Jun 12, 2008

"Transferable Skills"

By Stephanie Abney

I’ve gone back to school in order to complete a degree in Education and to become certified so I can start teaching full-time and not just substitute teach. I have a summer school class called, “Introduction to Education.” I’m really loving this class, not just because the information is so useful but because I think I managed to sign up for a class taught by a “master” teacher, Mr. Ted Telepak, at M.C.C., Mesa, AZ. Just observing him I’m getting great insights about the kind of teacher I want to be.

Today our instructor said we need make good use of our “transferable skills" on our resumes and during the interview process. Just the sound of it intrigued me and I’ve been thinking about it a great deal this evening. “Transferable Skills” are non-job specific skills which can be used in different occupations. We generally develop them through our educational course work, jobs or internships, church service, volunteering, extra-curricular activities or just plain life experiences.


Most of us posses many of the skills considered valuable just as a result of the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences we’ve had throughout our lives. Emma Smith said, “Life is a good teacher.” It occurs to me that this is even more apparent in the case of women because we wear so many different hats. Before I continue and suggest some of the abilities many of us have acquired, I can’t help but wonder ~ eventually, transferrable to where? In the end, just where is it that we expect these skills to benefit us and those around us? Ponder that, while I continue:

As women, particularly LDS women, we have mastered many managerial and/or administrative skills. We’re pretty good at planning, arranging, budgeting, delegating, guiding, directing, organizing, evaluating, and multi-tasking, to name the most obvious. We’re very likely to possess more than adequate communication skills as we deal with those around us (and for many that would include dealing with a spouse and children). We shine in our ability to listen, provide answers, accept input, write correspondence (even if most of it is via email these days), speak in front of groups, lead discussions, teach lessons, persuade, negotiate, read and perhaps we speak a foreign language. We have learned to investigate, research and present information (and do so with a lovely little centerpiece, which leads us into our decorating, scrapbooking, and hospitality expertise, not to mention our culinary and transportation abilities). Our human relation and problem-solving skills have become daily occurrences as we encourage and motivate others, teach and train children, and keep the peace.

You can see how, with just a little brainstorming, that you are far more accomplished than you give yourself credit for. So, now I want to go back to the question I posed earlier ~ where do we hope these skills will be transferable to? Despite the fact that such abilities and talents will enhance our earthly sojourn and bless the lives of those we deal with on a daily basis, I do hope that along the way, I am acquiring skills that will be of value to my Heavenly Father and the hosts of heaven. When I show up with my little resume and recommendation letters in hand, I pray He finds my “transferrable skills” acceptable and that they will include compassion, humility, Christ-like love and faith.




8 comments:

  1. The way your post struck me was utilizing those same skills as a writer. All of them can be used in a book, an article, a poem or a song. Thanks for giving me a broader perspective of intwining my spiritual goals with my earthly goals.

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  2. This is a WOW piece! Stephanie, you always have the right touch to put mortal things into an eternal perspective and I value our friendship more than words can express. Thank you for sharing this valuable lesson and pattern for life!
    Sandy L.

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  3. That was quite insightful! Thank you for sharing one of your transferrable skills of writing :o)

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  4. I wonder if cutting the crust off of peanut butter sandwiches is considered a transferable skill . . .

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  5. Wonderful post, Stephanie! But then you are a wonderful person! Thanks for the positive and insightful thoughts. I have frequently been pestered by the backwards thinking of: if something happens to my husband, who is going to hire a 50 year old woman who has never worked outside the home? Your post gave me some great ideas for my own resume!

    And I agree. I hope my "transferable skills" are acceptable to Heavenly Father!

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  6. Very well written. Each topic flows seemlessly into the next, culmanating in a nice package that pulls everything together. Everyday experience put in the perspective of eternity. Good job Mom!

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  7. Once again you hit the nail on the head. Nice work, Steph! Good luck in school (you're so ambitious). Thanks for reminding us about the positive side to our busy lives. Isn't it wonderful how talented service can make us?! Love ya!

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  8. Wow! I didn't know I knew so many things! I'm glad you shared this with me because it helps me realize that through all of the trials I am going through right now as a young mother, I am really gaining experience to be an eternal queen. Thank you for reminding me of this!

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