10 answers
Dylan
Student
Boca Raton
1
Question
Asked
1257 views
How do I get good at something and stand out when my competition has years of experience?
My skillset feels lackluster compared to others in my industry. What's the best way to improve them and make them stand out so that I can compete with people who have more experience than I do?
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10 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Dylan. One of the best ways to get good at something is to practice consistently. When you focus deeply on one area and master it step by step, your progress adds up faster than you expect.
Another powerful tool is learning from the experts. Watch how they work, study their techniques, and pay attention to what they do differently. This doesn't mean copying them, it means learning their best habits and using them to grow your own skills. If you can, ask people with more experience for tips or feedback. Many professionals are happy to help someone who is trying hard and showing real interest. Even a little advice can make a big difference and save you a lot of time.
Another important part of standing out is understanding what makes you special. Experience is something you gain over time, but your personality, creativity, and way of thinking are already unique. Think about your natural strengths, maybe you're good at communicating, staying calm, solving problems, or coming up with new ideas. You can use these strengths to help balance out the skills you're still learning. Sometimes, people with less experience stand out because they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that experienced people may overlook.
Another powerful tool is learning from the experts. Watch how they work, study their techniques, and pay attention to what they do differently. This doesn't mean copying them, it means learning their best habits and using them to grow your own skills. If you can, ask people with more experience for tips or feedback. Many professionals are happy to help someone who is trying hard and showing real interest. Even a little advice can make a big difference and save you a lot of time.
Another important part of standing out is understanding what makes you special. Experience is something you gain over time, but your personality, creativity, and way of thinking are already unique. Think about your natural strengths, maybe you're good at communicating, staying calm, solving problems, or coming up with new ideas. You can use these strengths to help balance out the skills you're still learning. Sometimes, people with less experience stand out because they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that experienced people may overlook.
Thank you Wong - your last paragraph nailed it! When you can't be as good as someone else, find your niche, and shine! A good team needs diversity - not clones!
Kim Igleheart
Thanks for the kind words!
Wong Loke Yuen
Shannon Bates
HR Manager
5
Answers
Harrison charter Township, Michigan
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
Hi Dylan!
Keep practicing and look for ways to make things easier. In my job, I do a lot of reporting, and using Excel creatively has really helped me. I've become the person everyone turns to for data tasks.
Stay positive and try to find solutions when challenges come up. Always be open to learning new things. If you're shadowing someone, show your interest and eagerness to learn. This will encourage them to spend more time teaching you.
Keep practicing and look for ways to make things easier. In my job, I do a lot of reporting, and using Excel creatively has really helped me. I've become the person everyone turns to for data tasks.
Stay positive and try to find solutions when challenges come up. Always be open to learning new things. If you're shadowing someone, show your interest and eagerness to learn. This will encourage them to spend more time teaching you.
Simona Gadow
Account Executive (IT Sales)
8
Answers
Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Updated
Simona’s Answer
The true trick is that the experienced ones develop blind spots over time - be it in processes, outcomes, or ways of looking at typical problems related to the skill. Your true edge as a newcomer is that you bring a fresh set of eyes, a whole different well of experiences, and (depending on how much older your competition is) you can relate what you do to a much more up-to-date background.
I see you tagged coding, and it's not my major focus but I am in the field, but as an example here - yes, your competition might have much more years of experience, but:
a) You know all the latest of resources that can give you an extra push: What are the current bootcamps? Are there interesting coding competitions to enter to catch employers' eyes? Where do people learn to code that language nowadays? How do they use AI to get even better? You might be well connected to others with similar skills that can give you tips on how to get even better. Sometimes the young ones bring an edge that the older ones overlook because they're too stuck in their routine.
b) You have time. I cannot overstate how valuable this resource is. As you get more senior, life cinches you on all edges. Some have kids, some have mortgages or kids school fees to pay, some have aging parents, some have expensive hobbies. All of that puts constraints on their time to learn and try something new, or on their potential to pivot into something new. You (I assume) might still be in a period of your life where you can really throw yourself at topics, immerse yourself into learning processes and new things. It doesn't sound like a lot, but the older you get, the less time you can dedicate to staying on top of your game.
In that same vein, you don't sit in a golden cage yet, so you can go after jobs and opportunities that might not pay well, but that will make you learn a LOT. It's always "You either earn, or you learn" - ideally you always have at least one of those two (and if you don't have either anymore, it's time to move on). More experienced people often can't afford to take roles with less pay that would fast-track their learning because they simply can't downsize their life that easily, but you have the freedom to pick a "stepping stone" kinda job - that's typically entry-level jobs that employ a lot of younger people your age, where you might not stay forever, but that give you a lot of exposure to the environments and experiences you need to excel in the next job you take, after that.
