The title of “expert” is not reserved for people with exceptional talent. In fact, the people we honor as experts would tell you that becoming an expert is less about the talents you were born with and more about the things that you do to refine your knowledge and skills.
So, how can you become an expert in any field?
Let’s talk about what it means to be an expert, how long it takes to be considered an expert, and the steps and mindset you need to become an expert in whatever field you choose.
What is an Expert?
Unlike titles like “doctor” or “Engineer,” there is no quantitative way to define an “expert” since it’s not dependent on one’s educational background. Rather, being an expert is about having in-depth knowledge in a subject matter and high levels of achievement and/or contributions in their field.
Being an expert requires knowledge, skill, and achievement. You need all three to be considered an expert.
While the average person can gain advanced knowledge and skills, what differentiates an expert from them is the ability to use their abilities to contribute to their field and achieve success.
But what does it mean to be an expert at something? Does it mean you need to be the best at what you do?
Not necessarily! At its core, being an expert is about being in constant pursuit of new ideas, new or better ways of doing things – progress.
An expert is a professional who has not only earned a post-graduate degree, but also has extensive experience and achievements in their field and thus, can be trusted to be an authority.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Expert at Something?
There is no set number of years of working in a field to be considered an expert. Like its definition, the time it takes to become an expert is subjective.
Following our definition of “expert,” the most realistic estimate is that it will take at least a few years for anyone to become an expert in any field. For some fields, like medicine, becoming an expert may take longer than in Information Technology.
Assuming you’ve already graduated from college with a degree in IT, your road to expertise will involve getting a Master’s degree in Information Technology, possibly getting some certifications or pursuing a PHd, and getting work experience.
As you progress in your work, you may be promoted to higher positions with more authority or a job that requires a Phd. You may also become a valuable resource or a mentor in your company. People may start turning to you to help them figure out issues or for advice on how to approach something. At this point, which may take a few years, you may be considered as an “expert” in your field.
So, if you want to become an expert, be prepared to dedicate years of your life toward learning and improving your competencies.
How to Become an Expert in Any Field?
Every field has unique requirements or qualifications for experts, so you’ll need to research on what your field expects. This can be a PhD, publishing a certain number of research papers, or developing a new program, and so on. Whatever the requirement is, the steps we’ll discuss below can help you be consistent and achieve your goal of becoming an expert.
Identify Your Niche
You can’t learn or do everything, so it’s best to choose a focus area to direct your energy into. Think of an area in your field that you’re most passionate about or you think is worth leaning into. Finding a worthwhile interest can help you stay motivated to do the work needed to become an expert.
Set Your Goal and Commit to It
The most important thing when trying to achieve anything is setting a goal. Be specific about what you want to achieve in your field and then break it down into smaller goals.
For example, if you’re in the field of Public Administration and your goal is to become the head of a non-profit organization and focus work on your advocacy, you can break this down to getting a job in the organization of your choice, getting a Master’s degree in Public Administration, taking on various projects, publishing a case study, teaching in a college or university, and seeking promotions at work.
Having smaller milestones that you can accomplish within a set timeframe can help you stay on track and motivated.
Engage in Deliberate Practice
We’ve heard it repeatedly: practice is key to success. Because it is.
There is no magic number that will bring you success; what is important is the quality of practice you devote toward your goals. You must be deliberate with your practice.
Like a goal, the best way to practice a skill is to break it down into the fundamentals. Don’t jump ahead toward the complex skills, rather build on what you already know or possess one step at a time until you reach your goal.
Invest Time and Effort
It’s not easy becoming an expert (otherwise, everyone would be one!). Becoming an expert in any field – from Marketing to Computer Engineering – requires years of dedication and a lot of effort.
If you want to be an expert, you should be willing to put in the time and effort to expand your knowledge and skills. You should be willing to sacrifice certain things – like your weekends – to attend classes or write your dissertation.
More importantly, you need to embrace the fact that the road to expertise doesn’t end with a master’s or a PhD. An expert acknowledges that there is always more to learn and improve.
Challenge Yourself Constantly
To maximize your growth as a professional, you must challenge yourself – as the popular adage goes, “step out of your comfort zone.” It’s not enough to simply practice the same skills you’ve already mastered. You need to apply those skills to learn more or acquire more advanced knowledge or skills.
A great way to apply this tip is by following Lev Vygotsky’s concept of zone of proximal development. According to this concept, to grow, you must engage in skills that are just outside of your current skill level. These skills are challenging enough for you but can be accomplished with some assistance, such as from a teacher or mentor.
Seek Feedback from a Mentor
Mentors can play a great role in your role toward expertise. A mentor can guide you in your studies, help you challenge yourself as you learn skills in your zone of proximal development, as well as show you opportunities where you can grow and be recognized.
One of the many benefits of getting a master’s degree is allowing professionals have access to experts in their field. You learn from these experts in classes or during dissertation consultations, but you can also engage with them on a deeper level and have them as a mentor.
Ask your mentor for feedback on your work and listen to them. Engage with them to challenge your mind to strive for better ways of thinking and doing things.
Always Look Out for the Next Step
One of the most important tips on how to become an expert in any field is to always be aware of your progress and what you need to do next. Remember that you must continue growing and pursuing improvement and deeper knowledge, so you cannot be complacent for too long.
Always look toward your long-term goal. Understand at what stage you are and what the next milestone is, and work toward it.
But even after you have achieved your long-term goal, experts will surely continue to find another goal to help them and their industry flourish.
Take a Step Closer to Becoming an Expert with Online PostGrad
While certain characteristics influence one’s success, the most important key to how to become an expert in any field is one’s dedication toward growth. Your inborn talents are merely tools and it’s ultimately up to you how you use those talents to achieve your goals.
So, put your talents to good use and take a step closer toward greatness with Online PostGrad. Take your pick from top post-graduate programs that you can pursue while you work.
Don’t hesitate to leave us a message if you have any questions.