The career landscape becomes more fluid with each year. Rapid tech upgrades—artificial intelligence, computing, etc.—cause displacement, layoffs, and a need for reskilling. While it’s daunting, we’ve discovered about half of transitioning workers move industries upon resignation.
What if you were armed with 20 powerful skills before realigning yourself?
Some valuable soft skills are transferable to any industry. As Amanda Haddaway, managing director of HR Answerbox, says, soft skills—or perhaps more accurately, power skills—like communication and teamwork are “essential for success in most organizational roles.”
No matter your background, Suzanna Alsayed, founder of Evolutz, reminds us that adaptability is a “cornerstone for success,” allowing you to thrive in new environments. And Logan Mallory, a keynote speaker, emphasizes that the “soft skills you can develop,” like emotional intelligence, can be a powerful asset across industries.
Besides the above, 14 more leaders share their experiences with transitions and insights into the most valuable skills. Dive in to discover more of what skills you can cultivate, and how to leverage them, before landing your dream job—even in a completely new field.
Power skills
I’ve worked in HR for nearly 25 years and have observed that skills required for the actual job can almost always be trained, but soft skills—or perhaps more appropriately termed power skills—are proven indicators of success across all industries.
Skills like communication, feedback, listening, collaboration, and teamwork are more difficult to teach but are essential for success in most organizational roles.
Amanda Haddaway, managing director, HR Answerbox
Critical thinking
In my role as a managing attorney, I’ve witnessed individuals from social work, counseling, HR, and journalism backgrounds turn to a career in law. This field demands a commitment to rigorous education and training, often involving further studies and examinations.
However, the passion to make a difference and contribute to societal change serves as a powerful motivator for many.
As for the transferable skills—critical thinking is perhaps the most common one I’ve seen that’s helped these professionals transition—and of course, their desire to make a positive change. For example, social workers and counselors both excel in empathetic critical thinking, a skill highly prized in legal contexts. Their ability to understand and navigate complex human situations seamlessly translates into effective legal problem-solving.
Similarly, journalists bring with them a knack for scrutinizing information, identifying key details, and presenting a compelling narrative—attributes that align seamlessly with legal research and case preparation. The surprising part is that simple practices like joining debate clubs, participating in moot court competitions, and even chiming in on thought-provoking discussions with peers helped most of these professionals develop their critical thinking skills a lot further.
Riley Beam, managing attorney, Douglas R. Beam, P.A.
Written communication
While hard skills are often specific to a role or industry, most soft skills are transferable and universally applicable. For me, my written communication skills allowed me to transition from the advertising industry to the recruiting industry. Though it may prove more useful in some professions than others, the ability to communicate well is advantageous to employees and highly valued by employers.
In this age of texting abbreviations and social media shorthand, employees and job seekers who prioritize and polish their written communication by posting original, insightful content and actively working to improve their writing knowledge and skills can gain visibility in their industry and increase their job prospects in a tight labor market.
John Feldmann, senior communications specialist, Insperity
Change management
As someone who recently exited running a staffing firm after nearly a decade to pivot into an entirely new industry, critical soft skills like agility, change-management prowess, and communication abilities have proven invaluable for successfully navigating major workplace transitions.
Specifically, the capacity to rapidly adapt, exhibiting flexibility in adjusting between roles and organizational dynamics, is essential. Even the most seasoned industry veterans can experience discomfort acclimating from established leadership hierarchies into newer, less-structured startups lacking that rigor. But leading through rapid change requires leaning into agility, and maintaining equilibrium through turbulence.
So, while more tactical skills certainly require development when jumping into new spaces, leading with adaptable leadership, change savvy, and compassionate communication skills accelerate traversing steep learning curves tremendously.
Nicole Serres, president, Star Staffing
Curiosity
Whether switching industries, learning a new role, or just trying to make a connection at a cocktail party, curiosity is the quality that I have found to be most impactful. Luckily, the skill of asking great questions is transferable across any industry. Regardless of your role, getting curious about the business and bringing a genuine sense of interest has been a true differentiator for me and many I have managed and mentored.
Recently, I interviewed for a VP-level human resources role. At the end of the interview with the CEO, he asked if I had any questions. He was expecting questions about the culture and the company’s HR needs, but what he got was my deep curiosity about the business. I asked about how the product works, the external market, and regulatory forces that may get in the way of growth, and about product-market fit and the company’s ideal customer profile. He stated, “I didn’t expect you to ask those kinds of questions,” and seemed pleasantly surprised by my curiosity for the business and industry.
