If you're not teaching your kids about AI right now, you might be setting them up to fall behind. That's the blunt message from investor Ross Gerber, who's picking up where Nvidia Corp. (NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang left off earlier this year with warnings about artificial intelligence becoming a core skill for the next generation of workers.
AI As The Great Educational Equalizer
The Gerber Kawasaki co-founder took to X on Monday with a straightforward take: AI is flattening the education landscape in ways that traditional learning never could. His argument? Students with access to AI tools don't need to shell out for expensive tutors or test-prep courses anymore, assuming they know how to use those tools properly.
Gerber specifically pointed to systems like Alphabet Inc.'s (GOOGL) Google Gemini as learning companions that can sometimes outperform human teachers. "AI is a great education equalizer," he wrote, adding bluntly, "It's better than most of the teachers now at teaching… teach your kid AI now or they will be left behind…"
It's a bold claim, but Gerber isn't alone in thinking AI literacy is quickly becoming non-negotiable for career success.
Jensen Huang's Earlier Warning
Gerber's comments echo what Huang told students back in January. The Nvidia chief executive emphasized that knowing how to interact with generative AI isn't just a nice-to-have skill anymore—it's fundamental to staying competitive in the job market.
According to Huang, effective AI use comes down to asking the right questions and providing clear, structured instructions. He compared AI to a capable but inexperienced assistant who needs precise guidance to deliver useful results. Master that interaction, and you're looking at significantly better career prospects.
"If I were a student today, irrespective of whether it's for math or science or chemistry or biology — doesn't matter what field of science I'm going into or what profession — I'm going to ask myself, 'How can I use AI to do my job better?'" Huang said at the time.
Big Tech Is Already Rewarding AI Skills
This isn't just theoretical advice from tech executives. Major companies are already putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to valuing AI fluency.
Adobe Inc. (ADBE) has publicly stated that it looks for job candidates who can blend creativity with AI skills. The company notes that applicants who demonstrate effective AI use in their work portfolios immediately stand out from the competition.
Google has rolled out internal AI tools designed to help employees write code faster and more efficiently. Meanwhile, Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) has reportedly been pushing staff to use its proprietary AI systems rather than external alternatives, signaling how central these tools are becoming to daily operations.
The message from Silicon Valley is becoming unmistakable: AI literacy isn't just about future-proofing your career—it's about staying relevant right now. Whether you're a student preparing for the job market or a professional looking to maintain your competitive edge, learning to work effectively with AI tools appears to be shifting from optional to essential.