The complex future of work means everyone will need a diverse skill set

Solutions to big problems will come from breaking down disciplinary boundaries.

A colleague once lamented about a controversy in their academic department (computer science) involving a potential new hire. The candidate in question was formally trained in physics but had a strong record studying information theory, which was of interest to the department. I asked what the fuss was about, to which the colleague replied: “Some folks don’t think physicists should be in a computer science department.” The candidate wasn’t offered the job.