As you enter a new industry, tap into your deepest sense of curiosity. Not only will it help you quickly acclimate, but it also has a nice added benefit of helping build strong relationships. Being curious and asking great questions makes others feel valued. People want to have their opinions asked and their expertise tapped into. So think deeply about what makes you say, “Hmm?” and don’t be afraid to ask.
Rachel Kleban, VP of people, OpenPhone
Building Authentic Relationships
I’ve had career clients switch from acting to international relations, from publishing to academic advising, from global diplomacy to local nonprofits, and the one defining skill that enables them to not only transfer industries but then be successful is the ability to build trustworthy, authentic relationships. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in; you always are working alongside others and need to be able to manage up, down, and sideways to thrive.
Before pivoting, workers need to do their research, with informational interviews being especially helpful for insider insights, about not only that new industry but also specific employers in that field. A small start-up is going to attract different colleagues than a large multinational corporation; the vibe from colleagues at a charter school will not be the same as being employed at an Ivy League college. My clients who have nuanced relationship-building skills are the ones who have been vulnerable and open to feedback from colleagues and have dug into their failures.
One client, who is now at the C-suite level of a different industry, recognized that while people knew he was smart, they didn’t want him to lead their teams. He worked closely with his supervisor to identify new management approaches, had heart-to-hearts with colleagues, learned from an executive coach, and studied his missteps. By the time he was ready to switch industries, he not only had people willing to champion him but also employers wanting his leadership.
Denise Fowler, founder and career coach, Career Happiness Coaching
Verbal communication
After enduring the soul-sucking void of economics at university, where the highlight was nearly succumbing to the sheer, unadulterated boredom, I decided it was high time for a radical change.
So off I went, chasing the siren call of my passion, which led me to the hallowed halls of SAE in London, diving headfirst into the world of audio engineering. But, as it turns out, spending endless hours in a dimly lit studio, isolated from the rest of humanity, was a tad too suffocating for my taste. I needed more than just oxygen to thrive; I craved the company of creative, entrepreneurial, and analytical minds. That’s when I stumbled into the universe of digital marketing and SEO.
Over a decade of hopping from one digital lily pad to another, I’ve come to realize that one skill, in particular, has been my trusty helper: the art of effective communication. Whether I was trying to make sense of economic models, convincing a band that their sound needed tweaking, or explaining to a client why their website’s bounce rate was sky-high, being able to articulate complex ideas in simple, digestible terms has been my golden ticket.
How did I polish this gem of a skill, you ask? Well, it wasn’t by talking to myself in the studio (though that did happen on occasion). It was through a mix of trial and error, a ton of networking, and a healthy dose of charm and sarcasm. Presenting ideas, negotiating deals, and even schmoozing at industry events—all of it was practice for the big leagues.
Here’s a nugget of wisdom for you: Mastering the art of communication is like learning to play an instrument. It takes practice, patience, and a bit of improvisation. You’ve got to know your audience, tune into their frequency, and sometimes, play to the gallery. Whether crafting an email, pitching a project, or just chatting up a storm on social media, every interaction is a chance to fine-tune your skills.
Milosz Krasinski, international SEO consultant and owner, Chilli Fruit
Maintaining trust
One universally transferable skill across industries is building and maintaining client trust. Before launching my consulting firm, I led several notable sales teams in NYC. This experience taught me the crucial role of trust in client relationships.
Success wasn’t about pursuing hefty commissions but about genuinely addressing clients’ business pain points, ensuring they felt valued and benefited from our partnership. Maintaining open lines of communication, celebrating successes, and navigating challenges together were fundamental practices. These client-centric lessons from sales have become a cornerstone of my agency’s operations.
It’s about showing clients that their success is your priority. This approach not only fosters loyalty but also sets a solid foundation for any professional role, regardless of the industry. Adopting a customer-first mindset and practicing transparent communication can be developed through real-world experience, mentorship, and a genuine desire to contribute positively to client outcomes.
Stacie Sussman, CRO, RevUp Advisory
Sales proficiency
My career journey from entrepreneur, to broker, to headhunter showcases the power of sales proficiency when switching industries.
Sales is not just about closing deals; it’s about being comfortable facing prospective clients in uncharted territories, understanding market dynamics, extracting valuable insights, and building relationships.
My experience taught me to approach sales from multiple angles, adapting strategies to suit different scenarios. This adaptability was crucial in each career transition, allowing me to connect with clients in unfamiliar industries.
