Can multiple specialisations give you an extra edge?

By Neha Sharma Jha

It is only natural for a student or a working professional to constantly aspire and up the career trajectory for the better. It is only human nature to try and be better than the best. In this regard, specialised education is certainly a luxury in making life comfortable in a highly specialised, skill based and competitive world. However, it is equally important to pause and interrogate the rationale behind the impact of multifaceted education options in advancing the technical expertise and intellectual prowess in addition to promoting the individual in the ‘multitalented' zone.

Should the two ‘I's -interest and industry, be the only guiding factors or other factors such as the right time, career need and boredom with the monotony of mind should intervene the decision making process, is a question worth a chew. Khushwant Jain, Chief Advisor, Q&A at Shiksha.com opined in favour of single specialisation. According to him, ‘‘while opting for dual specialisation many a times student himself is not confident of the field in which he/she would make a career. If someone is well decided about a personal career path then opting for dual degrees can be an opportunity to explore new knowledge and learn from that specialisation too.'' Kamaraju Pulugurtha, Chief advisor, Q&A at Shiksha.com aptly remarked, ‘‘these are the days of super-specialisation. We are also inclined to be selective about a particular field and nurture it with all fondness. Specialisation is inevitable and these are the days of expertise.''

Interestingly, single specialisation may limit the employment options while multiple degree specialisations, if pursued efficiently may demonstrate the versatility of the individual in comprehending different types of knowledge systems as much as it may add diversity to the resume. However, Chief Advisor Nikhlesh Mathur, diverted attention to the voice of reason, ‘‘I would prefer single specialisation until the specialised person becomes so efficient in his field of specialisation that carrying out duties pertaining to that specialisation becomes a walk in the park and when he/she has nothing more to learn form a practical point of view. When this achieved, which itself is quite difficult, the person can opt for getting specialised on another spectrum.''

Another Chief Advisor, Dennis Vasanthakumar vouched for single specialisation as a ‘must have', and added that an informed choice is the precursor of a wise decision. It would be unwise to ignore the voice of caution that blatantly introduces the fact that piling up degrees/specialisations is not a passport to employment. Gautam Joshi, Chief Advisor at Shiksha while supporting the sub-specialisation for its ability to infuse instant, useful but little knowledge maintains that a single specialisation offers a holistic overview and aids decision making for further subspecialisations.

While individual interest and inclination should guide the first degree, it would be intelligent to complement the second specialisation with the first one. A cautious treading on the path of dual degrees may not only consolidate the current education but also help the individual imbibe unique learning from a related, yet different stream. One can also bank upon the internal training and education certifications that various companies offer to its employees in order to hone their skills and upgrade their knowledge.

Another user had an interesting insight to share. Excel says, "It is age of 1 + 1 free, so colleges are offering double specialisation, more of marketing or sales strategy, and students are getting into such schemes. And alas! experts are not being produced. Average IN Average OUT, is happening. Market results are very clear. There are Management vacancies, there are MBAs but not experts, and so no recruitments or less recruitments. I suggest, select single specialisation and be expert."

'The more the merrier' may hold true if and only if, you can prove to your potential employer that your thoughts align with logic, your creativity is parallel to efficiency and your diligence is adjacent to competence. In other words, balance your personal qualities and professional skills with your specialisation(s) and you have a recipe for success.

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