Written communication. Problem-solving. Digital literacy. Critical thinking. Collaboration. Project management. Those are just a few examples of transferrable skills, sometimes called soft skills, that employers consistently look for in a new hire. In an online learning environment, you are consistently sharpening skills that can help you in nearly all professional settings since they carry over from one environment to another.
Three recommendations to help you recognize and take advantage of transferrable skill-building opportunities:
⭐ Turn Course Lessons Into Real-World Application
Collaboration, critical thinking, and strong written communication are transferable skills built into the online learning experience. One place these come together is through discussion boards, a core component of many online classes. Rather than thinking of these as another assignment to be completed, think of them as a way to create thoughtful conversation about current industry trends, professional development, and an opportunity to learn with, and from, classmates and professors.
📚 Practice Beyond the Virtual Classroom
Look for opportunities to apply what you've learned in classes. Whether you are a full- or part-time student, being able to connect theory and application will likely prove to be a valuable skill in your education and career journey. Strong project management and digital literacy skills can be cultivated through the successful balance of assignments, readings, due dates, and technical research. Then, you can take what you learn in class and apply it in real-world situations.
💡 Own Your Skills and Communicate Them Effectively
Keep a list of skills or knowledge you accumulate during your program's courses or field work (if applicable) and adapt it to your resume. When it comes time for that new job or promotion, being able to talk about what you studied and why it matters to the role is very important. ETSU's University Career Services can help you with your resumé and interview preparation, when the time comes!
Being able to describe transferable skills and applying them to various professional settings can be valuable as you explore new career paths, pursue advancement in your current role, and work to stand out to potential employers. At ETSU, students like you can choose from many degrees and certificates designed to help you achieve your goals.