Beyond adaptability, sales fosters resilience. Facing rejection builds a “can-do” attitude, valuable in any role. This translated well to headhunting when my focus shifted to business development, where I needed to create brand awareness and establish myself as a specialist while penetrating a new market—skills honed in sales.
Ultimately, sales proficiency isn’t just selling; it’s understanding, connecting, and communicating value. Sales proficiency equips individuals with a versatile toolkit for success in any industry. Seek hands-on experience, embrace continuous learning, and cultivate a proactive mindset to unlock its potential.
Agassiz Kong, executive search in Oil and Energy, Kepler Search
Leadership
I switched industries in my 20s. Being transferable, sadly, falls largely on hard work. Sadly, because it’s not that simple. Even if you are extremely charismatic, if you transfer between industries, you are usually expected to achieve great results in the new job immediately. You’re not going to be treated in any special way; more than that, you can expect that your mistakes will be pointed out to you more than to your colleagues.
So, if you want to be a person who can transfer easily between industries, you need to be naturally adaptable, confident, and positive.
When it comes to precise skills, I believe leadership is going to be the most useful one in that territory. Leaders are welcome in most industries and companies, as they are naturally a rare kind. Leadership is also a skill that can be, and is, used in all industries almost uniformly. So, if you were a tech leader, you could be a marketing leader with almost no problems. In that position, you are going to be judged on the results that you can produce with your team, and those will largely rely on your ability to manage well, and provide interesting development opportunities, and valuable contacts.
Learn how to be a good leader, and you will always find yourself more than welcome in any job.
Mike Sadowski, founder and CEO, Brand24
Project Management
I’m a great example of shifting between industries, and I have to tell you, it’s not so bad. It’s simple as long as you have proper reasons for doing it. I transitioned from FinTech startups to running an event-planning company, and I have to say that I’ve found project management to be an invaluable transferable skill across industries.
In FinTech, project management involves coordinating with developers, understanding user needs, and managing timelines for product launches. These turned out to be skills that were extremely useful in event planning. In that industry, success largely hinges on coordinating with vendors, understanding client visions, and ensuring events are executed flawlessly and on time. You need to catch opportunities to lead, organize, and manage projects, regardless of scale or industry.
This is the best tip I can give. It’s good to start by volunteering for project-based tasks in your current role, paying attention to planning, execution, team coordination, and outcome evaluation. It’s not a bad idea to do some online courses and certifications in project management methodologies like Agile or Scrum. It can bolster your understanding and, even more importantly, your credibility. I think this might be the biggest issue for you when changing between industries.
Likely, if you are thinking about doing it, you are skilled enough to do the job and do well in it. The problem might be people not taking you seriously. That’s why, especially as a young entrepreneur, you shouldn’t overlook education.
Artūras Asakavičius, CEO and cofounder, Breezit
Curiosity
When switching industries, consider the move as a step up. In 2022, I pivoted from a career in public relations to nonprofit executive leadership. While there was some overlap between the clients I had served in PR and the demographic the nonprofit helped, the business landscape was entirely different in structure, language, and priority work.
I learned that outside knowledge can offer a valuable, fresh perspective when you look for connections. My approach was to find talent who was great at the things I wasn’t and to make time to fill in my knowledge gaps with professional development courses in the evenings, so I could apply what I was highly skilled at during the business day.
As a result of transferring my experiences as a publicist, a digital marketer, and an entrepreneur, we doubled the reach of the organization to a community size of 50,000, launched new digital media products, and invited new groups to participate that had been historically excluded or disadvantaged. It is possible to be hugely successful when transferring skills and experiences to a new industry. Curiosity and a bias toward action apply anywhere you go.
Shelisa Demuth, founder and CEO, Laurel
Adaptability
Adaptability has been the cornerstone of navigating diverse roles and sectors in my journey. Whether transitioning from security and emergency management into corporate leadership or sharing insights on global platforms, the ability to adapt to new environments, cultures, and different challenges has been indispensable.
Adaptability encompasses several key components: learning agility, openness to change, and the capacity to innovate in response to new information or contexts. For instance, the ability to quickly assess situations and pivot strategies is crucial in emergency management. This skill directly translates into corporate leadership, where market dynamics and organizational needs can shift rapidly.
Embracing change and being prepared to adjust one’s approach enhances personal growth and contributes to the resilience and agility of the organizations one serves. My diverse career path underscores adaptability’s role as a critical, transferable skill that facilitates success across various industries.
Suzanna Alsayed, MDEM, founder, Evolutz
Networking
As someone who has transitioned between diverse roles, I’ve found that a crucial skill for switching industries is the ability to seek advice and perspectives from a varied network of people. It is important to move beyond the familiar circle of friends and family and actively engage with individuals who offer fresh insights, which can help you gain valuable new perspectives.
