The debate between recruiting specialized versus generalized talent in top development organizations continues.
The future development leader will possess a holistic view of the field and won’t overspecialize — but that’s not to say that technical skills won’t remain in demand, according to panelists at Devex’s 7th Annual D.C. Career Forum.
A technical specialist has a specific depth of knowledge concerning a particular sector, which proves very useful for the organization’s overall strategic objectives. But leadership positions, more often than not, require a generalist approach to management.
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About the author
Claire Luke
Claire is a journalist passionate about all things development, with a particular interest in labor, having worked previously for the Indonesia-based International Labor Organization. She has experience reporting in Cambodia, Nicaragua and Burma, and is happy to be immersed in the action of D.C. Claire is a master's candidate in development economics at the George Washington Elliott School of International Affairs and received her bachelor's degree in political philosophy from the College of the Holy Cross.
