Reevaluating Past Experiences
As you determine the type of job you are seeking and its requirements, you will want to match your experiences and qualifications to this position. If you are thinking, "I have no relevant experience," keep in mind that that is not really true. Consider the range of your academic and nonacademic experiences, and be creative about how you translate these skills and experiences in a way that will help you attain the job you are seeking. For example:
- Academic activities such as teaching and research can be broken down into specific tasks such as planning lessons and synthesizing large quantities of data. In turn, these tasks demonstrate abilities such as organization, planning, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Writing a thesis or dissertation requires the ability to manage and complete a large project, skills that organizations value greatly. Additionally, think about the analytical and writing skills involved in producing this document.
- Presenting a paper at a conference or publishing an article or book review demonstrates your communication abilities, another highly valued skill.
- Being a committee member can demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and administrative skills.
Further information about transferable skills is available on the GCCSO website.
Look critically at the areas where you lack experience and be proactive. Try to use your time as a graduate student to develop skill sets and competencies that will support your goals. This can be done through internships, volunteer work, committee work, and other activities. More information about gaining experience can be found on the GCCSO Web site.