This process helps you expand your knowledge, maintain an open mind, and push you to keep learning. These are essential traits that have proven transferable across different industries in my experience. As industries evolve, the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new environments can be a significant asset in any transition.
Nahida Coelho, founder and career coach, discoverU
Managing up
When people think of transferable skills, they think of skills such as communication, dependability, teamwork, organization, and adaptability—often referred to as soft skills. However, in my experience providing career development guidance to hundreds of staff members at multiple major corporations, success is often dependent on managing up—managing your manager.
Managing up is typically overlooked because it encompasses so much, including communication style, conflict management, and goal setting. In addition, subordinates typically don’t think they can or should manage their managers. Yet this is a transferable skill that is the cornerstone of performing well in any job.
At the most basic level, managing your manager requires answering two basic questions: What is success for you, and what is success for the manager’s team? Where your success and the manager’s success meet is the sweet spot where your performance makes an impact.
As with any transferable skill, managing up takes practice, and it is an ongoing process. The most basic skills of managing up include listening to your manager’s expectations, voicing your opinions, and aligning your performance to the team’s goals.
Eric Kramer, career management consultant, Active Interviewing
Emotional intelligence
The soft skills you develop will almost always transfer from one industry to another. My initial career in sales taught me how to adapt my interactions based on the needs and style of the person I was engaging with. Those same people skills have been a huge part of my success as I shifted into B2B marketing.
The emotional intelligence skills I learned help as I craft marketing messages, but more importantly, they have shaped my leadership style. I’m better at leading the people I work with in marketing because I learned how to engage with prospects while I was in sales.
Logan Mallory, keynote speaker, Logan Mallory Speaks
Unlearning and continuous learning
Your ability to unlearn and learn again is crucial. When you move to a new industry, you are likely a subject matter expert in your field. Don’t fall into the trap of doing the same job in the same way in every industry—instead, unlearn previous processes and strategies that no longer fit with the new industry.
Then, absorb and learn everything there is about the new industry. Set up virtual or in-person chats, attend conferences and networking events, read trade publications, research industry awards, find mentors, and keep on top of trends and industry news. And don’t be shy about leveraging platforms and tools like LinkedIn and ChatGPT to help you with your learning efforts! Having a growth mindset and always learning will distinguish you and set you up for success when pivoting industries.
Dasle Hong, senior manager, Brand Marketing, DailyPay
Anticipation
Mastering the art of anticipation is a versatile and valuable transferable skill. Foreseeing trends, challenges, and opportunities is pivotal for maintaining a competitive edge. While honing this skill requires keen observation prowess, its payoff lies in enabling proactive decision-making and strategic planning.
Think of “Radar O’Reilly” from the iconic show M*A*S*H—his uncanny ability to detect incoming choppers ahead of others is a great analogy for the power of anticipation. Always prepared with the Colonel’s paperwork before it was requested, Radar exemplified how anticipation acts as an early-warning system, ensuring readiness to navigate any situation with precision.
Janet Glover-Kerkvliet, LCPC, GCDF, career coach and psychotherapist, MedStar Health
Courage
In my experience coaching women navigating career transitions, I’ve observed a not-so-obvious skill that propels job changers forward and helps them transition successfully: courage.
While often perceived as an innate trait rather than a cultivated skill, my experience working with leaders around the world shows it’s the one thing that will embolden individuals to step into the unknown, confront fears head-on, and seize new opportunities with confidence. Only then can they use their transferable skills, such as adaptability and communication. Without courage, individuals won’t get out of the starter’s block.
Female leaders, in particular, need courage when transferring careers, especially in traditionally male-dominated industries and leadership roles. My clients often recount pivotal moments of courage—from making their bold career shift to speaking up in unfamiliar settings—as instrumental in their journey toward success.
Sinja Hallam, executive and business coach, Sinja Hallam—The Power to Transform
Effective team management
One of the most highly transferable skills when switching industries is effective team management.
I have had several clients who were able to switch industries largely due to their success at managing people and large teams. In a recent SHRM survey, 84% of U.S. workers blamed bad managers for creating unnecessary stress, and according to Gallup, employee disengagement cost U.S. companies up to $550 billion in 2023 and resulted in a 33% decrease in earnings.
Smart companies are hiring strong leaders for senior and middle-manager roles, creating happier and more productive employees—and a better bottom line.
Amanda Fischer, executive leadership and career coach, AMF Coaching & Consulting
