The transcription business offers an excellent opportunity to earn income, whether as a side hustle or a full-time job. However, due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), more and more transcriptions get done automatically. This has a lot of people worrying that maybe all human workers will one day be replaced by machines.
However, let’s put grim thoughts about the future aside for now and be grateful for what the present has to offer. At this very moment, a transcription company (working with AI technology, mind you) is looking to hire a remote transcriptionist with no prior experience.
Meet your potential employer
Founded in 1996 in Sydney, Australia, Appen is a company focused on improving data used to build machine learning and AI systems. It has managed to establish a global footprint in more than 70,000 locations across 170 countries.
This fast-growing company works with over 1 million contractors skilled in various fields, from translation and transcription to speech evaluation and video or image annotation. In other words, there are plenty of opportunities for you to choose from.
What to expect working for Appen
Here are the expectations and minimum qualifications required to apply for this remote position:
- Ability to work on your own schedule with minimal supervision
- Excellent attention to detail
- Potential for a long-term working relationship
- Ability to use web tools, programs, and apps
- Basic troubleshooting skills
- Strong English skills
- Ability to accept constructive feedback and quickly learn from changing tasks
To qualify as a transcriber for Appen, you will also need a computer or a smartphone with a fast internet connection, stereo headphones, and a distraction-free workspace.
Your duties as a transcriber explained
You are probably eager to find out what your daily tasks at Appen will involve. As a transcriber (with no previous experience), you’ll be required to listen to audio files (such as phone calls, interviews, or basic conversations) and enter everything you hear into a form. This way, you’ll be feeding more data into the AI-powered machine-learning model, helping it become the best version of itself.
Getting started
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The application process starts with filling out the Appen information form with your details, the language you speak, and your experience in transcription. Then follows a 90-minute transcription test that you must pass in order to continue.
Your test results will be delivered via email within two working days to two weeks. After approval, you can search the job board for available projects and claim the ones you think you can complete.
Wrapping up
Sadly, as AI language models become more sophisticated, it might not be long before companies like Appen need fewer humans to improve data. While the number of people in search of remote work skyrockets, some of these jobs may be dying (for lack of a better word). So, be sure to take advantage of such opportunities while you can.
If you think the job of a transcriber may not be a good fit for you, feel free to check out some of the other remote positions available at Appen. If being a transcriber sounds like your dream job, go ahead and apply here.
