The Challenge
Today’s AI isn’t just a future promise—it’s a powerful tool already transforming how we work and learn. Here’s how it changed my approach to career research.
I had a pile of research that’s begging to be read, but it’s so much text that it feels like a chore, an impossibility. I was there, staring at my notes, wondering how I’d ever get through it all. That’s when I decided to lean on AI.
My situation was particularly pressing. My organization is in the midst of a significant transition—shifting from a healthcare services and software company ten years ago to focusing exclusively on software today. To keep pace with this evolution, I needed to absorb vast amounts of information quickly and effectively.
Finding a Solution
I’d already used AI to gather and sort my research using DeepResearch tools, which are amazing. These tools provided near real-time data and examples specifically relevant to my career needs. But reading it? That was still a problem. So, I asked AI, “How can I turn this into audio?” After a few bad prompts things changed, it didn’t just suggest a tool—it started writing a script based on my research. It was rough at first, but it gave me something to work with.
Here’s where I hit a snag: I couldn’t tell when the next paragraph started. In a written document, you’ve got visual cues—blank lines, indents—but in audio, it all blended together. It was disorienting, and I needed a fix. So, I told AI, “I can’t tell when the next paragraph starts—can you help?” The solution was simple but effective: the script now adds pauses between paragraphs. Those little breaks made all the difference, letting me follow the flow without losing track.
Key Customizations
What mattered most to me wasn’t just getting an audio version—it was making it work just for me. We’re moving into a world where we will have personalized everything! I already enjoyed audiobooks through services like Audible, but this was different—content tailored specifically for my needs, in the moement, and my learning style. I didn’t want a generic script; I needed one that fit how I think and listen. That’s where the real value came in.
I kept tweaking it, asking things like, “Can you highlight the key points?” or “Can you make it sound more natural?” Each adjustment shaped it into something uniquely mine.
Under the Hood
If you peek at the code for the reader https://github.com/jaysalOC3/ResearchReader, you’ll see it’s not just about converting text to audio. Its goal is to increase the focus of the spoken text. Those pauses I asked for? They’re part of it, giving me space to absorb what’s being said.
From Tool to Solution
After a few rounds of back-and-forth, I had a script that worked. It wasn’t AI doing it all—I had to steer it, point out what I needed, and refine the output. But with that guidance, it turned my overwhelming research into an audio file I could actually enjoy.
The process wasn’t perfect, but the result was: a custom solution that fit my needs, personalized for me. This experience reinforced my belief that the AI available today is already immensely powerful and useful—not just as a technological novelty, but as a practical assistant for real-world challenges like keeping pace with career development in an evolving organization. 🥳
Try It Yourself
If you’re facing similar challenges with processing large amounts of research, consider trying this approach:
- Use AI to help gather and organize your research materials
- Ask AI to draft a script based on your key findings
- Iterate on the script, focusing on your specific listening needs
- Convert the refined script to audio
- Listen and learn on your own terms