What do you do if your transferable skills aren't aligning with your new career?

Embarking on a new career can sometimes feel like fitting a square peg into a round hole, especially when your transferable skills don't seem to align. It's a common challenge, but not insurmountable. As you navigate this transition, it's important to remember that adaptability and a willingness to learn can bridge the gap between your past experiences and your new professional journey.

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1 Assess Skills

Begin by taking a comprehensive inventory of your skills. This is more than just listing job duties from previous roles; it's about identifying the core competencies you've developed. For example, if you've worked in customer service, you've likely honed skills in communication and conflict resolution. Even if these aren't direct requirements in your new career, they are valuable in any professional setting. Understand that soft skills like problem-solving and teamwork are often just as crucial as hard skills.

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Christina "Kicki" Petersson

From Stress to Balance: In 8 weeks, rediscover joyful teaching and build a career you love and a life that energizes you. DM 'Transform' to start your journey II Sustainability & Teacher Coach II LifestyleDesigner II
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This is called career learning skills! Start by going back to your previous list of occupations. Figure out what you enjoyed doing and why and see how you can use that in another occupation.

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Shantia Blackwell

soon to be Licensed Massage Therapist 🧠| on a mission to help people live happier, more joyful lives 🤍 |🌟🌱 | advocate of mindfulness, confidence, self actualization & science backed ways to heal ourselves 🧘♂️🌬️
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If your transferable skills aren't quite lining up with your new career, don't worry! It's a common challenge, but there are ways to navigate it. First, take a step back and identify which skills from your previous roles can still be valuable in your new career, even if they don't seem like a perfect match at first glance. For example, soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability often transfer well across different industries. Next, focus on learning and upskilling in areas that are directly relevant to your new field. By bridging the gap with new knowledge and experience, you'll start to work towards feeling more confident and capable in your new role.

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2 Identify Gaps

Once you've mapped out your skillset, identify the gaps between your current abilities and those needed in your new role. This requires honest self-reflection and perhaps some research into the new industry. If you're transitioning into a tech role but lack specific software knowledge, that's a tangible gap you can aim to fill. Recognizing these areas early on allows you to seek out specific training or education to make up for what's missing.

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Christina "Kicki" Petersson

From Stress to Balance: In 8 weeks, rediscover joyful teaching and build a career you love and a life that energizes you. DM 'Transform' to start your journey II Sustainability & Teacher Coach II LifestyleDesigner II
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When talking about gaps, if you have one in front of you, do you want to be within the same industry, do you look at it as a new start and go for a completely different industry? Or would you like to change you occupation and need to fill the gap with an education.

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3 Gain Experience

Gaining relevant experience in your new field can seem like a catch-22, but there are creative ways to build your resume. Volunteer work, internships, or even freelancing can provide practical experience and demonstrate your commitment to the new career. These opportunities can also help you build a network of contacts in the industry, which can be invaluable as you establish yourself professionally.

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4 Education Boost

Sometimes, the quickest way to align your skills with a new career is through targeted education. This doesn't necessarily mean going back to school for another degree. Short courses, online certifications, and workshops can provide the knowledge needed to fill your skill gaps. Lifelong learning is a key aspect of career growth, so embrace the opportunity to expand your expertise.

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5 Network Smartly

Networking is essential in any career transition. Reach out to professionals in your desired field to gain insights and advice. Social media platforms like LinkedIn can be great for this, but don't overlook the value of face-to-face interactions at industry events. Networking isn't just about finding job opportunities; it's about understanding the culture and expectations of your new career path.

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6 Stay Positive

Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial when facing the challenges of aligning your skills with a new career. It's easy to become discouraged when there's a mismatch, but positivity can fuel your motivation to learn and adapt. Remember that every professional was once a beginner, and resilience is often the key to success. Celebrate small victories and maintain confidence in your ability to grow.

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Christina "Kicki" Petersson

From Stress to Balance: In 8 weeks, rediscover joyful teaching and build a career you love and a life that energizes you. DM 'Transform' to start your journey II Sustainability & Teacher Coach II LifestyleDesigner II
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Learn how to share your skills and knowledge without using a title, then you will have a broader labor market to get in touch with.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if your transferable skills aren't aligning with your new career?

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2

3

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5

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1 Assess Skills

2 Identify Gaps

3 Gain Experience

4 Education Boost

5 Network Smartly

6 Stay Positive

7 Here’s what else to consider

Life Coaching

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What do you do if your transferable skills aren't aligning with your new career?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Skills

2 Identify Gaps

3 Gain Experience

4 Education Boost

5 Network Smartly

6 Stay Positive

7 Here’s what else to consider

Life Coaching

Rate this article

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