Beyond Specialization: Embracing the Generalist Approach

Course Overview

Specialize early. Commit to a single path. That’s what many of us are told we must do to succeed in school, sports, or work. But bestselling author, acclaimed journalist, and renowned TED speaker David Epstein argues that this advice is just plain wrong – and in his book Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, he lays out the evidence.

In this course, you’ll learn why Epstein believes generalists have a competitive advantage over those who specialize early. First, you’ll find out why “head starts” are overrated, when switching careers is a smart idea, and how a breadth of skills and experiences uniquely prepares you for an increasingly “wicked world.” You’ll then explore how to broaden your range to boost cognitive flexibility and analogical thinking, allowing you to solve problems across fields. Finally, you’ll discover the benefits of ditching long-term plans or old tools to pick up something new.

Unique Features of the Course

• Interactive Course
• Video(s)
• Knowledge Check(s)
• Quiz

Table to Content

• Welcome
• The Cult of the Head Start
• Winners Quit, and Quitters Win
• It’s a Wicked World
• Develop Cognitive Flexibility
• The Power of Analogies
• Drop Your Tools
• Ditch Your Long-Term Plan
• Make Learning Difficult
• The Outsider Advantage
• Conclusion
• Quiz

Intended audience

This course is intended for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as working professionals from all streams/departments/functions.