Was discussing this topic with my friend last night and I find it interesting to write about it over here. He claims that in learning, one does not have to actually be immersed inside the field itself, as the world nowadays are connected with so many different sources of information especially in the internet. However, I am in a different mindset that although a lot of information can be obtain, it can never replace first hand experience.

In the current world, speed is what's most important. If you were to get information fast and accurately, providing that you know how to adapt, accept, and use it, you can actually be one step ahead of everyone around you. You can be the one leading the way, rather than the one following people's footstep. If I were to only get information and insight from external or secondary source, where is the competitive advantage already? Speed and a timely action is needed, and it can NEVER be obtained from a secondary source.

In addition to that, being in the current industry and lifestyle, old tactics and strategy rarely works anymore. As I've written in the last paragraph, everyone have access to an information, so everyone would practically be able to grasp hold of the information or strategy, and with that; i believe they WILL be using it. New things and innovation needs to be present in order to gain a competitive advantage against our competitor and how are you going to do that? Lets just say that being IN the situation itself would allow you to understand things better that viewing it from a further perspective. Does it help? I believe it does.

Yes, no doubt that in this world of ubiquitous connection and networking through the internet, information can be sent across split second. Everything you want can simply be found in the internet. Like what my friend used to say, "if you don't know anything, google it" I must agree, it's true. the question is, where does these information come from? One simple word explains it, human. Human are selfish in nature, they may share but most of them would keep the best for themselves. How much can you gain from that then? You'll always be lagging behind instead of being in front if you only rely on secondary information.

To succeed, we need to constantly try to be in front. Not only in terms of your academic studies but even your general knowledge, and the ability to adapt, learn and USE what you gain from other sources. In my Advertising field, how are you supposed to help promote Starbucks if you have NEVER step foot inside the shop? Or how can you help promote Prada, Gucci or any other brand if you don't even know what is it? If you don't even know what is Haagen Daaz, how are you going to promote it? What is Prada? What is Gucci? Is it something you can eat? Are they selling the quality or the brand? No matter how much change my viewpoints and perception, this never change and I believe that it shouldn't change.

Just my 2 cents of viewpoints --