Thought leaders such as Brené Brown, Marie Forleo and Mike Cannon-Brookes work in entirely different fields, but they all have one thing in common: they’re all innovative subject matter experts, leading their chosen industries in visible and inspiring ways. Not to mention, they’re all highly successful in business.
A subject matter expert, or SME, is someone who has accumulated great knowledge in their field through their commitment to ongoing professional development and years of experience. You might also hear them referred to as thought leaders.
Nobody starts out their career as an SME. In order to become one, you must first start out as a learner with a keen interest in a particular topic and a clear direction. That’s where a postgraduate qualification from the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) can help.
What factors make someone a subject matter expert?
To become an SME in your chosen field, you’ll require a combination of several key factors. Some will come early in your career, and some will take time, but they’re all important.
These factors include:
- Deep knowledge – An SME has to have a profound understanding of their field. They go beyond surface-level knowledge and have a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter, its history, current trends, and future directions.
- Continuous learning – Being an SME means making a commitment to lifelong learning. You’ll need to stay updated with the latest research, developments, and industry trends to maintain your expertise.
- Experience – Practical experience is crucial. SMEs have hands-on experience in their field, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge effectively.
- Problem-solving skills – SMEs are great at solving complex problems related to their subject matter. They can analyse issues, identify solutions, and communicate them clearly to others.
- Effective communication – An SME can share their knowledge with all sorts of audiences, from beginners to experts, through teaching, writing, and presenting.
- Recognition – You’ll be recognised by peers, colleagues, and industry experts as an SME, thanks to your communication skills (see point above) and your leadership skills.
- Passion and commitment – Being an SME can be a labour of love. It requires passion and a deep commitment to your field over the long term.
How can being a subject matter expert help my career progression?
Finding ways to stand out in the job market is a great way to advance in your career, and being an SME is a proven way to stand out for all the right reasons.
Being known as a subject matter expert:
- Builds credibility and trust. As an SME, you’re recognised as a go-to source for knowledge and guidance in your field. This credibility and trust are invaluable assets in any profession. Colleagues, employers, and clients will turn to you for insights, advice, and solutions, enhancing your reputation as a reliable and knowledgeable professional.
- Enhances your problem-solving skills. Becoming an SME requires deep knowledge and continuous learning, and this process can help you hone your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. You'll become adept at tackling complex issues, which can lead to more challenging and rewarding career opportunities.
- Opens doors to leadership roles. Organisations often look for people with expertise to lead teams or projects. Your expertise can set you apart as a potential leader, paving the way for promotions and higher-level responsibilities.
- Fosters innovation. SMEs are leaders in their fields, driving innovation and pushing boundaries. Your deep understanding of your subject means you can identify gaps, propose new ideas, and contribute to ground-breaking developments, making you an invaluable asset to your business.
- Networking opportunities. Being an SME often involves sharing your knowledge through presentations, publications, or speaking engagements. These activities can help you to expand your professional network, connecting you with like-minded people and potential collaborators, mentors, and sponsors.
- Continuous learning. To maintain your status as an SME, you have to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your field. This commitment to lifelong learning keeps your skills fresh and relevant, ensuring you are in high demand.
How you can become a subject matter expert with UniSQ
If you’re ready to embark on your journey to become an SME and to be in demand in your industry, signing up for a postgraduate degree is a great start. Postgraduate qualifications can provide you with the in-depth knowledge you need to gain expert proficiency and understanding in your chosen field.
Common postgraduate options are master's degrees, offering extensive knowledge and acting as a cornerstone for achieving SME status; a research-intensive Ph.D. for acquiring expertise and leadership in academia or specialised industry roles; and graduate certificates or diplomas that concentrate on deepening knowledge in specific areas without the extensive commitment of a full master's program, among other possibilities.
UniSQ has over 220+ postgraduate specialisations in a range of fields, from artificial intelligence or aerospace engineering to clinical psychology or business analytics.
Why UniSQ?
UniSQ has a 55-year track record of delivering quality tertiary education to national and international students, as well as 40 years as experts in distance and online learning.
Rated five out of five stars for overall postgraduate experience and support (QS Stars World University Rankings 2023), UniSQ offers a strong sense of community, friendly and helpful staff, a cutting-edge online learning service and the opportunity to join the online student peer-support community.
Postgraduate students are often juggling a range of priorities, so their learning environment is flexible and easy to access online. Over 75% of our postgraduate students are learning remotely, with the flexibility to join live lectures or catch up at a more convenient time.
With 80 study disciplines and over 220 postgraduate specialisations to choose from, you’re sure to find a subject you’re ready to become an expert in.
Ready to level up your career and start your journey towards being an SME in your field? Explore UniSQ’s postgraduate study options.
