Spotlights on the Future Expert: How can the Present Prepare for the Future?

This chapter contributes to our understanding of how professionals from beginner to expert levels can be prepared for future change. To this aim, we draw upon insights from decades-long research about the development of professional expertise. We discuss the development of a sound knowledge base and situational awareness, and how deliberate practice significantly contributes to this. Also, we pay attention to the professionals in changing times by analyzing which forces come into play and the role education and organizations can play to prepare for and/or support change. In conclusion, we distinguish the expert in terms of excellence and the expert in terms of professionalism. We argue that more attention should be given to the preparedness for change on different levels to help professional domains to cope with continuous changes in the future.