Career Growth, Crafting Your Own Expertise.

 

By Ekaale Ekuam
September 24,2024
From the moment we first set foot in a classroom, education has shaped much of our lives. Many of us started as toddlers in nursery school, moved through early schooling, and eventually began our formal education in primary school. As we advanced through junior and senior levels, our parents and guardians were there every step of the way balancing their work schedules to attend sports days, academic events, and extracurricular activities, all while working closely with teachers to support us.
Then came university, a challenging few years, filled with hard work and long nights, all leading up to the graduation day we’d been waiting for. For many parents, this ceremony marks the payoff of years of dedication, but it also brings new hopes and expectations. They look forward to seeing us enter the workforce, start families, or continue our education through master’s programs or professional certifications.
Yet, as valuable as further education can be, it's no secret that many of us end up working in fields far removed from our degrees. A business graduate might find themselves in HR or management, while an engineer could wind up in sales. Life has a way of steering us into unexpected roles. By the time we reach our 40s or 50s, those degrees often matter less. What people begin to care more about are the skills we’ve honed and the expertise we bring.
This shift from focusing on formal education to valuing practical expertise is essential. Many degrees give us just a starting point, but real mastery only comes from hands-on experience. This is where you can set yourself apart. Go back to what you learned during your studies, identify the areas that still resonate with you, and practice them. With time and consistency, you’ll not only surpass your peers but might even find yourself moving into consulting, becoming an expert in your field.
For those who want to change direction, mastering a rare skill can be life-changing. Find something that’s in demand but not widely understood, and dedicate yourself to becoming an expert. The rewards will follow.
Take, for example, people with electrical or electronics engineering backgrounds who have thrived in business consulting, particularly in tendering and procurement. They’ve used their technical knowledge to succeed in a completely different field, becoming authorities in tender submissions and evaluations.
The same applies to teachers who have turned their skills in communication, discipline, and adaptability into successful business ventures. Despite their formal training, many have gone on to run multiple businesses and build empires, using their educational expertise to excel in the entrepreneurial world.
In the end, while a degree can provide a good start, it doesn’t define your career path. Life is about being flexible and willing to grow. As we age, it’s expertise, passion, and commitment that define success. So, take time to discover what you’re good at, work on it, and become the best in your field. It’s not about sticking to the path you started on it’s about carving out your own.
The Author,
Is a Freelance Writer, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management Consultant.