I enjoyed this read and agree with being number 1 in a category of your own.
I am currently an IC software engineer but previously was in the army as an officer (manager) and I find that the stress I experienced in the Army helps me approach problems in my day-to-day others might skip. Also the skill of talking to anyone from all ranks (levels) where other engineers may just want to code. I’ll talk to anyone and everyone and credit the military for that training to have diverse leadership styles in my toolkit.
I’ve also freestyled danced since I was a young and I have kept at it, I enjoy how it keeps my creative juices flowing I haven’t seen too much how it has helped me a work other than being a fun fact. But time will tell ;)
Being the best locks you into competition but being the only unlocks opportunity. This hits hard . The polymath advantage isn't just about having multiple skills it's about weaving them into a unique fingerprint that no one else can replicate. what’s one unexpected skill or life experience you’ve combined with your main expertise that gives you a unique edge?
Really like the action steps you outline here! Much better than just writing about the topic and just leaving the article as a good bit of information. This way, I can actually apply this now.
I agree with that. My academic background is quite unique as I've studied sociology and physics. Even when that's not directly useful, it's a great interesting conversation starter and foot in the door for opportunities.
You still have to deliver and convice, but you at least get some facetime.
But you also need to be careful to actively steer your career and not follow the past of least resistance and blindly accept what's offered to you just because you are the only one.
For me that was steering away from pure data science roles. Sure, I can do that and the math background coupled with understanding of groups of people is probably useful. But right now, my heart goes more toward software engineering.
So never stop carving out your category, I guess. And don't be afraid to switch if you feel like it.
I enjoyed this read and agree with being number 1 in a category of your own.
I am currently an IC software engineer but previously was in the army as an officer (manager) and I find that the stress I experienced in the Army helps me approach problems in my day-to-day others might skip. Also the skill of talking to anyone from all ranks (levels) where other engineers may just want to code. I’ll talk to anyone and everyone and credit the military for that training to have diverse leadership styles in my toolkit.
I’ve also freestyled danced since I was a young and I have kept at it, I enjoy how it keeps my creative juices flowing I haven’t seen too much how it has helped me a work other than being a fun fact. But time will tell ;)
Being the best locks you into competition but being the only unlocks opportunity. This hits hard . The polymath advantage isn't just about having multiple skills it's about weaving them into a unique fingerprint that no one else can replicate. what’s one unexpected skill or life experience you’ve combined with your main expertise that gives you a unique edge?
Really like the action steps you outline here! Much better than just writing about the topic and just leaving the article as a good bit of information. This way, I can actually apply this now.
I agree with that. My academic background is quite unique as I've studied sociology and physics. Even when that's not directly useful, it's a great interesting conversation starter and foot in the door for opportunities.
You still have to deliver and convice, but you at least get some facetime.
But you also need to be careful to actively steer your career and not follow the past of least resistance and blindly accept what's offered to you just because you are the only one.
For me that was steering away from pure data science roles. Sure, I can do that and the math background coupled with understanding of groups of people is probably useful. But right now, my heart goes more toward software engineering.
So never stop carving out your category, I guess. And don't be afraid to switch if you feel like it.