Rapid, clean and communicative sketching is a must. It comes down to simple $$'s. It is low overhead for paper and pens. As mentioned above, it is very efficient to crank out concepts.
Having said that, sketch foam or paper models are also valid. Not quite as fast as pen on paper, but still good.
I would comment that if it is not a priority at your current office, the managers do not place an emphasis on sketching.