In 2013, at the age of 22, I found myself in what many in my field would consider a dream position: working in New York City as an analyst at Goldman Sachs. The position offered everything young professionals are typically told to value: competitive compensation, a prestigious brand name, world-class offices in Manhattan, comprehensive benefits, and a clear career trajectory. I was at the epitome of certainty—or so it seemed.

Beneath this veneer of security, doubt was brewing. I recognized that my long-term skill development would become increasingly specialized, which would limit my options for the future. Specialization promised stability, but it also trapped me on a single track. And in hindsight, I’m glad I stepped off it.

THE SPECIALIZATION TRAP

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