A ONE Institute
Oct 19, 2024
Today, I will share a post based on the topic discussed during the 2024 online seminar. The topic is the one common trait of high earners.
There is one common trait shared by those who generate high value, that is, high earners. In this discussion, we will exclude athletes and craftsmen from the category of high earners. Instead, we will focus on the one key trait that defines them.
First, it’s essential to understand this concept: Imagine there are two things with very different characteristics—Side A and Side B. These two sides are so different that they are difficult to comprehend. However, if there is someone highly capable who thoroughly understands both Side A and Side B, they can connect the two. This person can pull one group closer to the other, making them understand each other. This is what those who generate high value do.
Let me explain with a detailed example. If I were to fall ill, I wouldn’t know how to treat myself. However, a professional from the biomedical field, with their expertise, could explain the treatment options in a concrete and clear manner. If we consider myself, the patient, as Side A, and the person with biomedical knowledge as Side B, the professional (Side B) would bring their specialized knowledge to inform and assist the patient (Side A).
Similarly, when you consult a lawyer, they guide you when you face legal issues. The lawyer understands the client’s needs (Side A) and possesses specialized legal knowledge (Side B), which they pull together to assist the client. This applies not only to doctors and lawyers but also to fields like computer science (CS). By understanding a person’s needs and applying specialized CS knowledge, professionals generate high value.
Now, let’s consider a patent lawyer. In the U.S., there isn’t a specific term for this role, but a patent lawyer bridges both legal and scientific knowledge. If I want to file a patent but lack legal or scientific knowledge, a patent lawyer steps in with expertise in both areas, helping to connect my idea with the formal patenting process.
So far, I’ve used traditional professions as examples. Now, let’s look at a more modern job: the Prompt Engineer. One of the hottest topics right now is Generative AI, such as ChatGPT. This AI can generate documents, images, videos, and even predict economic trends based on human language input. The person who effectively inputs data into this AI is called a Prompt Engineer.
For instance, computer vision is often used for autonomous driving. AI can recognize whether something in front of it is a bus, traffic light, or person—this process is called computer vision. If you asked someone to research computer vision, how would they go about it? Some might give a basic input like "Recent trends in computer vision research," while others might provide a detailed input like the example at the bottom of the image. The more detailed input yields much more specific results, as seen in the example, where the output includes academic conference materials and images.
Since the input directly affects the outcome, Prompt Engineers who understand human needs and the specific workings of AI are also high-value professionals. Their ability to interpret human requests and accurately input them into AI systems meets the criteria for generating high value, which is why Prompt Engineers are among the high-earning professions.
In the end, those who generate high value:
Have deep, specialized knowledge.
Understand people and their needs.
Bridge the gap by making this specialized knowledge accessible and understandable to others.
Universities seek individuals who possess these qualities and assess students based on how well they meet this standard. It’s not about having the specialized knowledge right away but having the ability to acquire it.
Key metrics that universities emphasize:
GPA
Standardized Tests
Extracurricular Activities
Essays + Recommendation Letters
I will explain how universities assess 'understanding people' and 'specialized knowledge' through these metrics in the next post. This concludes today’s discussion.
Today, we’ve explored the one common trait of high earners. If you aspire to become an exceptional student suited to modern times, please contact us at A-One Institute.
Thank you.