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This question is about what an associate does, what a specialist does, and associate.
Associate vs Specialist
An associate is a person who is developing their skill set through professional experience, while a specialist is a professional who possesses a strong command of knowledge and skills in a particular occupation.
Associate positions at a company typically are indicative of being an entry-level job. However, they are roles that have a built-in advancement track for promotion usually. Associates at law firms, for instance, are lawyers that have hopes of one day becoming a partner at the law firm.
A specialist is a person who is an expert in a specific field of study or occupation. Specialists focus on a certain area or topic and build up an understanding and proficiency in a specific niche. Companies may hire specialists to be the lead on projects with new processes or technological developments.
Here are the key differences between an associate and a specialist:
An associate is an entry-level position in most occupations and companies
Specialists are not entry-level positions and require a large amount of education and experience
Specialists tend to get paid more or have higher salaries than associates
Specialists are highly knowledgeable and have skills in one particular area
Associates have more general and basic skills
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