Transferable skills can be applied across different jobs, industries, and roles.
Developing transferable solid skills is essential for career success and adaptability.
This guide will provide an overview of transferable skills, discuss their value and benefits, give tips for developing them, and provide steps you can take to build up your transferable skill set.
What Are Transferable Skills?
Transferable skills are skills that are relevant across different jobs and industries.
They are abilities that can be transferred and utilized in various roles, even if they differ significantly.
Some examples of transferable skills include:
- Communication skills – written, verbal, presentation, listening.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Leadership and management skills.
- Research and planning skills.
- Creativity and innovation.
- Time management and organization.
- Digital literacy and technical skills.
The Value of Developing Transferable Skills
Developing strong transferable skills provides many benefits:
- Adaptability – Transferable skills allow you to pivot into different roles more easily. Even if you change careers, many of your abilities, e.g., presentation skills and techniques, will still apply.
- Marketability – Employers value transferable skills regardless of the specific role. Having these skills makes you a more attractive candidate.
- Career growth – Transferable skills allow you to take on more responsibility and advance into leadership roles.
- Confidence – By mastering universal skills, you can confidently approach new challenges and opportunities.
Tips for Developing Transferable Skills
Here are some tips to help you intentionally build your transferable skills:
- Identify your target skills. Review job postings to see what employers desire most.
- Find opportunities to practice. Take on projects, roles, and assignments to apply skills.
- Learn through training. Take courses and workshops to gain new abilities.
- Get feedback. Ask managers and colleagues how you can improve.
- Reflect on experience. Consider how you’ve applied skills previously.
- Maintain a growth mindset. Recognize abilities can constantly be developed.
- Quantify your skills. Track milestones and metrics to showcase capabilities.
Steps to Develop Transferable Skills
Follow these steps to continue developing your transferable skills:
1. Take stock of your current skills. What are you already good at? What could use improvement?
2. Set development goals. Pick 2-3 priority skills to focus your efforts.
3. Find opportunities to practice. Volunteer, join teams, and take on new projects.
4. Reflect on successes and setbacks. Analyze what went well and where you can improve after experiences.
5. Get feedback from others. Ask managers, mentors, and colleagues for input.
6. Track your progress. Quantify improvements and milestones as you build skills.
7. Maintain your skills. Continue exercising and expanding on abilities over time.
Conclusion
Developing essential skills for trainers expands your capabilities, enhances your career adaptability, and increases your marketability.
With intention, consistent practice, and organization of presentation material, you can build up your skill set to succeed in diverse roles and opportunities.
Focus on your priority abilities, explore career tests, seek out chances to apply them, and measure your progress over time.
Transferable and competency skills empower you to navigate an ever-changing job landscape confidently.
With 30+ years of training experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation (oakinnovation.com) in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
