How does one get into AGI/ASI research as fresh graduate?

[KellhusSmellhus]

I am almost done with my master's in compsci and facing now the decision how to contribute to the only thing I consider worthwhile - ASI. Here are the paths I am aware of and their dangers/difficulties from my pov (I should clarify that I think the path to ASI leads over AGI, so I'll use those terms interchangeably):

- Machine Learning Research: Relatively far from AGI, and everybody and their cat want to get into it. Metalearning/Hyperheuristics seems more suited, but even more contested.

- Computational Neuroscience: Danger of falling into scientific busy-work, i.e. spending too long on cartographing parts of the brain which are largely irrelevant from an engineering perspective. Also brain emulation does not seem to be the most efficient way towards AGI.

- Direct AGI: Seems to be a very tiny field which would not hire a fresh grad.

A problem that is shared by all three routes is that in order to get into research, one needs experience in research, which - if lucky - can only be gathered by working on things I consider largely useless. My current default route is entering the workforce first, live extremely frugally in order to become financially independent, and then look for ways to contribute. This seems to be - while far from optimal - better than wasting time on some insignificant research topic.