The MOVE Program (short for Model Validation Expert Fellowship) is a new initiative from Handshake that offers highly skilled students and graduates the chance to work on cutting-edge artificial intelligence projects.
Those accepted into the program will support AI companies by helping train and evaluate large language models (LLMs). This article outlines what the MOVE Program is, who it’s for, and who is eligible to apply.
What is the MOVE Program?
The MOVE Program is a paid, part-time opportunity for students, graduates, researchers, and professionals to work as contractors on projects with leading AI companies. While we can’t disclose company names for privacy, our industry-leading partners have engaged hundreds of Fellows from a wide range of U.S. universities over the past several months.
Those accepted into the program are known as Fellows. Fellows come from a wide range of academic backgrounds and apply their expertise to support the development of large language models (LLMs). As a Fellow, current project work may include:
- Reviewing and editing AI-generated content
- Annotating datasets
- Suggesting improvements to model outputs
- Helping shape how AI tools perform in real-world scenarios
Fellows are selected for projects that align with their areas of expertise, and assignments to specific AI labs are determined based on project needs rather than individual preference.
The current projects do not involve using AI to screen or evaluate candidates on the Handshake platform. Fellows are contributing to the improvement of LLMs in specific subject areas, and while the models are not being used for candidate evaluation at this time, the potential applications of AI in recruiting and hiring are being explored internally.
Program Highlights:
- Role: MOVE Fellows (Model Validation Experts)
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Pay: Competitive rates ranging from $30–$150/hour depending on your experience, expertise, and the project type.
- Rates are fixed by project, based on your experience and the task type. We’ll always share rate and bonus details before you begin.
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Format: Remote, part-time, asynchronous—you set your own schedule
- An optional community space is also available if you wish to engage more collaboratively with other fellows.
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Projects: Vary in length (from 2 weeks to 3+ months), with average weekly commitments of 5–20 hours.
- Specific timelines will be shared when you're invited to join a project. If you're already assigned to one, check with your project lead for details.
- Platform: Tasks are completed on Handshake’s annotation tools or the AI company’s platform.
There is no long-term commitment required. If your availability changes, for example, due to accepting full-time employment, you’re free to pause or step away from the program at any time.
Who is the MOVE Program For?
The MOVE Program is designed for people with strong academic backgrounds and a passion for AI. Ideal participants include:
- Current students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD)
- Graduates and Postdoctoral researchers
- Early-career academics or subject-matter experts
- Occasionally, individuals without formal degrees who have exceptional knowledge or skills
Fellows come from many different fields—but they all share the same goal: helping shape the future of AI while building valuable career experience. You can register either as an individual or as an LLC.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To apply for the MOVE Fellowship, you must:
- Be a current student or graduate of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program, Postdoc, or have equivalent experience
- Have U.S. work authorization and be based in the U.S. (Temporary travel outside the U.S. is permitted for up to 90 days.)
- Be comfortable working remotely and asynchronously
- Have strong writing, analytical, and subject-matter expertise
Ready to Apply?
Applications are live and reviewed on a rolling basis! There are specific applications for certain AI projects, as well as a general application form.
We encourage you to explore our Handshake Move Program website and submit your application. Additionally, you can check out available opportunities directly on Handshake posted by the MOVE Program @ Handshake employer account!
If you've already applied and been accepted to a project, refer to your onboarding materials for more detailed information.
For step-by-step instructions on the application process, refer to Apply for Handshake’s MOVE Program.