I recently read “Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World” by David Epstein, which uses a series of real world examples to explain how having diverse experiences can be advantageous. He explains that for solutions to today’s problems, it is more relevant to have a diversity of experience across multiple industries, so that it is possible to create connections between disciplines.
This really resonated with me as someone who has made a major career transition and who has always had many passions, making me feel validated. Finally I felt less alone in having multiple interests, after feeling isolated during my career change.
Epstein explains that those who opt for the multidisciplinary path earlier in their careers experience longer term benefits, such as being more adaptable and able to solve problems, having a greater chance of finding a niche which is a good fit for them, being happier, and being able to draw connections between their multiple passions. He goes on to explain that college can play a dual role of developing skills for a job, whilst also allowing students to self-explore further. He identifies a problem: that people are often forced to find out what they want to be, before they discover who they are. To use terms from economic theory, being multidisciplinary results in a higher chance of getting the best match quality in career choices.
He explained that everyone is working in “parallel trenches”, where no one looks up to see what’s happening in the next trench or draws connections. I thought this was a really interesting point, since by looking up, and maybe even trying out the path in a parallel trench, it becomes possible to take ideas from one area and apply them in a new area, creating the possibility of being more entrepreneurial.
This book made me rethink the term “career change”. Instead of thinking of them as changes, implying that we are starting from scratch again, we could start thinking of our career transitions as career “additions”. We do not lose or throw away everything we’ve done already prior to making a career transition. Actually, the career additions mean we are adding something new to our existing repertoire of skills and experiences. By combining both the old experiences and new ones, we unlock a new, unique superpower of skills and experiences which is where the magic begins to happen.
Of course in some places, yes you will be a beginner again (I certainly was in my biochemistry and pharmacology classes at medical school as a graduate student with no background in the life sciences). But what I did have was my professional experience of working with clients which helped me immensely in developing strong relationships with patients, and the ability to see healthcare from a macro perspective, economically and politically, and not just a micro perspective on the wards. I also had research and analysis skills – so much of medicine is evidence based and requires knowing how to interpret statistical analysis. I’ve now found a niche where I can bring together all of the things I am passionate about to work in the intersection of healthcare, economics, policy, and research, in what will hopefully be a portfolio career across the clinical and non-clinical worlds.
If you are considering making a career change, or maybe you already have, then consider reframing it as a career addition to find your own unique superpower of skills and experiences.
Preeti Kaur 