One of the key features of expertise is a deep knowledge of the tools you need to do your job.
Mechanical Design? You’re probably very familiar with the CAD software you used every day.
Data Analysis?
You’ve probably got a data plotting tool that you know inside and out.
No matter the domain, it’s difficult to do work at a high level without understanding how best to use your tools to get your job done.
Often, that becomes one specific tool out of a list of possibilities.
You’re not just good at CAD, you’re good at SolidWorks.
You’re not just good at Data Visualization, you’re good at Plotly.
This is great, and almost essential - It’s pretty much impossible to become deeply familiar with multiple versions of the same tool.
Depth of knowledge is the result.
But sometimes breadth can be useful too.
How often do you take “rival” tools for a spin, just to see what they can do?
I’ve had reason to do just that in a couple different domains over the past week, and I’ve truly benefited from the experience.
What should you try?
-Brian Schoolcraft
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