As I write this in August 2025, almost every day I see something in the news about AI (artificial intelligence) that makes me excited to be alive in this point in history. Or very nervous. Or often, both.
It might be a cliche to say that AI is the most disruptive technology humanity has ever had to deal with. But I believe it is also true.
While we have profound challenges as both a species and as individuals to figure out how we prevent AI from taking over our jobs, our lives, and our relationship to reality, that doesn’t mean we should hide from using it.
In fact, I believe it is imperative that all of us start using AI. Beyond the use of LLMs as a substitute for Google searches. Here are 5 reasons why every future or current rocket scientist should learn AI:
AI will be as essential as email and the internet
AI is already replacing traditional search on the internet. AI is helping us build complete websites or mobile apps based on a text prompt.
Several leaders in tech and business now expect we will see that AI will remove the need for many stand-alone software products and applications. An AI agent will become the primary interface.
Would you want to be an engineer – or anyone in the workforce – who says “I can get by without using email.”
Really?!? Get real.
To adapt to this trend, this is why you need to get comfortable now interacting with AI tools.
AI is the world’s best educator
Do you want to learn about a specific concept in aerospace or aviation? Combustion physics? Material science? Re-entry physics?
I’m not discounting the value of a college degree. Or an aviation certification. Many aerospace and aviation jobs still require those.
With or without those educational paths, AI can still teach you things faster and better than waiting for a particular class. Or a specific office hour with a particular professor.
Take advantage of this on-demand educator that surveys the entire internet to find and consolidate the world’s knowledge for you!
My go-to AI tool is Grok from X. Elon Musk has said his goal is to make Grok the maximallly truth seeking AI. I believe him. I trust Musk the most to build the best AI tool compared to everyone else leading the various AI companies.
Which AI tool do you think is best? Does it depend on what reason you are using it for? I’d like to know what other people think if you are willing to write a comment.
AI can make you more productive as an employee
Here are questions I recommend every employee asks themselves:
- Am I allowed to use AI within my job? (If so, which ones?)
- How can I honor and protect my employment agreements (confidentiality, propriety, security, legality, etc.) if I use AI?
- Given all that, how can I use AI to automate, improve, or optimize any of my current work tasks?
Do a serious reflection and investigation on these questions! Schedule a discussion with your boss, your functional lead, your mentor, and whoever you report to. Then take advantage of AI tools to make yourself a more valuable employee.
AI can improve existing company tools and processes
Any company leader worth their strategic thinking abilities should be thinking about how AI might impact their company. One exercise could be a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats).
When executives decide to pursue the opportunities, they will be looking for people to pursue and capture them. If you position yourself as someone with knowledge, skills, and passion to improve your company’s existing tools and processes with AI, you will be in a strong position as AI becomes an essential ingredient of every company’s strategic plan.
AI can help build a new micro business
This year I learned about a fun term: vibe coding. Vibe coding is generating new software using only text prompts with AI tools. Four tools I’ve worked and played with for vibe coding are replit, bolt, make, and Grok.
With Replit, I built a complete mobile app from scratch in less than 2 hours! Replit built both the back end and front end. And I deployed it thru the Replit servers.
For decades, since my 20’s, I have said that everyone needs to think and act like an entrepreneur, no matter what your “job” is. Due to our impending disruptions from AI, it’s more important than ever before for people to create a diversified income. Creating an income stream is now easier than ever before thanks to AI.
The most obvious plan is to make a new website, info product, mobile app, or online service for yourself using AI. Just be sure you stay consistent with any employment agreements or security clearances.
Or you can use AI as an entrepreneurial coach and advisor. Give it information about your current skills, strengths, and interests. Then have it analyze these against existing needs and opportunities. Maybe you’ll learn about a local business opportunity you can pursue. Who knows, it could be something “traditional” and offline like home repair services, solar system consulting, or smartphone repairs.
Now is when we need to reposition ourselves, our companies, and our communities for the world with AI
We are in a historic time of disruptive change due to the explosion of AI. Unless we help ourselves, our fellow citizens, and our communities learn how to employ AI for the benefit of us and take advantage of it, I fear that we will become victims to the growth of AI.
This double-edged sword is why I have worked with a team of people to create a weekend workshop where people learn how to use AI-powered tools to create their own new micro business. We call this the Micro Biz Launchpad. You can watch a video of highlights and interviews from our first cohort here:
I hope this article has motivated you to start using AI. Learn by doing is the best approach, IMO.
If you have a project or business you want to pursue with AI and want someone to bounce the idea off with, I’ll be glad to hear from you. Don’t write a comment here. Connect with me on LinkedIn and let’s DM. Your idea might be so good and unique that you should keep it quiet at first.
Thanks for reading! Now go forth and make a plan to succeed in our world with AI.