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To me this question depends greatly on to how you define the terms. Personally what I would prefer someone who is unbelievable in one area, but is able to apply

To me this question depends greatly on to how you define the terms. Personally what I would prefer someone who is unbelievable in one area, but is able to apply their knowledge to other areas if that's whats is needed of them. I would have a lot of hesitancy hiring someone who is extremely specialized and can't do anything useful whatsoever outside of their area of specialization, or someone who is so generalized that they can't function at a high level in any one area. To me both of these cases are signs of weakness in someones ability. But if I had to give a black or white answer I would say specialist. If you are proven highly effective in one area, I believe it's more likely for you to be able to be highly effective in others if need be if given the time. Somebody aiming to be mediocre at everything is not someone I want to work with.

xauronx 14y ago
As someone who calls himself a "generalist" and claims it's the best thing in the world; you're probably on the right track here. I'm good at a wide variety of things, but I don't typically delve to deep into things. What does that mean? I'm awesome at prototyping on any platform and quickly, but making a system that will endure, be secure and reliable? Probably not your best bet picking me. Now, where is the "post anonymously" button...
- stevenameyer 14y ago
  There is a large place for generalists. A lot of companies, especially startups, love them because when you have a company of 5-10 people everyone needs the ability to wear a lot of different hats. My point was that being a pure specialist, or a pure generalist is not great in my opinion, because often aspects of both are necessary to be successful. The last part where I stated I would prefer a specialist is a matter of opinion. I believe that being proven at a high level in one area makes transitioning to another area much easier and shows evidence of being able to achieve a high level of mastery. Plus I have a tendency to be drawn to people who are pushing to be the best at what they do, rather then aiming to be pretty good at everything. Maybe thats just my 20-year old bravado. There is definitely a lot of good work available for generalists and I definitely am not discouraging you from being one. Simply giving my opinion on the subject.
phn 14y ago
You touch an interesting point. Maybe the big factor then is to find out which "kind" of specialist can change "speciality" as needed. i.e. is not afraid of learning new things and take completely new roles.

xauronx 14y ago

As someone who calls himself a "generalist" and claims it's the best thing in the world; you're probably on the right track here. I'm good at a wide variety of things, but I don't typically delve to deep into things. What does that mean? I'm awesome at prototyping on any platform and quickly, but making a system that will endure, be secure and reliable? Probably not your best bet picking me. Now, where is the "post anonymously" button...

stevenameyer 14y ago
There is a large place for generalists. A lot of companies, especially startups, love them because when you have a company of 5-10 people everyone needs the ability to wear a lot of different hats. My point was that being a pure specialist, or a pure generalist is not great in my opinion, because often aspects of both are necessary to be successful. The last part where I stated I would prefer a specialist is a matter of opinion. I believe that being proven at a high level in one area makes transitioning to another area much easier and shows evidence of being able to achieve a high level of mastery. Plus I have a tendency to be drawn to people who are pushing to be the best at what they do, rather then aiming to be pretty good at everything. Maybe thats just my 20-year old bravado. There is definitely a lot of good work available for generalists and I definitely am not discouraging you from being one. Simply giving my opinion on the subject.

phn 14y ago

You touch an interesting point. Maybe the big factor then is to find out which "kind" of specialist can change "speciality" as needed. i.e. is not afraid of learning new things and take completely new roles.