No matter what industry you’re looking to break into, having a few competitive skills is an important part of developing your career. Of course, every field may be looking for something distinctly different: a lawyer must understand substantive legal procedures, a computer programmer must know how to code, and a doctor must know how to perform surgery. However, there are some universally desired qualities that all employees look for on a resume. Almost every job has skills that would be considered “transferable skills”. Knowing how to develop these skills can open up your career path and help you succeed in almost any role. 

Communication 

Not everyone is going to be an amazing essayist, nor is your employer expecting you to be, but being able to communicate concisely and effectively is extremely valuable. No matter what industry you are in, being able to set clear expectations with your managers and co-workers will ensure your success for the long term. In fact, in a 2021 report conducted by The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), approximately 75% of employers indicated that verbal and written communication skills were their most sought-after skill set. 

Collaboration 

Most companies are gearing towards a work environment with a diverse team of employees. Everyone will have a different set of skills that they bring to the table and you’ll have to learn to navigate those differences to reach a common goal. Having the ability to efficiently work with a team will not only improve the quality of your work but will also aid in the general productivity of your team. Collaboration will also show employers that you can adapt and succeed in any situation. 

Creative Problem-Solving 

A highly valued skill in the workplace is being able to think of unconventional solutions to complex situations. Creative problem solving demonstrates to employers that you are an asset for obstacles in any situation. The key to problem-solving is to focus on the solution rather than the problem and keep an open mind while you’re at it. There may be more than one solution to any problem. 

Leadership 

You don’t have to land a managerial role right out of college to be a leader in your industry. Leadership skills motivate you to complete tasks, work toward shared goals, and improve morale. According to a survey by NACE, employers think only 33% of employees display leadership qualities. Exercising leadership in the workplace will make you stand out to your employer, your coworkers, and open new opportunities to grow. Leadership exists at all levels from entry-level to CEO. 

Technical Literacy 

In today’s technology-driven age, many companies are computer-automating daily tasks and leveraging social media to publicize their success. As technology becomes more and more common in the workplace, any employee with a basic background in computer skills will surely advance their professional performance. This can range from Photoshop to Microsoft Suite to basic research processes via search engines. 

Usually, college students are focused on “hard skills” that they can write into their resumes. Many of these skills represent character traits and interpersonal skills that will carry you in your career. No matter what industry or field you pursue, there are some skills that are always good to keep in your tool kit. You got this!