Five ways of becoming an expert in your field

Being an expert in your field is something that every professional strives for. Not only is it satisfying when colleagues come to you for help, but positioning yourself as an expert is also a great way of creating value for yourself and your organization. But just how should you go about becoming an expert? Here are five tips to help you on your way.

1. Focus your efforts

An expert is someone who is extremely knowledgeable about a particular subject. But most jobs involve a wide range of responsibilities. As a result, it’s difficult to become an expert without specifically setting out to do so. The solution: focus your efforts. Choose one particular aspect of your work and concentrate on becoming more knowledgeable about that specific subject. This will allow you to develop your skills in your chosen area of focus while still keeping up with your other responsibilities.

2. Choose something you’re passionate about

Choosing a subject that you’re passionate about is crucial. An expert must be prepared to learn a great deal about a specific subject. So do yourself a favor and choose something that you’re really interested in. That way, keeping your expertise up to date won’t feel like a chore, but instead will be something you actually look forward to.

3. Establish your reputation

Experts don’t wait to be noticed but take initiative themselves. It’s important that colleagues know that they can come to you with their questions about your field of expertise. If you notice something that could be improved, explain why and suggest an alternative. Your colleagues will appreciate the help and will remember to turn to you with any questions on that subject in the future. With a little work, you can establish your reputation as the “go-to” person in your organization!

4. Inform your online network

A solid professional network is a crucial part of any successful career. Your network is filled with people who may be able to help your career along in the future. It’s important to make them aware of your specialization. But how? One effective strategy is to share articles, whitepapers, blogs and videos about your area of expertise. Don’t forget to personalize them by adding your own commentary before sharing, making the message more relevant to your network.

5. Become a lifelong learner

And last but not least: never stop learning! Being an expert is great, but staying an expert is even better. Make sure to keep on top of the latest developments in your field of expertise. You’ve worked hard to build your skills and expertise, so keep those skills sharp in the long term. That way you’ll continue to be of value to your colleagues and to your organization, not to mention yourself!

Ready to become an expert within your organization? By working on your professional development at your current job, you can boost your effectiveness and accelerate your career. Read our free whitepaper, 'Accelerate your Career' for practical tips on how to take charge of your career and better structure your efforts.

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