Smooth Career Changes: The Power of Transferable Skills
"I am not qualified for this job.
Do you find yourself saying this? It is a sad and heavy thought when we look at the job listing and feel that we are not good enough for the role we want. It makes our job-hunting experience feel overwhelming.
It was the same for me. Before I became a life coach, I worked in the Event organizing industry. I believed I wasted several years learning skills that wouldn't benefit me as a life coach and that I had started too late on this journey. I believed I was doomed to work in the same career path until I retired.
However, with my supervisor's guidance, I realized this wasn't true. I did learn many invaluable skills that can be transferred to my new career path as a life coach. This changed how I see the situation. I feel hopeful and hope that this concept will also benefit you.
Our Skills is Transferable
Do we need to learn an entirely new skill set every time we want to change our trajectory in life? No, we don't. Not all skills are limited to specific jobs or careers.
While certain roles may require specific technical expertise, the broader skills we've cultivated throughout our careers are often more versatile than we realize. These skills could be applied in new and unexpected ways.
Transferable skills are universal abilities that transcend job titles and industries. Examples of these skills are:
Problem-solving skills you've honed while untangling complex event logistics
Communication finesse you've developed while navigating diverse stakeholder relationships
Adaptability you've exhibited when facing unexpected challenges.
These skills are the threads that connect your experiences, weaving a tapestry of expertise that can be woven into new opportunities.
A skill that prove to be useful is writing skills, which I learned from writing contracts. There are several details to be aware of when writing a contract. The language I'd use, the terms and jargon in specific industries, and making all details clear and concise for every party.
Knowing how to write clearly and concisely has been a massive advantage for me several times. My clients appreciate how my contract is short but fully detailed and easy to understand. It improves their experience working with me as a life coach.
Which skills are transferable?
The skills you've learned aren't just for one job – they're like superpowers you can use in many places. Let's look at some of these skills and how they make you awesome:
Creativity
Creativity means thinking outside the box, being unconventional, and solving problems in new ways. This helps you in jobs like making things interesting, coming up with solutions, or designing fun stuff.
Example: A graphic designer who worked on creating visuals for events can also shine in designing engaging websites, crafting social media content, or brainstorming innovative product packaging concepts.
Emotional Intelligence
Knowing how people feel and getting along with them is emotional intelligence. It helps you become more empathetic, which is always an appreciated skill. We use these skills when interacting with others, whether talking to clients, making friends, or solving problems together.
Example: Consider a nurse who managed patient concerns during events. This same emotional intelligence is vital in healthcare, where understanding patients' needs can give you an excellent foundation for a job that requires you to handle sensitive situations like crisis management positions or even customer service support.
Adaptability
Adapting is like being flexible – you can handle changes easily. This skill is essential in any job because things don't always go as planned. Being good at adapting helps you stay calm and do well, even when things are tough.
Example: Imagine teachers who often need to pivot their teaching methods based on students' needs and unexpected classroom situations. They are highly adaptable to unexpected changes. This adaptability will fit many position requirements since we are forced to solve unexpected problems on the fly.
Leadership
Being a leader means guiding others and making them work together. It's not just for being a boss – you can be a leader in many situations, like group projects, games, or even helping your family.
Example: Retail managers can apply their leadership skills to lead the team in organizing workshops for business by working with their team and managing the resources to ensure customer experiences.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking means looking at a situation and determining the best thing to do. It's like solving puzzles. This is important in all sorts of jobs where you must make smart choices and fix things that go wrong.
Example: Software engineers who tackled technical glitches in their working hours are accustomed to solving problems. This critical thinking extends to tech roles, where troubleshooting software issues, optimizing code, and developing innovative solutions are all part of the job.
It's your turn.
Now that we've discussed multiple transferable skills, Here's what you can do
Assess Your Skills: Take a moment to evaluate your skills. Consider the examples we discussed and apply them to your own experiences. Identify the strengths you've developed and recognize their value.
Explore New Paths: Don't limit yourself to the familiar. Consider new career paths or roles that interest you, even if it might seem impossible now. Try to match their skills requirements to your skills and experience.
Remember that doubting your capabilities is natural, but recognize that this is your journey of growth and learning. The skills you've acquired in one context can be harnessed to flourish in unexpected places.
Embracing Your Journey of Growth
Transitioning careers isn't just about skills and qualifications; it's also a journey of the heart and mind. It's normal to feel uncertain as you step into new territory, but let me reassure you that this uncertainty is a sign of growth, not inadequacy.
Think back to those moments when you ventured into the unknown, acquired skills you didn't have before, and overcame challenges you never thought you could do. Each of those moments makes you uniquely equipped for a multitude of opportunities.
So, as you consider a new career, remember that every successful professional in every field was once in your shoes, taking the first steps toward a brighter future. Trust the process, honor your journey, and know you are enough and deserve happiness.
Until next time,
Home :)
