To Diversify or Specialize? That is the Question

by

Jamie McCann

Executive Senior Partner– Sales & Marketing Division

www.lucasgroup.com

With the economy beginning to rebound, professionals are looking to make strategic moves in their careers. Many are questioning whether it’s time to diversify their career experience in another area or remain where they are, becoming an expert in one, specific arena.

As time and technology have evolved, so have employers’ business strategies and organizational hierarchies. Companies are now looking for experts to lead initiatives and pave the road for them to continue to successfully emerge from the downturn. Rather than being proficient in a number of disciplines, companies are looking to hire demonstrated masters of a craft—professionals with proven track records of success in their industry who can hit the ground running and lead with confidence.

While economic conditions are improving, the marketplace isn’t in the clear. For now, build on the experience that you have established to be a specialist rather than a generalist. Remain focused on filling your experience vault with valuable skills that establish you as a topic expert. Continue to evaluate your skillset to identify areas of potential weaknesses and work to turn them into strengths. Also, consider where you are in your career and where you would like to be. Then, once the dust settles and industries are once again robust and stable, look outside of the box to diversify.

As an advertising and marketing recruiter working with both candidates and hiring managers through the executive search process, I invite you to share your feedback on career diversification.

EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS - BLOG www.careeradvice.lucasgroup.com