It seems like change is the only constant in life more than ever. The fourth industrial revolution commonly referred to as the ever-increasing usage of digital technology and the consequences of automation are; changing the employment market and driving the need for “transferable” skills.
The corporate world is a dynamic environment. It appreciates those who can wear different hats as needed. In other words, it benefits those with transferable talents more.
Throughout your personal and professional life, you have developed the habits, aptitudes, and skills that make you the employee you are now. We refer to these as transferable skills.
They are the ones that help a fresh graduate who is eager to secure their first “real job” do so. Or a seasoned professional make a drastic move in their career. Or a parent who has successfully returned to the workforce after being away for months or years.
What are Transferable Skills?
Simply put, transferable abilities are those that are necessary regardless of the job function, allowing you to excel in your work, whatever it may be. Additionally, they enable people to enter positions, markets, or divisions for which they might not normally have a comprehensive list of prerequisites.
Transferable abilities develop through practice, maturity, and learning opportunities like instruction, individualized coaching, and mentoring.
When we say that you have time and work experience, we imply that you have been developing these talents ever since you took your first job at a nearby fast-food restaurant or volunteered as a camp counselor, and you will continue to perfect them for the rest of your life.
Examples of Transferable Skills
Transferable skills could make or ruin a person’s career even in a “normal” world. Transferable skills are much more crucial than previously because we now live in a world that is full of unimaginable obstacles.
The following is a list of typical transferable skills that are widely used and for a good cause:
- Adaptability and Resilience
- Critical Thinking
- Initiative
- Resourcefulness
- Creativity and Innovation
- Leadership
- Emotional Intelligence
- Communication
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Why are Transferable Skills Essential?
Universally, the need for transferable talents is great. They help you succeed as well as the success of a group, client, or company. Additionally, they provide the power to direct your professional path and lessen the pressure of transitional periods like a promotion or career shift.
These are abilities that, in a sense, “never go out of style.” Instead, as long as you make an effort to develop them and invest in them, they will support and follow your professional success.
By enrolling in a training course focused on a particular ability, working with a professional coach, or taking advantage of any other learning opportunities your employer has, you can develop transferable abilities.
Conclusion
On any two days, the business world is never the same. It constantly changes as time passes. That evolution can occasionally be rougher than usual. Whatever the case, the only way you can succeed in such a setting is if you have transferable talents. So, commit to growing them.
About the Author
Simon Chou is the Vice President of Operations and Growth at BCjobs.ca. Over the course of his career, he carved a niche in brand development, marketing strategy, and online presence for startups. Prior to joining BCJobs.ca, Simon was an advisor for several global blockchain projects including Litecoin, NEM, and Ripple. In the past, he also worked with Fortune 500 companies in the healthcare space through SM Digital—a global marketing agency.
