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.”
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