As artificial intelligence reshapes industries worldwide, major firms like KPMG are preparing their workforce to thrive in this new era. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit in on an AI training session for KPMG’s tax interns at their state-of-the-art Lakehouse training facility in Florida. What struck me most was that mastering AI isn’t just about technical know-how — it’s fundamentally about learning how to communicate effectively with the technology.
A Classroom of 90 Interns Learning the Language of AI
On a hot Monday morning in June, I joined 90 KPMG tax interns gathered around circular tables in a bright, air-conditioned room designed to encourage collaboration. The firm’s senior director, Sherry Magee, explained that the layout intentionally avoided a traditional classroom “front row,” aiming to boost engagement.
The session kicked off by acknowledging a common behavior: nearly all interns admitted they usually “just start typing” when interacting with AI. But KPMG’s instructors had a different message — getting the best results from AI requires mastering specific prompting techniques.
Five Prompting Techniques to Unlock AI’s Potential
Rather than treating AI like a casual chatbot, KPMG introduced interns to five powerful prompting methods to refine and guide AI responses:
- Chunking: Breaking down large prompts into smaller, manageable parts for clarity.
- Few-shot prompting: Providing a few examples upfront to steer AI toward desired output.
- Iterative question refinement: Continuously rephrasing and honing questions for precision.
- Chain of thought prompting: Asking AI to explain its reasoning process step-by-step, improving transparency and reliability.
- Flipped interaction prompting: Inviting AI to ask questions back to spark new ideas or considerations.
Each method serves different purposes. For example, “chain of thought” prompting is particularly valuable in tax work where professionals need to verify the logic behind AI-generated answers. The “flipped interaction” technique encourages users to explore new angles by having AI prompt them with questions they might not have considered.
The Journalism Connection: Asking the Right Questions Matters
Though I’m no tax expert, my background in journalism gave me a fresh perspective on the session. Much like a great interview depends on asking thoughtful questions, successful AI use hinges on how you frame and communicate your request.
One instructor summarized it perfectly: “The more detail you give, the more likely AI can predict the next thing correctly.”
This emphasis on language over technology reminded me of my journalism training, where the art of questioning is paramount. To get useful, relevant AI responses, users must be intentional with their prompts — not unlike conducting an interview.
Practical AI Use: From Drafting Emails to Complex Audit Memos
For the interns, the AI tasks were fairly straightforward: drafting emails, creating slide decks, and other administrative duties. While not cutting-edge, these exercises formed the foundation for more advanced AI applications used by KPMG’s senior staff.
Becky Sproul, an audit partner at KPMG, explained in a later interview how experienced employees leverage AI for industry research and drafting preliminary audit memos. By inputting client documents and accounting standards, AI helps create detailed memos that get professionals “80% of the way there,” saving valuable time and increasing accuracy.
KPMG is also developing AI agents that work like team members, interacting autonomously to assist employees. The firm tracks engagement metrics to encourage widespread AI adoption, a strategy echoed by other Big Four firms like Deloitte, EY, and PwC.
Simple Teaching Methods for Complex Technology
Despite the advanced AI concepts, the training methods themselves were refreshingly straightforward. Interns shared ideas using large cardboard flipboards, proving that even in the AI age, traditional learning tools have a place.
Another highlight was a wellness break led by the Lakehouse’s onsite fitness team, reminding interns to step away from their screens and recharge with stretching and breathwork. This balance of tech training and wellness reflects a holistic approach to preparing workers for the demands of modern careers.
AI Fluency Starts With Communication
KPMG’s AI training reveals a crucial insight for anyone looking to harness AI’s power:
- Mastering AI is less about coding or complex software skills, and more about learning how to ask the right questions.
- Effective communication with AI requires patience, iteration, and an understanding of how to structure prompts.
- AI is a tool to augment human expertise, helping professionals save time on routine tasks while focusing on higher-value work.
- Ethical considerations and accuracy checks remain essential, especially in fields like tax and auditing.
- Employee wellness and engagement play a vital role in successful AI adoption.
As AI continues to transform industries, firms that emphasize language skills alongside technology will empower their workforce to thrive.