I see you tagged coding, and it's not my major focus but I am in the field, but as an example here - yes, your competition might have much more years of experience, but:
a) You know all the latest of resources that can give you an extra push: What are the current bootcamps? Are there interesting coding competitions to enter to catch employers' eyes? Where do people learn to code that language nowadays? How do they use AI to get even better? You might be well connected to others with similar skills that can give you tips on how to get even better. Sometimes the young ones bring an edge that the older ones overlook because they're too stuck in their routine.
b) You have time. I cannot overstate how valuable this resource is. As you get more senior, life cinches you on all edges. Some have kids, some have mortgages or kids school fees to pay, some have aging parents, some have expensive hobbies. All of that puts constraints on their time to learn and try something new, or on their potential to pivot into something new. You (I assume) might still be in a period of your life where you can really throw yourself at topics, immerse yourself into learning processes and new things. It doesn't sound like a lot, but the older you get, the less time you can dedicate to staying on top of your game.
In that same vein, you don't sit in a golden cage yet, so you can go after jobs and opportunities that might not pay well, but that will make you learn a LOT. It's always "You either earn, or you learn" - ideally you always have at least one of those two (and if you don't have either anymore, it's time to move on). More experienced people often can't afford to take roles with less pay that would fast-track their learning because they simply can't downsize their life that easily, but you have the freedom to pick a "stepping stone" kinda job - that's typically entry-level jobs that employ a lot of younger people your age, where you might not stay forever, but that give you a lot of exposure to the environments and experiences you need to excel in the next job you take, after that.
Chris Maertz
Partner Software Sales
4
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Stay humble. Stay curious. Stay connected.
Recognizing your lack of experience and where your weaknesses are are great first steps. You can use this to create a learning path for yourself to close the skills gap. You should also recognize learning never ends. You'll never learn everything you need to close the gap with someone who has years of experience on you. That's why you need to stay curious.
Being curious can be a superpower. Ask lots of questions. Ask why things are done how they are today? Ask others what opportunities they see to improve the process? Ask people for advice on how you can improve? Show curiousity beyond your job role. Learn about the rest of the organization you work for. Look for opportunities to stretch your skills and learn new things. Well rounded, self-aware team members who also align their work with the broader organization are always going to stand out.
Build a network. Seek others who are experienced in the role and acknowledge their experience and ask for insight into how they learned. Ask them what they'd do differently if they were starting over today. Include others in your network that have other skills you want to develop. Perhaps you're not a great public speaker, or presenter. Find someone who is. Tell them you think they're great at it and ask for pointers on improving.
People like to work with and help those who are humble and those who show curiosity beyond themselves. That is the true definition of a growth mindset and it will help you stand out over time.
Network with experts in your field
Recognizing your lack of experience and where your weaknesses are are great first steps. You can use this to create a learning path for yourself to close the skills gap. You should also recognize learning never ends. You'll never learn everything you need to close the gap with someone who has years of experience on you. That's why you need to stay curious.
Being curious can be a superpower. Ask lots of questions. Ask why things are done how they are today? Ask others what opportunities they see to improve the process? Ask people for advice on how you can improve? Show curiousity beyond your job role. Learn about the rest of the organization you work for. Look for opportunities to stretch your skills and learn new things. Well rounded, self-aware team members who also align their work with the broader organization are always going to stand out.
Build a network. Seek others who are experienced in the role and acknowledge their experience and ask for insight into how they learned. Ask them what they'd do differently if they were starting over today. Include others in your network that have other skills you want to develop. Perhaps you're not a great public speaker, or presenter. Find someone who is. Tell them you think they're great at it and ask for pointers on improving.
People like to work with and help those who are humble and those who show curiosity beyond themselves. That is the true definition of a growth mindset and it will help you stand out over time.
Chris recommends the following next steps:
Rebecca Aidoo
Fashion specialists
22
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
It’s normal to feel behind when you compare yourself to people who have more experience. But experience alone is not what makes someone competitive. What truly helps you stand out is the ability to learn rapidly, take action, and show tangible results. The fastest way to get good at something is not just to wait for experience to come with time—it is to create experience for yourself.
Start by focusing on building essential skills in small, consistent steps. Pick one skill at a time and practice it deliberately. That may mean working on small personal projects, volunteering, collaborating with others, or taking on work that challenges you. Every project you finish becomes a proof of ability that you can show others. Businesses value outcomes more than years.
You don’t need more years to stand out. You need momentum and a body of work. If you keep improving through hands-on learning, feedback, and consistent practice, your skillset grows faster than you expect. You also gain clarity about what makes you unique—and that becomes your competitive advantage.
