Become the Expert You Want to Be
Photo by Clark Tibbs on Unsplash
No matter how advanced you are in your career, it's likely that you have an interest in something (and if you don't that's okay too!) At least for me, that's true. I always wanted to use my data skills in combination with my background in biomedical research and working in a way that puts the users to the forefront promoting equity and fairness.
It only felt natural for me to explore more about Responsible AI practices. I've written previously about Equity in AI/ML but there's also so much more to the Responsible AI agenda. Here I'll take you through some tips and idea helping me to become an expert in this area.
Whatever your area of interest is the point is the same: if you're interested in something go and get it! Develop your skills in that area to be the expert you'd love to see in the field.
You're Never Too Junior To Develop Your Interests
Perhaps this will be a little controversial. I know there are people out there who will say, get your foundational skills first and then find an interest. And I sort of agree with that, but in my view developing skills in your area of interest isn't mutually exclusive to developing your foundational skills. Especially if that area of interest is what brought you into the industry in the first place. You don't have to put that on pause.
Now, I'm not saying ignore your general skills development for your interest, but there's no reason your learning can't complement both goals. In my view, all learning should be encourages at whatever stage in your career.
Find Allies and Other Specialists
The chances are, there are going to be others out there (maybe even in your own network) interested in the specialist area that you are. Go find them! Other people are great learning resources, follow their blogs or find them on LinkedIn and check out what they're posting.
Even reach out to people for a chat, a lot of people are happy to chat to others interested in the same things. You don't have to be (and often it's better if you're not) asking for anything, but just touching base to make a connection. You never know what might come of it, a collaboration, mentoring or job offer down the line.
Put Yourself Out There
If reaching out to others feels to difficult, or you're struggling to find people then help people to find you! Write posts on social media/blog sites about what you're learning in your field of interest. Sure, you'll engage a lot of people who are interested in different things or even people supporting you for you. But all engagement helps the reach and you never know who you might meet, and even who you might inspire!
It's also great to contribute on other people's posts - those new people you're following on social media or blog sites. Comments and engagement from you can really help you learn and start conversations.
Don't forget, putting yourself out there isn't just an online thing. There are plenty of tech meet ups/conference to get yourself to. Whether you're presenting or attending and networking. I personally like community meet ups because they are free and local, set up in the evening to be after work. A couple of presentations and time for chit chat. I always find I get something out of them, even if I don't know what before I go. They're also generally a smaller audience with a friendly vibe so a great intro to presenting if you're after one!
Fake It 'Til You Make It
This actually was a piece of advice I got only recently from a Senior I was chatting to. Now, I consider this Senior to be someone who is an expert in their field, great to chat to and super knowledgable. I know that people tend to portray the best of themselves and hide away insecurities, whether that's on social media or in the workplace etc, but hearing those words from them really made brought to reality that view that under that confidence might also be something else.
I'm not saying pretend to be someone you're not. I'm also not saying hide it all the time (or even share it all the time) when you're feeling nervous or a bit out of depth. But the candour in the right setting from this person has really helped me a) feel like it's not just me but also b) realise that I need to step back and realise the most confident or the most knowledgable aren't always super confident.
The process of putting yourself out there with confidence is in fact one way to get to feeling that confident!
Go out and find the knowledge and people to make yourself an expert in the things that you care about. You don't have to put your interests on hold to develop your fundamental skills, and nor should you put your fundamental skill development on hold for your interests. Instead set yourself up for success in both your general skills and areas of interest!
