Page 46 - FCW, August 2021

Management
Challenge yourself to become an expert in a subject in the technology field. It can be in a technology or process discipline or the application of solutions to address business challenges.
mathematical algorithms and simulation techniques to model these systems to maximize the throughput of a wide-area network while minimizing cost. I had to learn wide-area networking, understand the state-of-the-art mathematical algo- rithms used for network optimization, and learn new languages and tools to develop software programs for support- ing projects to optimize our customers’ networks. It was demanding and intel- lectually stimulating work.
Given that so much of what I was learning was new, I was overwhelmed for quite a while. But sometime during my third year on the job, I was feeling more comfortable in my role. By my fifth year, I felt capable in the position, working with our customers, collecting the appropriate data, applying the right software tools and delivering value for our customers. In retrospect, at about that five-year mark, I could have called myself an expert in doing wide-area net- work design.
That does not mean I developed new algorithms to advance the state of wide-area network design. Instead, I applied the best capabilities available at that time to the challenge of optimizing wide-area networks. Therefore, I view my expertise in network design as the third type described above, supporting the use of technology to address a spe- cific business challenge.
Today, given the advancements in networking technology, there is no need for the types of network designs I specialized in during the 1980s. Yet I don’t regret the years I spent early in my career specializing in network design. It taught me much about applying tech-
nology to customers’ challenges, serv- ing our customers, and managing tasks and then small projects. It started me on a path that enabled me to lead larger IT projects and, eventually, large IT programs.
Striving to become an expert
So challenge yourself to become an expert in a subject in the technology field. It can be in a technology or pro- cess discipline or the application of solutions to address business challeng- es. But how do you go about identify- ing the subject that’s right for you? And once you have identified a subject, what are the steps you should take?
First, identify potential subjects in which you can strive to become an expert. The subjects need to align with your long-term career goals and match well with the KSAs you are looking to develop to help you attain your long- term goals. You should also have excite- ment and even passion for the subjects you have identified.
But to become an expert is not just about book learning. You must identi- fy subjects in which you can gain real- world experience, using the technology or process day after day in real-world situations. Finally, use your mentors to try out your ideas, and ask for and be open to critical feedback regarding your choices. Do your mentors believe you have innate skills to master a particu- lar technology or discipline? Do they think it will help you address the devel- opment of KSAs that support your long- term goals? Do they have other ideas on particular subjects that might be a better fit for you? Mentors can provide
significant help as you work through this decision.
With considerable focus and effort, you can become an expert in a chosen subject in a five-year timeframe. That fits well with my recommendation for viewing your career in five-year segments. It also works well with the development of your individual devel- opment plan (IDP), which should be a five-year plan.
As you work to develop an IDP that will help you become an expert in a chosen subject, first focus on the need for formal education or training. For example, returning to the cybersecu- rity roles, perhaps there is a subject in cybersecurity for which you have a passion. Obtaining a master’s degree in cybersecurity is an option you might consider. Maybe you could also add a cybersecurity certification or two from organizations such as (ISC)2 or ISACA.
But that, in and of itself, does not qualify you as an expert. You need to develop practical skills, which require several years of hands-on experience. You should identify and join the profes- sional association that best aligns with your efforts to develop your expertise in your chosen subject. It’s there that experts in your subject assemble, and with the right involvement, you can rela- tively quickly get to know a number of them. Look to build your network of existing experts in your subject through a professional association. Ideally, one of those experts can serve as a mentor to help accelerate your development. For instance, such a mentor can point you to the publications (to include books and periodicals) in your subject
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