What is it you do?

I’ve been pondering this question a lot lately, for obvious reasons (I'm looking for a new full time gig). With a career as diverse as mine, one that's seen me work in various fields and undertake a myriad of roles, answering that simple question isn't always straightforward. And it seems I'm not alone in this struggle. Talking to others with similar career trajectories, it's become apparent that we often forget to acknowledge our own accomplishments.

Recently, I decided to make a list of some of the things I’ve done and shared it with a few trusted individuals. The reactions were nothing short of astonishment. It made me pause and reflect on the breadth of my experience.

• I’ve synthesised molecules
• I’ve crafted tiny nanoparticles of gold and assembled them on silicon chips
• I’ve used DNA to assemble nanoparticles into complex structures
• I got a degree and PhD
• I’ve broken barriers as the first member of my family to go to University
• I’ve invented materials for 3D printing
• I’ve designed 3D printers
• I’ve broken 3D printers
• I’ve made an exhibit for the British science museum
• I’ve learnt how to stitch wounds on part of cadaver for a project making simulated human tissue (long story!)
• I’ve tested 3D printed guns with the police
• I’ve spent time in parliament learning about the workings of government
• I won an award in parliament for my research
• I’ve worked with small companies all the way up to global aerospace and automotive companies doing R&D
• I’ve taught thousands of students the fundamentals of design and engineering
• I’ve supervised and managed hundreds of design and engineering projects
• I’ve designed, equipped and run an amazing makerspace with a team of extremely talented engineers and makers
• I've taught students who have gone on to start their own companies and be senior leaders in businesses
• I’ve made instructional youtube videos and hundreds of hours of teaching and learning content
• I’ve presented to a room of 2000 people
• I’ve hidden away in a toilet stall with terrible nerves before presenting to the room of 2000 people
• I taught the local womens institute about 3D printing
• I taught myself how to CAD
• I taught myself how to use a CAM software
• I’ve taught myself countless pieces of software just for ‘fun’
• I signed myself up to do an MBA because I wanted to keep learning and growing
• I’ve built business strategy for a global software company
• I’ve led a strategic marketing team for the same global software company
• I’ve learnt what it means to be truly customer focussed
• I’ve mentored, managed and coached countless people
• I’ve learnt how to manage and motivate people, refining my approach many times
• I’ve learnt a lot of ways to do things
• I’ve learnt a lot of ways to not do things
• I’ve not asked for help and struggled
• I’ve recognised the value of seeking help
• I’ve learnt what kind of leader I aspire to be
• I’ve discovered what kind of leader I don’t want to be
• I’ve gained insights from some of the most remarkable people

?

The list could go on and I’m sure I’ve missed stuff.

My takeway from writing the list was that I’m someone who has a growth mindset, who enjoys learning and will take on almost any challenge. Maybe that is what I actually do.

But amidst all these things I've done lies a challenge - a challenge shared by many people I've spoken to who thrive on diversity and novelty. In a world that often values specialisation over versatility, individuals with similar career histories can sometimes feel overlooked or misunderstood in traditional recruitment processes.

I've encountered job listings seeking candidates with a decade or more of experience in a singular field or role, leaving little room for those who thrive on variety and novelty. I know I've personally struggled when asked questions about my career plan for the future, where people have been expecting a very neat and well defined answer. Where do the generalists fit in? Where do the seekers of new challenges belong?

Despite the hurdles, I'm learning to embrace my diverse skill set as my superpower.

So, if you find yourself asking, 'What is it you do?' and the answer isn't immediately clear, perhaps you too have this superpower. Embrace the diversity of your experience and recognise the value that generalists could bring to any team or organisation you might manage.

And for recruiters and hiring managers, I urge you to look beyond the conventional checkboxes and consider the untapped potential of those who don't fit neatly into predefined boxes. You might just discover a wealth of talent and innovation waiting to get to work.