Another way to stand out is by being active in the spaces that matter. Reach out to people in your field, attend events, share your work, and ask questions. Networking is often the shortcut that helps you grow faster, get better opportunities, and learn from people who already know the path ahead.
Finally, understand that experience isn’t only measured by years—it’s measured by growth. You can bridge the experience gap by showing initiative, building relationships, and constantly improving yourself. When you combine these, you show employers and clients something that many experienced professionals don’t always have: hunger, adaptability, and a strong learning mindset.
Your competition may have more years, but you have something just as valuable—the ability to get better every day. When you develop skills with intention and demonstrate what you can do through action and results, you won’t just compete. You’ll stand out.
Start by focusing on building essential skills in small, consistent steps. Pick one skill at a time and practice it deliberately. That may mean working on small personal projects, volunteering, collaborating with others, or taking on work that challenges you. Every project you finish becomes a proof of ability that you can show others. Businesses value outcomes more than years.
You don’t need more years to stand out. You need momentum and a body of work. If you keep improving through hands-on learning, feedback, and consistent practice, your skillset grows faster than you expect. You also gain clarity about what makes you unique—and that becomes your competitive advantage.
Another way to stand out is by being active in the spaces that matter. Reach out to people in your field, attend events, share your work, and ask questions. Networking is often the shortcut that helps you grow faster, get better opportunities, and learn from people who already know the path ahead.
Finally, understand that experience isn’t only measured by years—it’s measured by growth. You can bridge the experience gap by showing initiative, building relationships, and constantly improving yourself. When you combine these, you show employers and clients something that many experienced professionals don’t always have: hunger, adaptability, and a strong learning mindset.
Your competition may have more years, but you have something just as valuable—the ability to get better every day. When you develop skills with intention and demonstrate what you can do through action and results, you won’t just compete. You’ll stand out.
Davielle Panzullo, M.A., PMP
Business Transformation Sr. Manager
50
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Davielle’s Answer
Step up, put your hand up. You will grow your skills as a result.
Skill up! Focus on identifying and gowing those skills you are lackluster in.
Never be afraid to advance a fresh perspective
Know your own strengths. Take an online strengths test. This helps you understand what is in your arsenal so you can apply them.
Find a mentor, network so that you have advocates to speak up for you.
When someone's in a room talking about a project, you want to be the one whose name is raised.
Skill up! Focus on identifying and gowing those skills you are lackluster in.
Never be afraid to advance a fresh perspective
Know your own strengths. Take an online strengths test. This helps you understand what is in your arsenal so you can apply them.
Find a mentor, network so that you have advocates to speak up for you.
When someone's in a room talking about a project, you want to be the one whose name is raised.
Zhidong Lai
Data Engineer
4
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
Zhidong’s Answer
The most practical suggestion I would give is: find a field that you both don't know. So you are at the same starting line, their exeprience would not count in this case.
And a brutal truth is, the margin gain of experience would fall down as years increase. If you have only one year experience, it would be significantly different when comparing with a 3 year experienced worker. A 3 year experienced worker can be different compared to a 5 year experienced, but not as much as a 1 yr to 3 yrs. A 5 year experienced worker, and a 10 year exprienced, who is better? Really hard to tell, case by case.
If your industry is not developing fast enough, 5 year is most likely enough for you to know the majority of the knowlege. Another 5 year might sharpen you skill a bit, make you practice more, but not as beneficial as the first 5 years which makes you mature in this industry.
Life is far longer than 5 years, take it easy, you will catch up soon.
And a brutal truth is, the margin gain of experience would fall down as years increase. If you have only one year experience, it would be significantly different when comparing with a 3 year experienced worker. A 3 year experienced worker can be different compared to a 5 year experienced, but not as much as a 1 yr to 3 yrs. A 5 year experienced worker, and a 10 year exprienced, who is better? Really hard to tell, case by case.
If your industry is not developing fast enough, 5 year is most likely enough for you to know the majority of the knowlege. Another 5 year might sharpen you skill a bit, make you practice more, but not as beneficial as the first 5 years which makes you mature in this industry.
Life is far longer than 5 years, take it easy, you will catch up soon.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2398
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have the passion to improve your knowledge and skills.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Read update on the industry development regularly. You can subscribe the news feed.
2. Attend the industry seminars. It can help you to improve your knowledge in the industry and establish people network. You can exchange the ideas with the participants to understand more on the industry trend.
3. Attend advance industry courses
4. Explore any new ideas and concepts yourself
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Read update on the industry development regularly. You can subscribe the news feed.
2. Attend the industry seminars. It can help you to improve your knowledge in the industry and establish people network. You can exchange the ideas with the participants to understand more on the industry trend.
