From Generalist to Specialist: How Procurement Shaped My AI Journey
Early in my career, I made a common mistake: trying to learn every new technology that came along. Like many professionals, I believed being a "jack-of-all-trades" was the key to success.
Then my procurement experience taught me a valuable lesson - the most effective solutions weren't the ones trying to do everything. They were specialized tools designed for specific problems.
This realization completely changed my approach when I transitioned into AI.
Why Specialization Wins in Tech
The tech industry has reached a pivotal point where:
• Generic solutions often fail to address real business needs
• True value comes from deep understanding of specific domains
• Companies increasingly reward specialized expertise
My procurement background proved this when evaluating AI solutions:
• The most effective tools weren't the "do-it-all" platforms
• Niche solutions outperformed general ones in their specialty areas
• Implementation success depended on domain-specific knowledge
Finding Your Specialization
1. Leverage Your Existing Experience
My procurement background became my unfair advantage in:
• Understanding supply chain AI applications
• Evaluating vendor claims realistically
• Implementing solutions that actually worked
2. Identify High-Impact Problems
Look for areas where:
• Pain points are persistent and measurable
• Solutions create tangible business value
• Your unique perspective gives you an edge
3. Build Depth Through Practice
Start small but focused:
• Develop prototypes addressing specific pain points
• Contribute to open-source projects in your niche
• Share your domain-specific insights publicly
The Power of Focused Expertise
Specializing doesn't mean limiting yourself - it means multiplying your impact. My procurement experience, once seemingly unrelated, became my most valuable asset in AI.
Your next step:
- Reflect on your unique background
- Identify where it intersects with technology needs
- Start building depth in that intersection
The most successful technologists know everything about something important.
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