Following Industry Trends Can Be a Career Trap

Why not to just run after every new trend in tech

Aug 11, 2024

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In today's tech world, keeping an eye on trends like GenAI and Blockchain is important, but blindly following every new wave can lead to career pitfalls. You will be someone going through “Shiny Object Syndrome” and running after latest shiny and exciting technology without fully considering its long-term implications or relevance to one's career.

Your have limited time. Chasing every new trend in tech can be costly.

While it's good to explore new things, focusing too much on fleeting technologies can distract you from mastering essential skills that are always in demand.

If you go to any job portal, you will see full-stack developer roles way more than GenAI engineer.

Let’s dive deep on what we should rather do:

1. Do not run after every trend

New technologies and buzzwords emerge frequently, but their relevance can fade just as quickly. For example, a few years ago, everyone was talking about virtual reality (VR) as the next big thing in gaming and entertainment. While VR technology has found niche applications, it hasn’t revolutionized as predicted.

Investing heavily in fleeting trends like these can divert your focus from mastering timeless skills that employers consistently value.

2. Focus on Depth, Not Just Breadth

Employers value specialists who can deeply understand and solve complex problems over generalists who dabble in many technologies. For instance, becoming proficient in a programming language or mastering a specific area of cloud computing can open more career doors than superficial knowledge of multiple trendy tools.

Building depth in your expertise allows you to deliver consistent, high-quality work and adapt more effectively when new trends do become mainstream.

3. Build Core Skills First

Fundamental skills such as logical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential across all tech domains. These skills remain relevant regardless of the latest trend. An engineer proficient in cybersecurity principles will always be in demand, regardless of whether blockchain remains a hot topic or not. Investing in these core competencies ensures your long-term career stability and adaptability.

4. Do Strategic Adoption of Trends

When considering adopting a new trend, take a strategic approach. Evaluate its potential impact on your field and career goals. For instance, machine learning has transformed industries like finance and healthcare, offering significant career opportunities for engineers with the right skills.

By understanding the practical applications and potential longevity of a trend, you can make informed decisions about where to invest your learning efforts.

5. Navigate the Hype Cycle

New technologies often go through a hype cycle—from initial excitement to widespread adoption or disillusionment. Consider the early days of cloud computing, which faced skepticism before becoming a cornerstone of modern IT infrastructure. Avoid being caught in the hype by critically assessing a trend’s real-world applications and potential drawbacks. This approach helps you differentiate between passing fads and genuinely transformative innovations.

But, does that mean we should be ignorant of these trends ?

Not at all, everyone in tech should be aware of these, you just don’t need to be an expert at all.

Staying Updated Without Getting Overwhelmed

While it’s important not to dive too deeply into every new trend, staying informed can help you avoid feeling outdated. Here are a few tips:

Read Industry News
Follow reputable tech news sites and blogs that summarize the latest trends without requiring a deep dive.
Listen to Podcasts and Newsletters
Tech podcasts can provide insights and discussions on emerging trends during your commute or workout.
Network with Peers
Engage with your professional network to hear about trends and their practical implications. Follow people on LinkedIN who are though leaders in the areas you are interested in.
Set Learning Goals
Allocate a small portion of your time each week to explore new technologies, ensuring you stay informed without it dominating your schedule.