Above Average

An Ode to Multidisciplinarity

Is it better to excel at something or being well above average in many disciplines is enough?

Or even better.

Surely, it is preferred to be pretty good at something than inept at everything, nonetheless the common idea of focusing on just one specific field may be limiting, to a certain extent, and according to one's own goals. In this mutable, technological world, multidisciplinarity may and should be an advantage.

It is not new the fact that some politicians, public speakers and experts are trying to advise —and warn— younger generations about the most promising fields (STEM) against others (Liberal Arts). It is evident that more and more jobs will require highly-skilled workers with an education in computer science, engineering and related fields. It is also quite visible that a humanist related background in pair with Media & Communication studies (among others) may be relevant in an increasingly mediated-globalized world, with inevitable pros and cons of course. Somebody should definitely be able to talk to machines (and program them), understand nature and the human body. On the other hand, somebody else should still be able to communicate with billions of people, online and offline, while understanding their needs and problems, as long as cultural traits and language nuances. Of course, despite being an arduous path, it is not mutually exclusive that a programmer or an engineer could not know a few languages in more than a functional way or have artistic interests. As much as a linguist or sociologist could cultivate a passion for web or graphic design when fully taking care of a personal blog, social network pages, or just seeking self-promotion.

Indeed, the previous examples are just scratching the surface of the incredible interdisciplinary possibilities (and downsides) offered by this connected, "borderless" today's world.

The attempt of this article is surely NOT to limit the, perhaps few, who were born with a defined idea, an established path (not the one chosen by the family), a crystal clear dream. Instead, it is aimed to encourage the ones who —like the author of this post— are moved by an ever-expanding curiosity for multiple disciplines, intertwined with an omnipresent uncertainty toward the near future. A wondrous perdition that I do not (want to) see as a drawback but as an incitation, a push to explore new dimensions, new fields, peeking into new doors, and entering them with childish open-mindedness, and again:

Curiosity.

One may realize sooner or later along his life that is not particularly well-versed with a specific discipline, or any of them (Flappy Bird & akin don't count). Even so, skills that were previously considered secondary, side-interests, passions or hobbies may turn out to be more valuable than expected. A few examples could be passive knowledge of a language, a photography extra-course taken during undergraduate studies, or a summer camp teaching experience, and the list goes on. However, nowadays some skills can be acquired online, not easily, but with the right amount of devotion and genuine interest.

Certainly, it may be simple to get lost during the frenzy of the process. As previusly said, the opportunities out there are plentiful, but time, money and resources are not limitless. Ultimately, nobody should feel restrained from trying something new, going off the beaten (professional) path in order to elevate the many "average" scores in multiple disciplines, but common sense and a usual amount of reasoning is always more than welcome to be considered and undertaken.

The internet is arguably THE place where to look for ideas and tips, in order to foster your "averages." However, regardless of the research tool, it is advisable to find a balance between "what the world needs or want me to be" and "what I genuinely like and where I think I can make a (small) difference." In other words, between what the job market wants and what you want.

Eventually, the choice is yours, and potential regrets, as well.

Lastly, for the ones who managed to excel at 'everything' they attempted, I would really love to hear from you, for the rest of us, mere mortals:

Keep trying!