I'm graduating college, I don't have work experience!

If you don't have much work experience in an industry you're trying to get in to, then you might be stacked up against a slew of competitive applicants. You need to MASTER talking about transferable skills! Here's how...

Transferable skills are skills you practiced through classroom experiences, such as research papers, group projects, or leadership in the student life experience. They can serve as powerful qualitative leadership experiences that set you apart from other candidates. 

Use a Research Paper to showcase your analytical & communicative skills

Research papers, a staple of higher education, can often feel like a daunting task. However, they're a golden ticket if you have the right perspective. The skills utilized are essential in the world of leadership, where you must navigate complex problems, gather relevant data, and communicate effectively with your team and superiors.

The transferable skills you can take into an interview are:

• ability to focus in on an important topic that leads to practical change

• ability to analyze information and present to leadership

• ability to communicate ideas for the public good

• ability to articulate your thoughts persuasively

Use Group Projects to showcase your teamwork & leadership style,

Group projects on the other hand, teach us the importance of collaboration, communication, and teamwork. As a leader, nothing is more important than treating others well. Whether it's coordinating tasks, resolving conflicts, or delegating responsibilities, successfully navigating a group project demonstrates your ability to lead a team towards a common goal. 

 The transferable skills you can take into an interview are:

•     harnessing a diversity of contributors

•     utilizing each person's strengths for the common goal

•     motivated teammates

•     achieved success through a collective effort

•     prior to your interview, think of a couple examples when you harnessed any/all of the above

Athletic experiences, though often overlooked, can also be valuable in developing qualitative leadership skills. These qualities are highly transferable to the world of work. Employers value individuals who can demonstrate determination, resilience, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. These attributes will undoubtedly impress potential employers who seek individuals with a competitive spirit and a drive for success.

The transferable skills you can take into an interview are:

•     discipline

•     perseverance

•     ability to work well under pressure

•     set goals

•     push your limits physically & mentally

•     overcome obstacles

In summary, the classroom experiences you encounter throughout your college journey are not simply checkboxes on your academic path—they are opportunities for growth and the development of qualitative leadership skills. Research papers teach you to think critically and communicate effectively. Group projects enable you to collaborate, lead, and solve problems with others. Athletic experiences build resilience, discipline, and a competitive edge. Embrace these experiences as opportunities to cultivate your leadership abilities and enhance your employability. 

When it comes time to interview for jobs, remember to highlight these experiences, sharing specific examples that showcase your growth and how you have developed into a well-rounded leader. So, as you navigate your college years, remember that each assignment, project, and athletic endeavor is a chance to hone your leadership skills. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.