Being An “Expert”

In the security profession  – or in any discipline really – being an “expert” or “expert witness” is usually not a position to which one aspires at an early age.  It often comes first as an ancillary endeavor, then perhaps as a full-time profession.  It usually comes mid-career, and often endures past career prime and even past normal retirement time.  So how does one “become” an expert?  Is there a course or test that must be taken to “become” an expert?  Here’s the reality:

 

One does not necessarily seek recognition as an “expert;” and “expert” is not a connotation or designation bestowed on oneself – it is status or standing in one’s profession as attested to and recognized and conferred by others.  Therefore, there is – and really can be – no course of study or training program or test that culminates with the title of “expert” since a true “expert” does not become so until the expertise is recognized by others.

 

An “expert” is generally recognized for a composite of professional education, training, experience, expertise, analytical skills, writing skills, presentation skills, involvement in professional organizations, involvement in professional activities as a volunteer, professional and personal integrity, professional and personal credibility – and having a good track record in all the aforementioned.  And in addition to these attributes, “experts” usually have some other traits that are acknowledged by others:   He is the “go-to” guy within his organization;  he is a “go-to” guy within one’s industry and/or among one’s professional peers;  he is actively sought to help with resolving problems or improving operations or developing strategies or developing policies and procedures – being sought to do for others what they should/could be doing for themselves.  He is regarded as the person who will almost undoubtedly do the right thing or have the right answer at the right time.

 

So being the smartest man in the world by self-appointment – even if true – does not make one an “expert” as the term is being used here.  Rather, it is the acknowledgement by others that one is the right person to do a particular job that distinguishes one as an “expert.”

Academic vs. Practical Security Knowledge

Regardless of the extent of knowledge acquired via formal education or academic pursuit, it is almost always most beneficial to retain a security consultant or expert witness who has practical, hands-on experience in the subject matter at hand.

When a particular situation or case needs someone to interpret or present information that is based solely on scientific or theoretical fact, an expert with only an educational or academic background might be most suitable.  But in circumstances requiring expert OPINION – knowledge of specialized information and its application to a specific scenario – an expert with practical experience is most valuable.  In such cases, an expert who has been personally involved in the application of the relevant subject matter to a variety of diverse situations will be best able to provide the comprehensive insight that is needed to best assist the organization or attorney because he has had to not only know the subject matter, but has had to apply that knowledge to the situational nuances of the real world (a skill not generally found in experts who only possess academic or theoretical knowledge).

The primary value that a security consultant or expert witness brings to an organizational situation or legal case is his ability to apply general security principles to a specific situation because he has been there and done that.