The expert-generalists

started studying in Reed College and likewise dropped out.

On the other hand, Musk graduated with a double degree in physics and economics from the University of Pennsylvania. Investment guru Charles Munger, vice chair of investment behemoth Berkshire Hathaway, started a math degree, dropped out to join the Army, studied meteorology from CalTech, and later graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law.

So how can we, mere mortals, emulate these titans? We may not have the brainpower or even the patience that would allow us to comprehend mathematics, economics, and physics, much less the capacity to connect prin cannot all be expert-generalists, we certainly can learn from these incredible people. Their habits, their hunger for experiences and education and their drive for success, are equally as important as the talents God has given them.

That brings me to the concept of a dual degree meant to provide a wider scope of study that will complement each other upon graduation. I am a proud product of one such program, where I took my Juris Doctor and MBA as a joint degree. As a lawyer, one can survive purely with the practice, but with the wisdom and skills acquired in business school, I have an appreciation - nance, and accounting, which all became necessary in my career.

Relatively new in the country, dual degrees are gaining popularity, and are already established in the region and around the world. JD- MBA courses are incredibly popular in the US, along with Masters in Education, Public Health, Journalism, and Environment Studies combined with the MBA. In Singapore, one course I would have wanted to pursue was a Masters in Public PolicyMasters of Law tandem. Another increasingly popular course is the MD-MBA course, for doctors who want to know the business side of their practice.

Of course, there are always pros and cons to double degrees. An advantage is a reduced period of study as opposed to taking the two courses separately, however, these degrees often carry higher costs and heavier workloads per term.

These also require a level of commitment and a changing of one’s hat, so to speak. In my years, and was a challenging but rewarding experience altogether. For instance, law school is typically socratic in the method of instruction, where individual recitation is a daily, terrifying occurrence. Business school is often taught through case methods, where collaboration is necessary, and there are rarely wrong answers.

All in all, the experiences most to my career, and for those who would be interested in pursuing a double degree, I would advise them to go for it, and approach the experience with a passion and hunger that the expert-generalists have displayed in their daily lives.