In the previous blog post we discussed what transferable skills are, why you need them, and why they are important to include in your MBA application. Today, we will describe nine different examples of transferrable skills and how you can incorporate them into your MBA application.
Yesterday’s post: What are Transferable Skills and Why Do You Need Them For Your MBA Application?
Adaptability and Resilience
We have no idea what will happen tomorrow, let alone in six months or six years. Employees that are adaptive and resilient in the face of adversity are the ones who will keep organizations going forward even in the face of uncertainty. What, for example, did you do during the COVID shutdown, or what do you intend to do during the impending recession?
2. Critical Thinking
In the workplace, critical thinking abilities include considering all trustworthy sources of information available to comprehend a situation or problem and finally make an educated conclusion or decision. As you might expect, this is a transferrable skill that benefits employees at all levels by driving creativity, productivity, and, in certain cases, market competitiveness. Can you give an example of a time when you had to make a decision based on hard facts?
3. Initiative
Employees who take the initiative can analyze a situation, problem, or project and take action before they are ordered to. Of course, initiative should be exercised within reason and within defined limitations. Could you describe a time when you had to be bold and take the first leap?
4. Resourcefulness
A resourceful person who can use their time, staff, technology, or budget to attain a goal is beneficial to any business or department. Do you have an example of a situation when you had to work within a limited budget while achieving a significant goal?
5. Creativity and Innovation
Creativity and innovation aren't just for graphic designers and product developers. A creative and imaginative employee sees a problem and sees a solution that others may not perceive, which may be transferable throughout one's career. Can you recall a time when you had to think outside the box?
6. Leadership
Anyone may be a leader. A title is not necessary. Leaders take charge of situations, readily communicate their vision and direction, coach team members, and keep an eye on the big picture to ensure professional objectives are met. Leadership is a transferrable quality that will be highly valued by any business, regardless of the position you hold. Have you ever had to take leadership, convey your vision, and help your team members in achieving a goal?
7. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the capacity to recognize, control, and manage emotions. Empathy, self-awareness, and influence are all necessary skills for managers and supervisors to display emotional intelligence. Where did you demonstrate compassion to someone who needed it the most?
8. Communication
Communication skills have always been and will continue to be among the most valuable transferrable skills. However, with more individuals working from home and in teams than ever before, the flow of information is critical to keeping organizations running. As a result, a competent communicator will talk clearly whether they are on Zoom or face-to-face. Are you never hesitant to speak up when something essential is at stake?
9. Teamwork and Collaboration
According to various Deloitte research, firms have noticed the benefits of team-centric and network-based organizational structures and are attempting to adopt them for themselves. Individuals that are team-focused and collaborative will be highly rewarded as this manner of working becomes more popular. Are you a team player who is eager to collaborate?
Further reading: AVOID THE BIGGEST MBA APP MISTAKE: MARKET YOUR TRANSFERABLE SKILLS!