Jeffrey McLarty

In a global economy, if you’re not adding value, you’re going to be left behind.  If you don’t carve out a niche for your own importance, well…there’s a bunch of Indians and Chinese who are going to out-run you.  Totally serious, trends are scary, education is being commoditized.  Make no mistake, if you are not a leader, you will be forced into the opposite.  For the followers, or the ones not adding value, the world will make sure to it that your life will suck…I’m talking to the growd under 30 and not a millionair or happily married.

I’m 23, ready to start making impact.  I’ve got a modest advantage compared to my peers financially, so I’ve got to put it towards good use. Nothing was ever handed to me, I worked hard…so don’t hate.

The question is, what niche do I carve myself? 

Right now, I’m thinking Solar, Wind, or Water.  These are areas that are going to be important for the next 100 years, at least…(right?)

Thanks to my diverse degree in engineering, I’d understand the technology deep at the roots of every one of these topics, but now which one should I run with?

Yah the capitalist in me knows that if you become an expert in any of these fields, it should lead to amazing returns in the ‘folio…BUT it will also lead to opportunities to contribute to society some way some how - obviously, as an engineer, I’m speaking in context of innovation but, but I mean I don’t want to waste my brain, time or money on designing the next UI for RIM, or checking sodium meta bi-sulphate levels at Ontario Power…been there done that.  That work is for [educated] zombies.  Like, actually do some good for the world….somehow…down the road.  And maybe, i’ll never get my shot at it, but experts are tomorrows’ change agents…so I’d rather open the door, leave the option, to potentially become a change agent reather than definately stay a zombie.

I’m talking about marrying a trend here, for life, and serious about it…like…live, eat, and breath a trend…so I can have a chance to make impact.  I’m talking present value.