In 2015, an eighth grader named Rebecca Fried did her own research into the “No Irish Need Apply” signs that were said to have existed in 19th century United States. She was able to prove a distinguished historian wrong by finding photographic evidence of the signs online. This example illustrates the idea that not all experts are infallible.

In the past, society respected and looked up to all experts and their opinions. However, in the internet age, knowledge is available to all at the click of a button, and traditional indicators of expertise (such as education, work experience, and formal titles) are no longer reliable. Materials studied in the past can now be outdated, and even people with extensive work experience might not operate efficiently or effectively.

The internet has shifted information from the hands of those who have it to the hands of those who do not. However, this does not mean that genuine experts no longer exist. To become a true expert, one must go through the five stages of skill acquisition outlined by the Dreyfus model: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert.

Novices follow the rules and plans they are taught and lack flexibility, while advanced beginners have more experiences but use the same approach for each situation. Competent individuals are more holistic in their problem-solving approach, formulate their own routines, and interpret different situations with flexible plans. Proficient individuals are able to solve problems intuitively, adjust their approaches, perceive deviations from normal patterns, and provide guidance to others based on their knowledge and experiences. Finally, experts have a deep and intuitive understanding of their field, continuously self-tune and self-learn, and can handle problems that have never happened before based on their knowledge.

To move from novice to expert, one must log experiences and knowledge and receive feedback. To become more competent, grab every opportunity to practice knowledge, participate in learning, and suggest ways to do things based on what you’ve learned. To become proficient, reflect continuously and deepen your knowledge and skills through experience. To become a true expert, never stop learning or reflecting and remain up-to-date on new methods and approaches for different cases.

In conclusion, just because information is widely available does not mean everyone is an expert. Genuine experts go through extensive training and experience to reach the highest level of skill and knowledge in their field. By following the five stages of skill acquisition and continuously learning and reflecting, anyone can become a true expert.