No one expects you to have your life mapped out at 16 or even 21. Whether you’re still in school, working part-time, or just figuring out what you actually enjoy doing, there’s one thing that’ll always help: learning transferable skills.
These are the kind of skills you can take with you wherever you go; these five transferable skills will always come in handy. The more you build them up, the more confident and capable you’ll feel in any situation.
1. Communication
Good communication is more than just being able to talk. It’s about explaining things clearly, listening properly, and knowing how to get your point across.
Why it matters: Clear communication avoids confusion and builds trust. People are far more likely to take you seriously when you can say what you mean and understand others too.
Tip: Want to improve? Try putting your phone down when someone’s talking to you. Giving your full attention makes a huge difference, and it helps you become a better listener.
2. Problem Solving
Things don’t always go to plan. And problem solving is all about staying calm, thinking things through, and finding a solution without panicking.
Why it matters: Every workplace, and even a friendship group runs into problems. If you can show that you’re someone who finds ways forward instead of just pointing out what’s wrong, you’ll stand out for the right reasons.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most people are happy to help if they see you're trying to fix something rather than just waiting for someone else to deal with it.
3. Teamwork
Even if you’re not the group project type, teamwork is a skill you’ll use constantly, so knowing how to work well with others makes everything run smoother.
Why it matters: People remember the ones who show up, do their part, and make things easier for everyone else. You don’t always have to lead. Just being reliable, respectful, and willing to help makes you someone people want around.
Tip: Look out for people who might be struggling. A quick offer to help or a few kind words can make a bigger impact than you realise.
4. Time Management
No one has their schedule completely together, but getting better at managing your time will make your life less stressful. It’s about planning ahead, meeting deadlines, and knowing how to balance your workload with the rest of your life.
Why it matters: Employers, teachers, and managers all value people who can turn up on time, stay organised, and get things done without constant reminders. It shows maturity and reliability, two things that go a long way.
Tip: Get into the habit of using a calendar or reminder app. Even setting simple alarms or writing to-do lists can help you stay on top of things without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Adaptability
Life changes and sometimes very quickly! Whether you’re starting a new job, or learning a new way of doing something, being adaptable helps you handle change without losing your cool.
Why it matters: Workplaces and life in general are always changing. If you’re someone who can go with the flow and adjust when things shift, you’ll be able to handle more and stress less.
Tip: Try saying “yes” to something new every so often. It could be a different task at work or just a new way of doing something. The more you try, the easier it gets to handle change.
Start small. Pay attention to how you talk to people and how you handle things when they don’t go to plan. These transferable skills grow the more you use them.
You don’t need to wait for the “right time”, just start where you are. Pick one skill and work on it this week. Notice what’s going well and what you could improve. Bit by bit, it adds up.
