DIVERSIFY!
We devote a lot of time to mastering the technology that we are passionate about or use for our jobs. For example, I specialized in Microsoft business intelligence, which has a wide range of technologies indeed. But I was still relatively narrow in focus.
I would suggest that you broaden your knowledge and skills in related fields like security and networking. You do not need to master them, but you should have a solid understanding of the concepts. Learning related technologies enables you to communicate effectively and confidently with your colleagues about how to provide high-quality solutions to your customers or businesses.
Learn New Things
There are many ways to learn new skills. Microsoft Learn is a great place to start but not the only option. There are online training programs (Udemy, Pragmatic Works), YouTube channels (Tales from the Field, Data on Wheels), blogs (Simple Talk, Eric on Identity), events (SQL Saturday, Microsoft Ignite), and even books (Hands on Analysis Services, M365 Security). These are some ways you can learn.
Get Certified
Certifications require you to show that you have a solid grasp of the topic. You have to be able to reason through concepts and respond to questions about the technology and its use. While certifications do not make you an expert, they do indicate a good knowledge of the technology. Finishing the certification process also gives you confidence to engage in relevant discussions with other technologists about the subject. Another advantage is that you can include this in your resume.
Getting certified in your area of expertise should be a formality, getting certified in something different is a stretch!
Other Benefits
Here are some other reasons to diversify:
- You will improve your troubleshooting skills.
- You may discover a new favorite technology.
- You could increase your value in the job market.
- You have something new to share with the community.