Artificial intelligence (AI) has been one of the most talked-about technologies in recent days, and for good reason. It has the potential to transform industries, revolutionize the way we work, (drive the marginal cost of some white collar labor to zero), and change the world as we know it. But the impact of AI is not limited to the technology industry alone. In fact, AI has changed the way we approach our careers.

At one time, being able to read a balance sheet was a critical path to Wall Street.

Then, being able to code was a critical path to Silicon Valley.

Now, the critical path to true productivity is… English.

For years, the best career advice for anyone interested in the tech industry was to learn how to write good code. With AI, however, the rules have changed. AI is no longer just about programming, but also about how we communicate with it. In order to develop AI algorithms and machine learning models, we need to be able to understand the data that we are working with. This means that we need to be able to read and write in a way that is clear, concise, and accurate.

The importance of good English cannot be overstated. When working with AI, it is essential to be able to communicate your ideas effectively. This means that you need to be able to write clearly and concisely, without relying on jargon or technical language. If you cannot express your ideas clearly, you risk introducing errors or misunderstandings into your work, which can have serious consequences.

Garbage in, garbage out.

In addition to clear writing, it is also important to be able to read and interpret information effectively. With the massive amounts of data that we now have access to, it is more important than ever to be able to quickly sift through information and identify what is important. This requires strong reading comprehension skills, as well as the ability to identify patterns and trends in data. And the ability to edit what is presented into well organized patterns.

In short, story telling.

So, what does this mean for the future of work? It means that good communication skills will be more important than ever. With AI and machine learning becoming more prevalent in the workplace, it will be essential to be able to communicate effectively with machines, as well as with other humans. This means that we will need to focus on developing our language and communication skills, in addition to our technical skills.

The good news is that this is a skill that can be learned. While some people may have a natural talent for language and communication, it is possible for anyone to improve their skills through practice and dedication. This means taking the time to read and write regularly, as well as seeking out opportunities to improve your communication skills through training or mentoring.

One could say the best career advice today is no longer to write good code, but to write good English.

*AI assisted with research and drafting. Storytelling and opinions are my own.