Are you looking for a career that will bring long-term success and stability? Common advice from all kinds of career gurus has always been and, shockingly, continues to be ‘do one thing great', but times have changed. In today’s world, where technology is advancing faster than ever, generalists are becoming more valuable. Gone are the days when being an expert of only one trade guarantees lifetime employment; now, it’s all about having multiple skills that fit the requirements of any job and industry. This means college students or career seekers should avoid old assumptions of what makes someone marketable and instead focus on cultivating their skills to be adaptive to what the workforce calls for in order to find sustainable success. In this post, I will dive into uncovering detailed information and professional insight on how to navigate through the changing landscape so you can feel confident in your career choice amidst countless mixed messages out there!
Myth: Being a specialist is the only way to have job security
We've been taught for years that the way to have job security is by becoming a specialist in one field. Technology has evolved so rapidly, however, that much of what specialists used to be able to do is now done by artificial intelligence, productivity tools and other efficiency boosting measures. In order to deliver value in this changing environment, one must learn how to adapt using their specialized knowledge and skills. Technology has leveled the playing field by allowing generalized professionals (who are open and willing to learn new skills) the opportunity to increase efficiency across many tasks. Being a generalist gives you an edge - with these new tools at your disposal, you can stay more engaged and productive on any project thereby continually securing your position in a business.
Generalists bring unique skill sets and knowledge to the table
Startups and tech companies have come to value the importance of generalists in the workplace. In contrast to bloated companies that are crippled by specialists and redundant roles, a diverse professional background is often key in succeeding in the modern business landscapes. The former category is filled with companies that are contracting to make their numbers while smaller businesses are innovating and taking market share with smaller teams of effective generalists. With the rise of the creator economy - where small online businesses abound - generalists with a multitude of skills can easily adapt and flex to different projects, ensuring progress for start-ups that may not have enough time nor money to hire specialists. Additionally, their well-roundedness helps them think outside-the-box and bring new fresh approaches to team problem solving. As technology continues its rapid advancement and specialization becomes less important for many roles, generalists truly become invaluable agents for progress.
Generalist Industries & Diverse Skillsets
In today's economy, industries that value a broad range of skills and knowledge in their employees are often seen as more efficient and successful. As technology advances, businesses are focusing more on finding versatile candidates who can adapt to shifting work conditions quickly. For instance, it’s not just startups that require generalists to understand their products from both technical and customer-centric perspectives. Gone are the days of a sales guy laughing in a meeting and saying, “You’ll have to ask the tech guys about that one.”. All departments must be fluent in what each other are doing in order to develop products and services that are viable. If companies are understood in that manner, it makes sense that a Venn Diagram of skillsets would begin to reveal overlap and redundancy in skills and roles.Industries such as healthcare, business consulting, finance and tech-related areas are also seeing an uptick in their demand for generalists over specialists due to the importance of staying informed with the most up-to-date information and having the ability to be flexible with employees. Additionally, many businesses are restructuring which opens further opportunity for those with a wide range of expertise to fill roles that didn't exist previously. Despite specialists still being valuable in certain positions, employers favor generalists who can extend their skills into multiple fields.
Traits That Cultivate A Successful Career
To build a successful career as a generalist, it is important to cultivate traits such as creativity, communication skills, adaptability, and problem-solving. These qualities allow you to take on the responsibilities of specialists while offering unique solutions in the ever-evolving world of technology. Creative ideas are often born out of a combination of diverse experiences which make generalists appealing to employers. Solid communication skills give the generalist ability to explain their ideas and methodology persuasively so they will have an edge over others who are vying to fill the same roles. Adaptability and strong problem-solving abilities offer a unique opportunity for generalists to be responsive to new challenges without missing a beat when faced with inevitable change or obstacle. With these tools in tow, building a career as a generalist should yield rewarding results!
Transitioning From Specialist To Generalist
The transition from a specialist to a generalist can be daunting, but it is an important move quickly in this modern world. Firstly, don’t be scared of failing due to the task being too complex - ask for help. People love sharing their expertise and it diffuses any judgement when you’re deferring to their knowledge. Ask those already employed as generalists how they got their position and what suggestions or tips they have for being an effective generalist. Don’t forget, you don’t have to be an expert in everything. You’re simply acquiring a broader knowledge base that will allow you to be more effective. Additionally, make sure you are consuming content everyday that relates to the areas you will need to become well-versed in - but prioritize quality over quantity. Ask yourself questions based on your research and really challenge yourself. The switch won’t happen overnight, but one day you’ll realize you’re moving seamlessly between departments and your work is more valuable as it’s pulling from all aspects of your business.
We can no longer rely on the idea that specialization is the only way to achieve job security in today's highly advanced work environment. Generalists bring unique skillsets, knowledge and experiences to the table; they are often sought after and thus valued across a range of industries and roles. All job titles require someone with a broad range of experience and knowledge across several disciplines to be truly successful. The world is moving too quickly for anyone to be unaware of how their industry, their company and the individual departments in their company are evolving. Cultivating qualities such as being self-motivated, adaptive & tech-savvy will help aid aspiring generalists in their transition from one profession to another. Utilizing these jobs tips while understanding that generalization is no longer limited to certain industries will benefit everyone’s career trajectory over time. It’s imperative everyone diversify their skills - making them competitive in any field that suits their interests!
Contact Jason Ziemianski at Grad Path today to learn how we can help you level up in your career. Now is the time! contact@gradpath.io
Comments