Career Pivoting? Transferable Skills Are Your Secret Weapon

Making a career change or re-entering the workforce after time away can feel intimidating. You may be asking:

• “Am I qualified for this new field?”

• “Will employers value my past experience?”

• “How do I compete if I’ve never had this exact job before?”

Here’s the truth: you already have more than you think. At SkillUp Workforce, LLC, we work with individuals from all walks of life—educators, military veterans, retail workers, entrepreneurs, and career returners—who have a deep well of skills they’ve never learned to frame or promote.

That’s where transferable skills come in. And they might just be your secret weapon.

What Are Transferable Skills?

Transferable skills are core competencies you’ve gained through life and work that can be applied in many different jobs, roles, or industries. These are not tied to a job title—they’re built through experience, and they move with you.

Some of the most in-demand transferable skills include:

• Communication: Writing, speaking, and active listening

• Adaptability: Navigating change and staying flexible

• Critical Thinking: Analyzing situations and making sound decisions

• Time Management: Prioritizing and meeting deadlines

• Collaboration: Working well with others

• Leadership: Influencing, organizing, and motivating teams

• Customer Service: Handling people and resolving issues

• Emotional Intelligence: Managing your own emotions and reading others’

These are the kinds of qualities employers across every industry are seeking—and they’re often the hardest to teach.

Real-Life Career Pivots That Worked

Need proof? Here are some real examples of professionals who successfully pivoted careers using their transferable skills:

From Teacher to Corporate Trainer

Background: Classroom educator for 10+ years.

Pivot: Transitioned into a corporate learning and development role.

Transferable skills:

• Public speaking and presentation

• Curriculum planning and instructional design

• Behavior management (now conflict resolution and team dynamics)

• Communication across diverse audiences

“I realized I’d been designing and delivering lessons for years. I just needed to use that experience in a business setting.”

From Military Veteran to Project Manager

Background: Army logistics specialist.

Pivot: Became a civilian project manager in a manufacturing company.

Transferable skills:

• Leadership and team coordination

• Strategic planning and execution

• Risk assessment and resource allocation

• Calm under pressure

“The structure and discipline I learned in the military helped me stay organized and lead projects with confidence—even in a new environment.”

From Retail Worker to Administrative Assistant

Background: Five years in customer-facing retail.

Pivot: Moved into an office setting as an executive assistant.

Transferable skills:

• Customer service and relationship building

• Multi-tasking in high-pressure environments

• Inventory and scheduling systems

• Attention to detail and time management

“I’d never worked in an office before, but I had the people skills and organizational habits they needed. I just needed to show how it all connected.”

The Growth Mindset That Makes It Possible

Career pivots aren’t about starting over. They’re about reframing what you already know and being open to growth.

To make a successful shift, here’s what you need:

• Self-awareness: Know your strengths and how they translate

• Curiosity: Be willing to learn new industry-specific skills

• Confidence: Believe your experience is valuable

• Support: A coach, mentor, or guide who helps you navigate the transition

And most of all: a mindset that says “I can learn, adapt, and grow.”

At SkillUp Workforce, LLC, we specialize in helping individuals:

• Uncover and articulate their transferable skills

• Rebuild confidence after time away or career burnout

• Rewrite resumes and LinkedIn profiles to align with their goals

• Prepare for interviews that showcase their value

• Create personalized development plans to bridge any gaps

Whether you're shifting careers or returning after a break, we help you step forward with purpose and a plan.

Your past is an asset—not a limitation.

If you're pivoting careers, your transferable skills are the bridge between where you’ve been and where you’re going. Don’t overlook them. Own them, refine them, and learn how to talk about them confidently.

Because when you learn to market what you’ve already got, your next chapter becomes a lot clearer.

Ready to make your pivot with clarity and support?

Let SkillUp Workforce help you unlock your potential and move forward—one skill at a time.