Logan Kilpatrick, an OpenAI employee working on Developer Relations, recently shared insights on the essential skills for the tech industry in 2024. Contrary to the popular belief that prompt engineering is a crucial skill for the future, Kilpatrick argues that effective human communication, encompassing reading, writing, and speaking, is paramount.
In a tweet, Kilpatrick expressed his perspective, stating, “Many believe prompt engineering is a skill one must learn to be competitive in the future. The reality is that prompting AI systems is no different than being an effective communicator with other humans.”
He underscores the significance of the foundational skills of reading, writing, and speaking, asserting that these will be critical in 2024. Kilpatrick suggests that focusing on these communication skills is a way to future-proof individuals for an era with Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
Drawing from his experience at OpenAI, where he contributes to enabling developers to build with their API and ChatGPT plugins, Kilpatrick offers a unique viewpoint on skill development. Additionally, he serves on the board of NumFOCUS, a non-profit organization supporting various open-source scientific projects.
In his tweet, Kilpatrick notes that society is already interacting with ‘human general intelligence’ (HGI), emphasizing that the skills required for AGI interaction are similar to those needed for engaging with HGI. He states, “You already have many instances of Human General Intelligence (HGI) in your life today! You likely work with and have deep relationships with HGI.”
Kilpatrick’s perspective challenges the conventional narrative about the future of skills in the tech industry by prioritizing human communication over technical skills like prompt engineering. This shift in focus suggests that understanding and effectively interacting with AGI may rely more on human-centric abilities.
As the tech landscape evolves, the emphasis on communication skills gains prominence. Kilpatrick’s stance encourages individuals to develop proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking, anticipating that these skills will be vital for navigating a future dominated by AGI. By highlighting the similarities between interacting with HGI and AGI, he prompts a reconsideration of the skills deemed essential for success in the tech industry.
In conclusion, Logan Kilpatrick’s insights shed light on a nuanced perspective regarding the future of skills, emphasizing effective human communication as a pivotal factor in preparing for the era of Artificial General Intelligence. This viewpoint challenges traditional notions about the technical skills required and underscores the enduring importance of foundational communication skills in the rapidly advancing tech landscape.