In every era of workplace innovation, those who prepare early gain an advantage. I’ve seen this firsthand a few times in my career—first, when offices transitioned from paper-based workflows to computers, and later, when simple automation tools like macros and internet-based applications reshaped how work was done. In both cases, having even basic skills ahead of the curve wasn’t just an asset—it was the reason I got the jobs.
Today, we’re at the beginning of another transformation, driven by AI. Just as computers became indispensable in every office, AI tools—ranging from writing assistants to automated data analysis—are rapidly becoming standard. The difference? This shift is happening at an even faster pace.
Yet many professionals are still hesitant, assuming they can learn AI tools when they “have to.” That’s a mistake. Those who take the time to develop even basic AI skills—like writing effective prompts—will be the ones who adapt, thrive, and seize new opportunities.
A recent LinkedIn post by Olga Andrinko illustrates this new skills challenge. Olga posted about a recent opening for a Content Strategist role that garnered 824 candidates. Of those candidates, only 1 had strong AI skills. I found this hard to believe given that nearly every other LinkedIn post is about how to use AI tools for content creation or the potential for job loss due to AI. She did not say if stong AI skills were a requirement but given the work she and her team are doing I suspect it may have been.
For some reason, I could not shake this post, and today, during my treadmill therapy session, this thought popped into my head. In every era of workplace innovation, those who prepare early gain an advantage. I’ve seen this firsthand a few times in my career—when offices transitioned from paper-based workflows to computers, and later, when simple automation tools like macros reshaped how work was done. In both cases, having even basic skills ahead of the curve wasn’t just an asset—it was the reason I got the job.
I first learned about computers out of boredom and simple curiosity. The office I was in had four of them delivered and for months they sat in the corner waiting to be set up. I set one up and read the manuals for word processing and basic database management. Over the next few weeks, I automated nearly every form, all manuals, and dozens of processes that took a lot of time manually adding data to logs and rewriting documents that needed simple edits. Many of these processes were ultimately Marine Corps wide.
Shortly after I was transferred to a new unit. When I checked in with the “retired on active duty” Captain wo read my record making a few sarcastic comments about me being some sort of super Marine that he would find the “perfect home for me” despite having orders to that office.
There was a lot of activity as some air units were deployed for a potential conflict. The Captain was stressed as he was the only person with a top secret clearance who knew how to use the new computer-based messaging system, requiring him to type the many urgent messages in “this newfangled message system,” increasing the frustration of the unit’s commander. It got worse when he was trying to print cursing the software he was using as junk. I approached and asked to help with the Captain shouting, what do you think you can do? Telling him I wrote the intital version of that crap program and I could adjust the settings that he failed to make. The colonel looked at me and told me to fix it. A minute later it was printing fine.
The Colonel asked where I worked, and I told him I was waiting for the Captain to assign me. He looked at my orders, pointed to the Admin Chief’s desk, and said that was now yours. Because I not only learned how to use these systems, I adapted them to our workflow, which none of the current 20+ staff were willing or able to do. This is despite the mandated adoption of these systems and automation across the Marine Corps. In my remaining time in the Marine Corps, my skills helped me implement 100 process and systems improvements resulting in two meritorious promotions and multiple awards.
I got my first job out of the Marine Corps during a similar experience. After sending over 1,000 resumes the old school way and interviewing at several companies, I found one that needed these skills. I was invited to interview as they wanted more organization in the department and felt a Marine might be able to do that. During the interview, they walked me around the department. I noticed a new IBM computer still in the box. Similar to my Marine Corps experience, headquarters sent it and were going to send someone to set it up and teach team members how to use it.
The Manager, who was doing her MBA, learned about the potential of automating tasks with a computer. I told her about some processes we automated in the Marine Corps using WordPerfect Macros. She almost could not contain her excitement and asked me to demonstrate how it works. She had interviewed 40 others before me and none had computer experience. I set up the computer, installed the software, and in less than 30 minutes, automated one of their most tedious processes, typing hundreds of review letters using a simple mail merge macro.
She gave me a handwritten note and asked if I could automate their offer letters for new hires using a similar mail merge function. It turned out my offer letter hired me on the spot by clearly demonstrating a skillset that others did not have. As I was typing it, I jokingly asked if the salary was correct, as it seemed a bit low for a person with cutting-edge skills, thereby adding $10k to it.
Unfortunately, because of the automation we implemented, and a shift in the level of work the remote offices were ordered to be closed. The company retained me for 6 months to close the office and train people in various computer skills as they were looking for a new job. Of the 80 laid off, only 5 took the time to participate in any training. I offered everything from word processing to computer repair and network installation classes that would be hundreds of dollars each. I could not believe how few were willing to learn, especially since automation cost them their job in the first place. A few told me they would find jobs with companies that did not require computers.
By looking at past innovations, we can see a clear pattern: technology doesn’t just change how we work; it changes who gets ahead. The question is, will you be ready when AI becomes a required skill?