In 1996, as part of my job application to a US firm, I was required to submit a statement of purpose. It took me a few days to craft a compelling statement. Once written on paper, I took it to a typist at my cousin’s company to transcribe it into MS Word. After printing it using a laser printer, I stored my code samples in three 1.44MB floppy diskettes. These diskettes were designed for sequential processing, prompting the user to insert one disk after the other.

Fast forward to 2024, how drastically things have changed. Now, we live in a time where technology has grown a lot. We use Artificial Intelligence (AI), like smart homes and self-driving cars, every day. The way we apply for jobs has changed too. Instead of giving paper documents and code samples on diskettes, we do everything online. We send our applications, resumes, and code samples through email or job websites. Even writing a good statement of purpose is easier with AI, which can give tips and fixes to make our writing better. Also, thanks to cloud storage, we don’t need things like floppy diskettes to store our files. We can keep and share big files online without worrying about losing them. It’s really cool to see how much has changed in just a few decades.

This is how most of the world is preparing. So, if we are still using old methods and still printing out documents, we might want to reconsider. Embracing the advancements in technology, especially in AI, is not just about keeping up with the times. It’s about optimizing our efforts, enhancing our productivity, and expanding our capabilities. Whether it’s writing a compelling statement of purpose using AI tools, or storing and sharing large files through cloud storage, these technological advancements are designed to make our lives easier and more efficient.

However, while we enjoy these benefits, it’s also important to remember the essence of why we do what we do. In our quest for efficiency and progress, we must not lose sight of the primary purpose of our actions – to connect, to share ideas, to express our thoughts and emotions. So, let’s use technology to enhance our human potential, not replace it.

As we continue to navigate the digital era, let’s also take a moment to appreciate the journey we’ve taken, from typewriters and floppy diskettes to AI and cloud storage. It’s a testament to human innovation and our relentless pursuit of progress. So, let’s continue to learn, adapt, and grow with the changing times, and make the most of the opportunities they present.

Also, as we start doing things online, we are actually preparing ourselves for AI. By embracing digital technology and AI, we are not only streamlining our processes but also contributing to a vast pool of data that fuels AI’s learning and growth. Every online interaction, every piece of data we share, feeds into the continuous improvement of these systems. This interplay between human activity and AI is shaping the future, creating a symbiotic relationship where our actions inform AI development, and in turn, AI innovations enhance our capabilities.

In this digital age, the concept of ‘preparing’ has taken on a new dimension. Preparation is no longer just about having the right documents or following a set process. It’s about understanding and harnessing the power of technology, about being adaptable and flexible in the face of rapid changes. It’s about using AI to our advantage, leveraging its potential to enhance our productivity, creativity, and decision-making.

So, as we transition more and more into the digital realm, let’s view it not as a daunting challenge, but as an exciting opportunity. An opportunity to learn, to grow, and to shape the future. We are not just preparing for AI – we are part of its evolution.