, safety, and transparency.”

“[B]eing “responsible” is more about changing the paradigm and the systems around the socio-technical space than in simply adjusting an algorithm or device alone.”

“Whatever your background is, the most important thing is passion and genuine curiosity. Attend networking events, raise your voice online and offline and ask questions. Always take a very close look at the value commitments of companies that interest you.”

“I would recommend that all students — whether you are a CS major or social science major — take statistics courses and get involved in something outside of their university. By get involved, I mean go beyond volunteering for a week-long service trip (often a popular choice), but to actually do service as a practice. Try to find community-based work (it doesn’t have to be a traditional not-for-profit org!) and be prepared if they don’t need the help you think you can/should offer.”

“When I met someone who I believed had an important message (Tristan Harris in 2015) I offered to help however I could. I did not ask for anything in return, I just wanted to support. It wasn’t a full time job, just putting in volunteer hours as I could. As the industry became more prominent it eventually became a place I could work in a more official capacity”

“I kept solving interesting problems and doing work that felt suited to me, and eventually it began to form a pattern that I could recognize. I think that can work for young people just coming into the field: work on solving the problems that resonate with you, keep applying your unique skills to the work, and you’ll find that sweet spot that can be your unique contribution.”

“My advice: There are loads of existing resources and research in this area. Block off at least two hours per week, every single week to stay up-to-date on the latest research and resources. Follow experts on social media, attend conferences and meetups, and build your network. This area is rapidly developing & if you don’t invest in keeping up, you’ll be left behind.”

“The advice I would give to students today who want to be involved in Responsible tech is three fold 1. recognize that it is a marathon...not a sprint. 2. start small in your actions then as you grow your scope of influence so too will your impact grow 3. take advantage of those who have come before you - there are many of us who are doing the good work of responsible tech - find us and let us help you in your Responsible Tech Journey.”

“Keep a focus on the impact that you’re hoping to achieve instead of the new flashy tech or topic of the day.”

“My advice is to learn about the product development lifecycle and get hands-on experience working with product teams, rather than starting from a conceptual ethics perspective. Driving real change requires doing more than just creating frameworks and principles for how tech companies should make more ethical and inclusive products, it also requires creating tools that align with the way product teams work and think.”

“My advice to college and grad students looking to be involved in Responsible Tech is twofold: 1) don’t feel limited in your contribution to the conversation if you don’t have a “tech” degree – the diverse perspectives of those of us from other disciplines are critical to the discussion and decision-making; and 2) practice building ‘muscle memory’ for recognizing ethical dilemmas in the tech that you, your friends and family use every day. Opening our eyes to possible impacts beyond the advertised benefits can help make the conversation richer and more inclusive.”

“I have witnessed non-STEM students self-select themselves out of working on technology development projects under the false assumption that if they don’t have “technical” skills they don’t have anything to contribute to technology development. But the opposite is true! Perspectives from the social sciences, law, art, humanities (all disciplines!) are critical assets in the responsible tech ecosystem. Everyone plays an important role in responsible tech development.”

“My advice: Find the community that feels right for you, and then network, network, network.”

“If you are interested in being a part of this ecosystem, don’t ever stop learning, attending workshops, listening to experts speak, and reading. Never stop reading. There is so much out there to learn and so many smart people around you to listen to. Always keep your ears and eyes open for inspiration and knowledge.”

“My advice to all students and, in fact, to anybody wishing to enter this field at any stage of their career is: be curious and follow your passion, listen to yourself, to what excites you and what you care about the most, and steer your work in that direction. There is a place and need for all of your voices to be heard and involved in the Responsible Tech field. There is hardly any sphere of our lives today that is not touched by technologies, and this ecosystem is becoming bigger every day. You are needed as responsible tech activists in big and small tech companies, as executives and as employees, as designers, developers, and consumers, no matter which role you have you are needed in amplifying voices of Responsible Tech.”

“Our society urgently requires effective and fair rules oriented towards the design and deployment of emerging technologies. They must also enjoy bipartisan support, and a practical balance of stakeholder needs to ensure that they can be practically and meaningfully implemented.
This is perhaps the most urgent work of our time.
”

“Just about any career path for someone who has ended up in a new field is a ‘follow your intellect’ scenario.”

“My advice for students who want to get into this space is to constantly look for ways to incorporate responsible tech ideas into what you do. Whether it’s your next research project, an internship where you’re building technology, or during the interview process for your next job; make ethics and responsibility part of the conversation.”

“Responsible tech has many facets and there is not only room for but a need for a diversity of perspectives and skills in this space.”

“My advice to others: if you have clarity on what you want to do, specialize wherever possible. Like moths flock to the light, you will attract your tribe and manifest the resources you envision. Though this path may not be the norm and may not be easy, your impact will be well worth the tremendous hard work.”

“Through every step in my career, there have been a few guiding principles about the role that business should play in creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable future that I would urge anyone starting their career in Responsible Tech - or any field, really - to consider. I believe that business leaders have a choice in a world on fire - we can be arsonists, bystanders, or firefighters, and only one of those is the right choice.”

“If you can take a course, a subject or go to an after-class lecture on data ethics, Responsible Tech etc then my advice is do it. Take the time to expand your knowledge and to network and meet like-minded people. LinkedIn is a great tool to connect with people. Don’t be afraid to ask to just have a chat. Find a mentor – someone who’s career and views resonate with you and engage meaningfully with them.”

“Start by learning the landscape. Then, spend some time reflecting on this question: “Given my unique set of experiences, what unique perspective and skillset can I contribute?” What the responsible tech movement needs more than anything else is new ideas; not because the ideas we have aren’t good ones, but because experimentation is the lifeblood of any young revolutionary movement.”

“My number one piece of advice: focus more on finding good growth opportunities than on following a particular career path.”

“My advice to not just students, but everyone, is that if something excites you intellectually or interests you, keep following it. Be generous and gracious. Acknowledge that you accomplish what you do as part of a community of people who have taken the time to mentor you, help you, or work with you. I am here due to the generosity of so many people who answered my questions, gave me advice, and gave me feedback.”

“Passion, dedication, persistence and the assurance of a worthy mission.”