Transferable skills.... Grads - listen up!

You probably have heard the term “transferable skills” many times throughout your college and/or professional career. But do you know what that term really means, and more importantly, what your own transferable skills are? Transferable skills are those skills you have honed in one experience that can be adapted to a different experience. Leadership experiences are full of opportunities for transferable skill development. And, in today’s job market, identifying your transferable skills can be very valuable.

As you prepare to apply for fall leadership positions, internships, summer jobs or your first "real" job...don't dismiss your transferable skills! So, how do you go about determining what your current transferable skills are? Consider these steps:

1. Dissect past experiences: Review past job descriptions and responsibilities. And, don’t forget any hobbies, service or involvement opportunities you have had.

2. Take notes: Identify and write down key skills that you gained from past experiences. Create an extensive list, don’t keep it small.

3. Identify desired positions/experiences: Whether you are looking for a job or seeking a new leadership position on campus, you need to determine what your ultimate goals are, and how and where you want to contribute your skills and time.

4. Change language: Once you have identified your skills and your desired “next step” you can create your list of transferable skills that successfully market you for the role you are seeking (i.e. fundraising experience = sales experience OR hall programming = event planning).

5. Visit your Career Services Office: You have a valuable resource on campus that can assist you in translating your transferable skills on to a resume, cover letter and an interview. In addition, many Career Services Offices can help you match your transferable skills with potential career options. Take advantage of these services!

When was the last time you reviewed and revised your resume? Reflect on your past experiences and see if you can come up with some new ways to showcase your transferable skills. And, while you are at it, keep these “basics” in mind…

• Avoid slang – don’t make potential employers guess what you are talking about.

• Consolidate your experiences - you aren’t writing a memoir, you are compiling a resume. Try to limit your resume to one to two pages with the highlights of your experiences.

• Go beyond the paid positions - include any volunteer experiences or hobbies that provided you with specific marketable skills.

• Second set of eyes - ask a mentor, supervisor or friend to review your resume for clarification, typos and to ensure you didn’t forget to include anything.

Experience Pays Off

Although the idea of spending your summer sitting in the sun, reading anything that isn’t a textbook and just relaxing sounds good…consider fitting in a little career development during the break too.

Think outside the box about the value in a summer internship or job. Make the experience more than just money in the pocket for fast food and next fall’s tuition.

• Learn more about yourself – what do you like and what do you dislike – what are your strengths and what do you need to improve upon?

• Take in each new work environment and how it does or doesn’t fit your

personality and preferences.

• Reflect on the various roles you have in your job and what roles you

most enjoy.

• Network, network, network!

• Remember you have the choice to leave a good impression or a bad impression by every action and inaction you make.

• Ask for feedback. Many of those you are working with have been professionals for years. They can tell you what is valuable in today’s market place.

• Watch others at work. What do you think makes them successful or inefficient?

• Make note of all the skills you gain in your summer job experience. Be

sure to communicate them as transferrable skills on your resume.

As published by PaperClip Communications