I need your input. I’ve always been somebody who likes to learn what they can about just about everything they come in contact with. I wonder though, does it stop us from being great at just a few things, and if so, is that a problem. I’ve been learning a lot lately, especially in the area of web programming and graphic/web design.
So my question is this: Is it better to know a little bit about a lot, or focus on just a few things and perfect those skills?
Bonus question: What is the most valuable skill that a career techie can have at this stage of technology development?
Thanks for your input!
Filed under: Life, Technology , discussion, learning, programming, Technology
Answer this: of all the things you know how to do, if you knew how to do *one* of them like no one else; I mean, if you could be a total pro, what would it be?
I suppose that this is what I was getting at. I am about to a point where I need to be making a decision to go in one main direction rather than every which way.
To answer your question, I’ve always been interested in the server side of things, the detail, and the preciseness(sp?). So if I could be a pro at something it would be server management, and throw in the programming side with scripting.
I definitely see web programming as being something that I enjoy doing, but I don’t think that it could be something that I could do 40 hours a week.
Thanks for the question.
Anybody else?
Sure, but you just answered your own question! :)
Justin,
My advice would be to be a pro at one thing. Hone in on the one thing that you feel led to. There are tons of people that are good at a lot of things. Be the one that masters one thing.
Rogie
Thanks for the comment! I’m learning that there is a lot of room out there for people who know a little about everything, but being good at one or just a few things has great advantages.
hrmm.
I think it’s better to know a lot about stuff, in the tech world, but to have one specific skill set that sets you aside from the others.
What’s important in today’s world? The ability to work with people. the ability to explain the tech stuff to a 1st grader. That’s what’s important. Because when you’re working on someones stuff, they want to know what you’re doing…
And the ability to adjust. :)
My two cents.
I’ll give you 4 cents for it :) No really, thanks for the comment. It’s good to hear the different views on things, each with validity.
I have found that it’s convenient to know a little about a lot, but crucial to know a lot about a little. As for what a techie should know at this period…how to develop and minipulate programs/entities to get our economy back on track. I really don’t know what this means or looks like, but it’s probably a pipe dream and all for not.