Ask HN: Advice on how to get a consulting pipeline for ML/NLP started

2 pointsthatguysaguy2 comments

I just got a PhD in NLP, and I'm interested in what's available in terms of consulting. Since everyone and their uncle is now interested in language models, I imagine there must be some way I can do some consulting to leverage my skills. Does anyone have advice on how to approach this?

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You need to look for mid-sized companies or small startups that are funded and look at their current solutions and see how you can bring it up one level with your NLP skills with new ideas.

I'm looking for someone with NLP knowledge. What was your specialization? I'd be interested in having a one hour consultation to get some brainstorming ideas.

Also, are you familiar with which technologies in relation to the NLP?

Have you done any time in industry?

If not, can you really understand they work and how you fit in? Consulting is less than half technical, it's more business and sales then technical details and solutions. Your proposal has to work with their current ways.

One way is to get into industry, make contacts, build a network, become someone they come to with questions on this stuff. Then you can go independent.

Another way is to go do some time at a large consultancy.

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