Atlanta legal and financial professional Catrina Bodamer says access to information has never been easier; however, the ability to evaluate it thoughtfully is becoming one of today's most valuable professional skills.
Access to information is no longer the competitive advantage it once was. According to Atlanta legal and financial professional Catrina Bodamer, the ability to think critically about that information is becoming far more valuable.
According to a survey by the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U), 89% of employers say critical thinking is one of the most important skills they look for when hiring college graduates. Bodamer believes that demand reflects a larger shift in today's workplace. The challenge is no longer finding information. It is determining what information is reliable, relevant, and worth acting on.
"We've become incredibly good at finding answers," says Bodamer. "The harder skill is knowing whether we're asking the right questions in the first place."
Drawing on experience across law, finance, real estate, and regulatory compliance, Bodamer has spent her career researching complex issues, evaluating information, and looking beyond obvious conclusions. While technology has made information more accessible, she believes it has also increased the importance of independent thinking.
"Having more information doesn't automatically lead to better decisions," she says. "You still have to evaluate sources, understand context, and be willing to challenge your own assumptions."
Looking Beyond the First Answer
Bodamer believes one of the biggest challenges professionals face today is the pressure to reach conclusions quickly. Whether researching online, using artificial intelligence, or reviewing reports, it can be tempting to accept the first answer without taking time to ask additional questions.
"Speed has its place, but thoughtful decision-making often requires slowing down," she says. "In legal, financial, and business environments, small details can have significant consequences."
She encourages professionals to look beyond headlines, summaries, and surface-level information, particularly when making important decisions.
"It's easy to mistake confidence for accuracy," says Bodamer. "Some of the best decisions come from asking one more question or considering a perspective you hadn't thought about."
Critical Thinking Is a Habit
While analytical thinking is often viewed as a natural talent, Bodamer believes it is a skill that anyone can strengthen over time.
"I've found that reading broadly, listening to different viewpoints, and staying open to changing your mind all contribute to better decision-making," she says. "The goal isn't to have all the answers. It's to keep asking better questions."
As technology continues to reshape the workplace, Bodamer believes professionals who combine curiosity with careful analysis will be better prepared to navigate change.
"The tools we use will continue to evolve," she says. "Critical thinking, good judgment, and the willingness to keep learning will always matter."
About Catrina Bodamer
Catrina Bodamer is an Atlanta-based legal and financial professional whose experience spans law, finance, real estate, investment analysis, and regulatory compliance. She holds degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University's Goizueta Business School, and Georgia State University College of Law, as well as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Through her work and writing, she explores topics related to business, leadership, education, and lifelong learning.
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City: Atlanta
State: Georgia
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Website: https://www.catrinabodamer.com/
