almost daniel » employement http://almostdaniel.com i am a coder, an array explode(r). but here is where i write. Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:35:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 jacks of all trades or masters of one? http://almostdaniel.com/2010/03/12/jacks-of-all-trades-or-masters-of-one/ http://almostdaniel.com/2010/03/12/jacks-of-all-trades-or-masters-of-one/#comments Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:09:12 +0000 daniel http://almostdaniel.com/?p=420 There are three foci of web professionals: Technology, Design, and Business. Some folks focus on one exclusively (specialists), others integrate two or more foci into their work (generalists). “T-shaped” people have a broad set of general skills and knowledge with a deep skillset in one or two specific areas.
[session description]

Presenter(s)
Brian Talbot
M Jackson Wilkinson
Date
12 March 2010
Tag(s)
#jacksofalltrades

Generalists

Web designers with markup chops. UX architects. Front-end engineer (CSS, Javascript).

“Honestly, I’m shocked that in 2010 I’m still coming across ‘web designers’ who can’t code their own designs. No excuse.” ~ Elliot Jay Stocks, Web designers who can’t code.

Analysis (self)

Do you like handling things from start to finish? Do you like working alone on projects? Can you learn and understand foreign concepts quickly? Do you need variety in your career? Are you good at knowing when you’re in over your head? Is job security a priority for you?

Analysis (team)

Is the team small? Is your team process more agile than waterfall? Do you need someone who can pitch in in various ways? Are you hiring a manager/exec?

Specialists

Web designers that focus on the visual. User researchers. Database performance engineers.

Analysis (self)

Do you feel the need to be the best at one thing? Are you competitive and a perfectionist? Do you want to work on the new/hip/sexy projects?

Analysis (team)

Do you have a decent process in place? Is amazing execution your top priority? Can you keep team members busy all the time?

Point / Counterpoint

  • Specialists are the perfect tools for the specific job. Generalists take care of whatever is needed and get the job done.
  • Specialists keep current on trends and techniques. Generalists can ensure that execution matches intention (bridges gaps between communication points).
  • Specialists can be ignorant of external constraints and push boundaries past known limits. Generalists can see the big picture and the consequences of decisions.
  • Specialists can take advantage of specific market opportunities. Generalists can pivot / change easily throughout the lifespan of a career, even change careers.
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DO NOT CREATE ANY REQUISITIONS ON MONDAY JUNE 30. Any requisition created on June 30 will be canceled by Purchasing and you will need to recreate it on July 1 with new year funds and your name will be removed from the book of life.

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