In 2013, at 22, I landed what many would call a dream job: an analyst role at Goldman Sachs in New York City. The position came with a prestigious title, a hefty paycheck, stunning Manhattan offices, robust benefits, and a predictable career path. It seemed like the pinnacle of success—until I realized it was leading me toward a future I wasn’t sure I wanted.
Beneath the surface of this apparent security, I felt uneasy. The deeper I went into my role, the more specialized my skills became, narrowing my options and locking me into a single trajectory. I chose to step away, and looking back, that decision opened doors I couldn’t have imagined.
The Risks of Overspecialization
The tech industry’s 2025 layoffs—72,808 workers across 150 companies—highlight the dangers of overspecialization. Many of those affected were experts in niche roles that didn’t translate easily to other fields. The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2030, 70% of the skills used in today’s jobs will be obsolete. Expertise that feels indispensable now may not survive the next wave of change.
David Epstein’s book Range offers a compelling counterpoint: generalists often outperform specialists in dynamic, unpredictable settings. Their ability to draw connections across fields, adapt to new contexts, and apply skills flexibly gives them an edge in navigating complexity.
A Career Fueled by Versatility
Take my friend Taylor (a pseudonym), who, after earning an English degree, joined Teach for America to teach in an underserved community. It was a prestigious start, but he questioned whether it was the best way to make an impact. He taught himself to code, pivoted into tech, and eventually became an agile scrum master at Nike. As he advanced, his coding skills—the very thing that got him hired—became less critical. Instead, his ability to read people, manage diverse teams, and solve complex problems, honed through his varied experiences, set him apart.
Taylor’s story shows how a broad skill set, built across disciplines, can create a resilient career. His English degree sharpened his communication, teaching developed his empathy and leadership, and coding gave him technical credibility. Together, these experiences formed a versatile toolkit that allowed him to thrive.
Five Generalist Skills to Cultivate
Through my work with Venture for Canada, supporting thousands of young professionals, I’ve seen that while specialization has its place, adaptability is the key to thriving in uncertainty. Here are five skills to prioritize:
Effective Communication: Clear articulation, active listening, and navigating interpersonal dynamics are critical, especially for those starting their careers. Young professionals who hone these skills are better prepared to handle ambiguity and build trust.
Authentic Networking: When fundraising for Venture for Canada, I faced constant rejection until I stopped relying on polished pitches. Sharing my real story—the struggles, doubts, and passion behind my work—built genuine connections that turned skeptics into supporters.
Collaborative Problem-Solving: In fast-paced or uncertain environments, reliability and the ability to address conflict directly are non-negotiable. Strong collaborators build trust and drive results, even when the path forward is unclear.
Time and Focus Management: In How Will You Measure Your Life?, Clayton Christensen emphasizes allocating time intentionally to align with your goals. Prioritizing tasks that build long-term value over short-term busyness is a skill that pays dividends.
Curiosity as a Mindset: Curiosity transforms uncertainty from a threat into an opportunity. By approaching challenges as puzzles to solve, you unlock creative solutions and turn the unknown into a space for growth.
The Gen Z Edge
Today’s career landscape is more volatile than ever, but you’re uniquely equipped to navigate it. Unlike previous generations, you’ve grown up with instant access to knowledge and tools. You can learn coding or other skills through online tutorials, connect with global experts, and share your work for real-time feedback—all without formal training.
By pairing this adaptability with deliberate generalist skill-building, you can turn volatility into opportunity. The ability to learn quickly, connect across disciplines, and embrace uncertainty isn’t just an advantage—it’s your superpower.