Carpentry and AI
How carpentry and artificial intelligence are the same
As a senior in high school, I am starting to reflect on my k-12 schooling career, and really the first big chapter of my life. Something that I am glad I did was work as a carpentry apprentice at a cabinetry shop, this taught me a lot of skills ranging from assembling walls to soft skills when working with customers. Additionally, it’s given me a new perspective and lots of respect for blue-collar workers, because working 45+ hours a week outside in the sun for the entire summer is easier said than done.
As I am about to graduate and work a final couple months full-time as a carpentry apprentice before heading to school I wanted to connect some dots between the field of carpentry and something I am becoming more and more interested in, AI.
So here are some dots that can be connected…
Attention to Detail
One of the most important similarities between carpentry and AI is the need for attention to detail. In carpentry, I have witnessed when the smallest mistake can ruin the entire project, whether the measurement is 83 & 1/2” or 83 & 5/8” can affect how the rest of the job is done. Similarly, in AI, even a small error in coding or data analysis can significantly affect the accuracy and effectiveness of the model. Both carpentry and AI require a meticulous eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy.
Creativity
Both carpentry and AI require creativity. Being able to follow plans is not even half the battle, where these guys make the big bucks is having the ability to imagine and build custom pieces and solutions based on their own creativity and ingenuity. Just like in AI, data scientists must find creative solutions to complex problems and develop innovative models to solve them. This requires a combination of technical expertise and creative thinking.
Problem-Solving
Stemming off of the last connected dot, both fields also require problem-solving skills. In carpentry, unexpected challenges can arise during a project, and a skilled carpenter must be able to adapt and find solutions quickly. Just like how data scientists often face unexpected challenges in developing models and must be able to find creative solutions to overcome them.
Collaboration
Finally, both carpentry and AI require collaboration. In construction, a single job may require the expertise of many different trades, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters, etc. Similarly, in AI, data scientists must collaborate with experts in different fields, including computer science, mathematics, and statistics, to develop effective models.
Although carpentry and AI may seem like completely different fields, they are many key qualities that make them compatible. By recognizing these similarities, we can find new ways to innovate and create in both fields.
Thank you for reading, have a great weekend!
Peace,
Owen