The Importance of Specialization in the Tech Job Market

Due to the influx of technology and a highly competitive workforce, the nature of the tech job market is fundamentally changing, migrating away from full-time generalists into part-time specialists.

The ability to be an "expert" in a particular area is increasingly valuable. For companies, contracting out to specialists can provide a competitive advantage at a fraction of the cost of hiring full-time employees. In response to this shift, many MBA and undergraduate programs over the past 5-10 years have embraced specialization by offering degrees in a variety of specialized industries.

If you want to create value and kick start a successful career in the tech sector, my advice is to specialize, specialize, specialize! When you're a generalist in something, you may have wide horizontal opportunities — meaning you can bounce from company to company doing the same thing and receiving the same pay — but if you want greater opportunities for advancement, specialization is key. Read more...