Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

Robert Campbell is Founder at The Silver Academy and wrote this guest blog after attending AI Essentials and AI for Creatives in April 2024.

In the last month I’ve been on some excellent AI courses with a brilliant company I’ve discovered called General Purpose AI training .

General Purpose specialise in AI courses. They are based in Waterloo. You sit in a real classroom. With real people. The tutors are really experienced in all matters related to AI. During the mid-afternoon break you get real coffee and real macaroons. It is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. 

I did two of their courses. A general AI primer ‘AI essentials,’ and then ‘AI for creatives.’ Both courses were an afternoon long. 

As well as doing courses for individuals (like me) General Purpose do corporate training, ‘processing’ groups of colleagues in the dark arts of AI. 

What they do is user friendly. A fast track to AI competence. So I’ve been very interested to check them out as a potential partner for The Silver Academy. They are perfect for getting the over 50s (be they self employed or employed by a company) up to speed.

General Purpose’s team are very hands on, and every time I got a bit lost, they gently helped me back on track. They didn’t call me ‘grandpa’ once, or ask if someone as old as me ‘knew how to use a computer.’ I had fun, and learned a lot. 

We played around with ‘Midjourney.’  Which as many of you will know is primarily a visual AI tool. My first Midjourney prompt was: ‘please draw me a picture of a dog climbing a tree.’ 

Midjourney created the picture at the top of this article. A five legged tree climbing dog. 

Was Midjourney supersmart? Had it created a new kind of dog that was better at climbing trees than a four legged dog? Or had Midjourney mistaken a dog’s dick for a leg?  

We shall never know. I decided to move swiftly on.

We played around with ChatGPT, of course. And talked about what prompt engineers do, and the art of being a good prompt engineer. 

This is where it got really interesting. Tom, the co-founder of General Purpose, and a veteran prompt engineer pointed out OLDER PEOPLE MAKE GREAT PROMPT ENGINEERS. 

I don’t think he was just saying this to make me feel at home. I think he was saying it because it’s true. 

We are moving into a world where tech skills are less important. AI can do the coding for you. But wisdom and experience are fundamental. AI is only as good as the people who prompt it. If AI is to realise its potential, it needs wise, experienced, knowledgeable old people. 

Excited at this possibility, and using my new found prompt engineering skills, I asked ChatGPT: ‘Do older people make great prompt engineers?’ 

This is what ChatGPT had to say: 

“As technology advances, the role of prompt engineering in AI development has become increasingly vital. Contrary to the tech industry's youthful stereotype, older individuals are proving to be highly adept in this role, bringing valuable skills and unique perspectives that enhance AI responsiveness and effectiveness.

Older prompt engineers leverage their extensive life experience, providing a broader understanding of language nuances and cultural references that younger counterparts might overlook. 

This depth of knowledge is crucial in crafting prompts that generate more accurate and contextually appropriate AI responses. Additionally, their experience in various industries enables them to ask insightful questions and anticipate potential biases in AI outputs, leading to more ethical and balanced AI interactions.

Furthermore, the patience and meticulous nature often associated with older adults are essential qualities in prompt engineering—a field where precision in language is critical. Their ability to draw from decades of communication skills helps refine AI learning processes, making them more intuitive and user-friendly.

In summary, older people bring a wealth of knowledge, perspective, and precision to the role of prompt engineers. Their contribution not only enhances the technology's capability but also ensures that AI systems are more reflective of a diverse society. Embracing age diversity in tech roles like prompt engineering is not just beneficial; it is necessary for the development of robust and responsible AI systems.”  

Without wishing to pick on Mark Zuckerberg, who turns 40 this week, perhaps he was wrong when he said ‘young people are smarter. Perhaps young people are not smarter. 

Perhaps older people, or at least older people working hand in hand with younger people, hold the key to AI’s success. Whatever that might look like. 

And it is for reasons like this that I am starting The Sliver Academy. A place where older people can reskill, upskill, learn things like prompt engineering, and re-establish their incredibly valuable role in the currently quite ageist world of work. 

I massively enjoyed my time with General Purpose, and strongly recommend you go on one of their courses. 

As I made my way home, I couldn’t resist a couple more prompts. Even though I had also learned that each prompt burns up about enough energy to heat a pensioner’s house all winter. 

I asked ChatGPT how much money prompt engineers earn?

“The salary of a top prompt engineer can vary widely depending on factors such as location, industry, and level of expertise. In tech-centric regions like Silicon Valley or for companies specializing in AI and machine learning, a highly skilled prompt engineer can earn upwards of $200,000 annually. These professionals are valued for their ability to effectively communicate with AI systems, optimizing performance and enhancing user interactions.”

Interesting. $200,000 a year. So I asked, even though personally I prefer office working: ‘Is it ok for prompt engineers to work from home?”

And ChatGPT responded:

“Prompt engineers, who design AI system queries, often can work from home. Their tasks involve digital tools accessible remotely, allowing flexibility. Work arrangements vary by company policy, with some requiring office attendance for collaboration.” 

That makes prompt engineering an excellent remote working second career. You could do it from Honolulu. 

And finally, I asked ChatGPT: “Is it easy for an older person to get a job as a prompt engineer?”

And ChatGPT responded:

“To secure a job as a prompt engineer later in life, start by learning AI fundamentals via educational courses. Gain proficiency in Python and familiarize yourself with prompt engineering through resources and community engagement on GitHub or Reddit. 

Build a portfolio showcasing your prompt work, leverage your past experience, and network on LinkedIn. Apply for roles in AI development, highlighting adaptability and relevant skills. Stay updated on AI trends and practice for technical interviews. Embrace your diverse experiences as strengths in your tech career transition.”

I got home in time for dinner, having learned a great deal, and feeling like a dog with five legs. 

A good day’s research, I concluded, for The Silver Academy.

Please join us on our journey.

Sign up now at thesilveracademy.org.

Robert Campbell

Founder