3. Attend advance industry courses
4. Explore any new ideas and concepts yourself
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Rick Kneisley
Retired Investment Broker and Investment Sales Manager
33
Answers
Georgetown, Texas
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Dylan,
What you’re really asking isn’t how to out-skill people with more experience, it’s asking how to belong when you feel outmatched.
I’ve been there.
Early in my career, I was surrounded by people who seemed smarter, more polished, better connected and far more experienced than I was. If I had measured myself only by years or credentials, I’d have talked myself out of the room before I ever had a chance to grow. What I’ve learned over time is that confidence doesn’t come from being the most experienced person in a career. It came to me by knowing who I was then, and trusting how to think, and how to show up fully confident.
I didn’t become successful because I knew more than others. I became successful when I stopped trying to imitate people with longer résumés and started leaning into how I naturally worked, how I listened, how I understood people, and how I communicated. Once I trusted that, my confidence caught up quickly.
Here's the part most people don’t tell you: experience doesn’t automatically create confidence. Plenty of people with long careers still doubt themselves. What actually builds confidence is repetition, small wins, and the courage to stay present while you’re still learning. If you feel “behind,” that doesn’t mean you’re lacking. It usually means you care, and you’re self-aware enough to notice the gap. That awareness, handled kindly, becomes an advantage, not a weakness.
My confidence grew when I stop asking, “Am I good enough yet?” and start asking, “What am I learning right now?” One question would shrink me. The other moved me forward.
One last thought, and this comes from a lifetime of work, not theory.
Most careers don’t unfold in straight lines. Clarity and confidence usually come after experience, not before it. You discover your value by staying curious, paying attention to what feels right, and giving yourself permission to grow in public.
If you feel uncertain right now, Dylan, you’re not failing. You’re becoming. Keep going. And keep asking thoughtful questions, they’re often the beginning of confidence, not the result of it.
In closing I’m going to get a bit esoteric. What I’ll share with you changed everything for me once I discover this simple technique:
A very successful and prosperous man told me early in my career that to attract my every good want, my every good need, and my every good desire, that I should see them in my conscious mind as already completed and then allow my subconscious mind to manifest them into my outer experience. It worked and is still working perfectly to this day.
Dylan, I know you will be hugely successful in your chosen field.
Rick
What you’re really asking isn’t how to out-skill people with more experience, it’s asking how to belong when you feel outmatched.
I’ve been there.
Early in my career, I was surrounded by people who seemed smarter, more polished, better connected and far more experienced than I was. If I had measured myself only by years or credentials, I’d have talked myself out of the room before I ever had a chance to grow. What I’ve learned over time is that confidence doesn’t come from being the most experienced person in a career. It came to me by knowing who I was then, and trusting how to think, and how to show up fully confident.
I didn’t become successful because I knew more than others. I became successful when I stopped trying to imitate people with longer résumés and started leaning into how I naturally worked, how I listened, how I understood people, and how I communicated. Once I trusted that, my confidence caught up quickly.
Here's the part most people don’t tell you: experience doesn’t automatically create confidence. Plenty of people with long careers still doubt themselves. What actually builds confidence is repetition, small wins, and the courage to stay present while you’re still learning. If you feel “behind,” that doesn’t mean you’re lacking. It usually means you care, and you’re self-aware enough to notice the gap. That awareness, handled kindly, becomes an advantage, not a weakness.
My confidence grew when I stop asking, “Am I good enough yet?” and start asking, “What am I learning right now?” One question would shrink me. The other moved me forward.
One last thought, and this comes from a lifetime of work, not theory.
Most careers don’t unfold in straight lines. Clarity and confidence usually come after experience, not before it. You discover your value by staying curious, paying attention to what feels right, and giving yourself permission to grow in public.
If you feel uncertain right now, Dylan, you’re not failing. You’re becoming. Keep going. And keep asking thoughtful questions, they’re often the beginning of confidence, not the result of it.
In closing I’m going to get a bit esoteric. What I’ll share with you changed everything for me once I discover this simple technique:
A very successful and prosperous man told me early in my career that to attract my every good want, my every good need, and my every good desire, that I should see them in my conscious mind as already completed and then allow my subconscious mind to manifest them into my outer experience. It worked and is still working perfectly to this day.
Dylan, I know you will be hugely successful in your chosen field.
Rick
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
819
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
The reality of entering the workforce is that there will always be someone with more experience than you. Focus on controlling what you can control. Showing that you have a positive attitude and want to be a contributing member of a team will go a long way. Showing a passion for the industry and a desire to learn more is extremely helpful. Showing that you are working on your personal development by listening to podcast and attending workshops can also help.