Transferrable Skills
As you begin your job search or consider careers that would be right for you, it is important to know what you are good at and what you enjoy doing. Over the years you have developed many skills from coursework, extracurricular activities, internships, jobs and your total life experiences. If you’ve researched, written, edited and presented papers for classes, you’ve used skills that are not limited to any one academic discipline or knowledge area but are transferable to many occupations.
Review the following lists and note all the skills you have. Then write down the 10 skills you would enjoy using most. With each, include a brief example of how you have demonstrated that skill in a job, class, internship, or extracurricular activity. You can refer back to this as you consider career options and prepare for a job search and interviews.
Example:
SKILL: Leading
HOW: Led the Business Oriented Women (BOW) recruitment process by marketing to potential members; resulting in an increase in applications from 70 to 114.
Analytical Thinking
Breaking down complex info to make decisions
- communication
- pattern recognition
- effectively gathering information
- organizing and keeping track of information
- knowing how to focus on facts
- finding key concepts and issues
- critical thinking
- data and information analysis
- research
- problem-solving
- attention to detail
Attention to Detail
Carefully reviewing work for accuracy and completeness
- active listening
- editing
- auditing
- safety checks
- organization
- time management
- analytical
- observational skills
Communication
Exchange, transmission and expression of knowledge and ideas
- speaking effectively
- writing
- listening attentively
- expressing ideas
- facilitating discussion
- providing appropriate feedback
- negotiating
- perceiving nonverbal messages
- persuading
- describing feelings
- interviewing
- editing
- summarizing
- promoting
- working on a team
- making presentations
- thinking on one’s feet
- dealing with public
Design and Problem Solving
Imagine the future, develop a process for creating it
- multitasking
- creating images
- designing programs
- displaying
- brainstorming new ideas
- improvising
- composing
- thinking visually
- anticipating consequences of action
- conceptualizing
- creating innovative solutions
- defining problems
- identifying possible causes
Flexibility/
Adaptability
Adjusting to new conditions and environments
- learning new systems
- managing change
- responsiveness
- experimentation
- resilience
- interpersonal skills
- teamwork
- effective communication
- organization
- problem-solving
- creative and critical thinking
Human Relations
Attend to social, physical or mental needs of people
- counseling
- advocating
- coaching
- providing care
- conveying feelings
- empathizing
- interpersonal skills
- facilitating group process
- active listening
- motivating
- developing rapport
- persuading others
- being patient
Innitiative
Self-management skill that involves doing things without being asked
- assess a situation and take action to address it
- solve problems that others may not have noticed
- continue learning and growing
- set goals independently
Leadership
Guiding individuals or teams toward success
- mentoring
- delegating
- decision-making
- innovative thinking
- serve as a role model
- approach tasks with a positive attitude
- motivate and inspire others
- building mutual trust
- plan, initiate, manage, complete, and evaluate projects
Organization/
Management
Direct and guide a group in completing tasks and attaining goals
- initiating new ideas
- making decisions
- leading
- solving problems
- meeting deadlines
- supervising
- motivating
- coordinating tasks
- assuming responsibility
- setting priorities
- teaching
- interpreting policy
- mediating
- recruiting
- resolving conflict
- organizing
- determining policy
- giving directions
Research and Planning
The search for specific knowledge
- conceptualizing
- setting goals
- analyzing ideas
- analyzing data
- defining needs
- investigating
- extracting important information
- gathering information
- formulating hypotheses
- calculating and comparing
- developing theory
- observing
- identifying resources
- outlining
- critical thinking
- predicting and forecasting
Strong Work Ethic
Consistently committing to doing your best on the job and acheiving goals
- diligence
- discipline
- responsibility
- reliability
- working consistently, purposefully, and systematically
- dedication
- productivity
- flexibility
Teamwork
Collaborating effectively with others to reach a goal
- asking questions when needed
- group projects
- shared responsibilities
- active listening
- being friendly
- respect
- email communication
- paying attention to body language
- understanding your audience
- accurately express your ideas
Technical
Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals
- Quickly adapt to new or unfamiliar technologies
- Identify appropriate technology for completing specific tasks
- Navigate change and be open to learning new technologies.
How do your skills and qualities match with what is important to employers?
According to the 2025 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook Survey, the top 11 qualities/skills employers seek are transferable skills.
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Communication skills (written)
- Initiative
- Strong work ethic
- Technical skills
- Communication skills (verbal)
- Flexibility/adaptability
- Analytical/quantitative skills
- Detail-oriented
- Leadership
