In the age of AI, it is tempting to think that those with hyper-specialized technology skills will reign supreme. But who are the real powerhouses?
They’re not just the AI experts nor the coders who can spin out algorithms like a Las Vegas dealer handing out cards. They are the “Expert Generalists”—those who can quickly learn new subjects and know how to connect the dots across multiple disciplines.
I was first introduced to the term “expert generalist” during a conversation with Dr. Peter Rodriguez, the current Dean of Rice Business, about the future skills economy. The term has stuck with me ever since, and the more I think about our conversation, the more convinced I am that Dr. Rodriguez is spot on.
These expert generalists are the people whose creativity, curiosity, and ability to think critically will outshine both the machines and those who focus on narrow expertise. In short, the Expert Generalist will be your boss, my boss, and everyone else’s.
The good news is that you don’t need to pick a major like “Renaissance Studies” to get there. It would help if you encouraged your student instead to take radical ownership of their college education and be hyper-intentional about their growth in and outside the classroom by fostering creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, and human connections.
Creativity: The money-making skill
The Expert Generalist is fueled by creativity, and one of the best ways to build this skill is by stepping outside your comfort zone. In college, please encourage your students not to only stick to the courses they are comfortable with. Take an art class, a creative writing workshop, or even improv comedy (trust me, the ability to think on your feet will come in handy). My favorite class in college was “Theatre for non-majors,” and I still use what I learned from that course all the time.
Curiosity: The lifelong skill that outlasts trends
Curiosity is the engine behind every Expert Generalist. It’s what drives them to learn more, even about things that don’t seem relevant at the time. While many think success comes from mastering one specific skill, the Expert Generalist knows that understanding how multiple fields intersect is the ticket to the future. The key here is to develop a natural habit of asking questions and seeking new knowledge. Start by learning widely—not just read about what’s hot in tech or your major. Learn about the intersectionality of philosophy, psychology, economics, and the arts.
Critical Thinking: The art of seeing through the hype
In a world where AI can generate just about anything (including fake news and misinformation), critical thinking is no longer optional—it’s essential. Expert Generalists are known for their ability to think critically, question assumptions, and see through the noise. Trends or shallow insights do not easily sway them; instead, they dig deeper, looking for what truly matters.
The power of connecting with humans
In an AI-driven world, the Expert Generalist’s greatest strength might be their ability to connect with others on a human level. AI can process data and offer solutions but lacks emotional intelligence—the ability to understand, empathize, and communicate effectively with people. Conversely, expert generalists thrive on their learned ability to build relationships, inspire teams, and lead with empathy.
Practical steps to become an Expert Generalist
Now that you’ve got the theory down, here are some additional practical ways to start building your Expert Generalist skill set:
- Diversify Your Coursework: Don’t just stick to one major. Take classes in fields that seem unrelated, like psychology, art, or even an elective that piques your interest. The more interdisciplinary your knowledge base, the better. Some colleges, like my alma mater, are offering secondary majors, where there can be collaborations and cross-listings between unaffiliated departments, such as the School of Music and the School of Business.
- Learn Across Disciplines: Aim to read at least one book a month outside your major. Who reads books these days, you may wonder? The people who will be in charge of those who do not, that’s who. Pick topics that interest you but aren’t directly related to your career path. What you pick doesn’t matter – what matters is that students cultivate their natural curiosity and consistently learn more deeply about their topic of choice.
- Join Interdisciplinary Clubs: Whether it’s a debate club, an entrepreneurship group, or a volunteer organization, get involved in activities with people from different backgrounds. Make sure it’s a club your student is interested in, so they stick with it and take leadership roles.
- Pursue Passion Projects: Outside school, engage in hobbies that push creative boundaries—photography, writing, or even starting a small side business. These passion projects often allow students to tap into their deepest interests and strengths, which can be utilized in college and the workforce.
Becoming an Expert Generalist means cultivating a curiosity, creativity, and connection mindset. AI might handle some mundane tasks, but people like your students—who can think critically, ask the right questions, and build relationships—will lead the way. And remember, when your student eventually becomes the boss, it’ll be the machines (as well as other humans) working for them, not the other way around.
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