If you’re considering making a career change, you’re probably already thinking about your transferable skills list. Starting on a new professional path can be extremely daunting, but armed with transferable skills and some hands-on experience, you’ll be unstoppable.
Did you know that internships and transferable skills can frequently make up for a lack of full-time experience?
The skills, knowledge, and contacts you develop throughout your career or internship hold value in any industry you may choose to move to. Making a career change allows you to bring unique perspectives and insights. This can set you apart from others on your new team. No matter where you are in your career, a shift in direction may allow you to move abroad, pursue a new interest, and find a new passion.
What are transferable skills?
If you’re still a student or have spent most of your career in a single field, you might be asking “What are transferable skills?” Transferable skills are soft skills you can apply to any role, in any industry. You can obtain these skills anywhere, not just in a full-time career. From team sports and academic courses to internships and job experience, the skills you pick up through any of these can be vital for almost any career. While your skills may change throughout your career, it’s important to identify your own transferable skills upfront when you’re looking to change roles or industries.
Top transferable skills to highlight on your CV:
1. Teamwork
The ability to work as part of a team will serve you well in any company, industry, or work environment. Learning how to collaborate efficiently with colleagues will ensure you’re ready to be a key player in even the most challenging projects. Teamwork skills should be at the top of your transferable skills list, especially if you’re applying for a managerial role. Chances are, you've been part of a team during your studies, internship, or career, so you probably have more experience in this than you think, even if you didn't lead the team! Remember that taking part in a team-building exercise counts, so don't forget to highlight them when you're updating your CV or resume.
2. Leadership
You might think that leadership skills are industry-specific or that you should only highlight them if you’re applying for a managerial position. But these are common misconceptions when it comes to updating your resume! Leadership is used as an example in nearly every transferable skills definition you read. This is because it encapsulates several essential abilities. Teamwork, communication, and organization, to name a few, are all key components of good leadership. No matter the level of position you’re applying for, showcasing successful instances of leadership tells employers your transferable skills list is diverse, making you suitable for various roles and positions in any industry.
3. Communication
No matter what industry you work in, communication skills are essential for success. Good communication will take you far, especially if you’re transferring to a new role. Written and in-person communication are both extremely important, whether you’re an intern or a senior-level manager. Your communication skills can determine how successful you are in projects, the types of connections you build, and your overall success at a task. To-notch communication skills will enable you to keep instructions clear and easy to understand, get information across effectively and concisely, and ensure everybody is working from the same page to keep work effective and productive.
4. Adaptability
If you can change course quickly when needed, and adapt to new environments, you’re already an excellent candidate for any job. Employers want applicants who are able to navigate the changing waters of their industry. Flexibility and adaptability are key, and help to ensure you never get stuck in a rut. If you've taken part in an international internship, then mentioning it on your CV is a great and effective way to showcase your adaptability. Not only does it show you can work in various cultural environments, but you have overseas knowledge too, which is vital as more organizations and companies become ever globalized and international.
5. Creativity
Most employers want to hire someone who brings new, fresh ideas to the table, and offers ideas nobody else has thought of. No matter the industry, creativity, and collaborative thinking will take you far. Whether it’s approaching a challenging task from a new angle, or proposing a new way to reach clients, showcasing your creativity and innovation is a great way to stand out and ensure you're a valuable member of the team people want to come to for new ideas.
How does an internship help with transferable skills?
Internships are ideal for people looking to gain experience a new industry. You're able to get practical work experience in-person or remotely before diving in head-first into a new full-time career. An internship in a new field will also help to expand your soft skills set and put your transferable skills to the test, perhaps even improving ones you haven't been so focused on before. An abroad internship really can boost your skills and network to put in a better position once you're ready to enter a career full-time.
