IDENTIFYING YOUR TRANSFERRABLE SKILLSKathleen E. High, M.Ed.Adjunct Professor,Learning Assistance CenterMt. San Antonio College

WHAT ARE “TRANSFERRABLE” SKILLS? There are two types of job skills:

Technical Skills Skills needed to do a specific job:

Nurses knowing how to take blood pressure Auto mechanics knowing how to overhaul an engine Computer programmers knowing computer languages (JAVA) Accountants producing a “Profit & Loss” statement

Transferrable Skills Skills you can use in many different jobs

Verbal and written communication Working with people Using computers and the Internet Organizing information, data, people or things Analyzing numbers, trends, cause and effect processes Trouble shooting and problem solving

WHY ARE TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS IMPORTANT? Transferrable skills:

The true value of a college degree: Are universal Make you more employable Are important to include on your resume Make you a more attractive candidate Make you more adaptable Are necessary in world of job uncertainty Can help you get jobs in different fields

Video: The Human Resources Recruiter and the English Majorhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=_KIiVFCZlV0&feature=player_embedded

HOW SKILLS RELATE TO CAREER SUCCESS

TALENT VS. SKILL

Talent: In-born, natural, does not require much effort

Skill: Developed through training and practice

Q: Is it possible to have both talent and skill in something?

A: Yes: By building on natural talent through education, training and practice

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Ability to reach full potential at activity over time

Effort: Practice of acquired skills through education/training

Scenario 1: Talent without Practice/Skill

Talent vs. Skill to Reach Full Potential

Ability to reach full potential at activity over time

Effort: Practice of acquired skills through education/training

Scenario 3: Talent Combined with Practice/Skill

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Scenario 2: Practice/Skill without Talent

Effort: Practice of acquired skills through education/training

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Ability to reach full potential at activity over time

HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR SKILLS Personality Talents Your Environment:

Upbringing, Generation, Hobbies, etc. Education, Work, Military Experience, etc.

Follow Up Activities:Visit Career Service CenterMake Appointment To See A CounselorClasses:

COUN 2 – College Success StrategiesCOUN 5 – Career/Life PlanningCOUN 51 – Career Planning

Handouts:Generational ValuesTrue Self

ASSESSMENTS TO IDENTIFY SKILLS MicroSkills

Assessment available in the Career Services Center Myers Briggs (MBTI)

Identifies personality and related strengths which can be cultivated into transferrable skills

Campbell Interest and Skill Survey (CISS) StrengthsFinder

(Not available through the Career Service Center) http://strengths.gallup.com/110659/Homepage.aspx

Values in Action (Not available through the Career Service Center) http://viacharacter.org/www/

A PLACE TO BEGIN: MICROSKILLS* Identifies 72 potential transferrable skills in areas

of: Self Management Situational Skills Detail Skills Movement Skills Operational Skills Numerical Skills Communication Skills Conceptual Skills Judgment Skills Reasoning Skills Interpersonal Skills Leadership Skills*An assessment of transferrable skills offered through Eureka

(a career planning database offered by the Career Center)http://www.mtsac.edu/students/careerservices/students/links.html

ADDITIONAL TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS(NOT INCLUDED IN MICROSKILLS)

Adaptability Care Giving Diversity Driving Event Planning Hospitality Learner Multi-lingual Networking Observation Other-focused Patience Public Speaking/Performance Resourcefulness

HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS

Create environments that develop skills: True Self:

Work Education Internships School Activities Military Volunteer Opportunities Leisure Activities Community Activities Family Life

WRAP UP

Need Help? Not Sure What to Do Next?

Make an appointment to see a counselor In the Counseling Center (909) 274-4380 Student Services Center. 2nd Floor