Do You Have Transferable Skills?

How do you move past the idea that all you can do is teach?

I experienced that “imposter syndrome” feeling for almost 8 YEARS before I got the courage to leave the classroom. Yes, you read that right. 8 years of knowing I wanted to leave education but staying because I was scared and frozen in the thought that I did not have transferrable skills to the corporate world.

Sound familiar?

I am here to tell you that you have transferable skills. Reshaping your thought process on your skills will help you realize it and gain confidence in knowing you can transition into the corporate world. It is really just about showing companies how those skills can translate to the corporate world.

Here are some things that you may think about including on your resume or might bring up in an interview. Consider reshaping how you discuss or display them to fit the corporate world.

Teacher Skill Corporate Skills

1500 decisions made in your class daily Decision-making/problem solving

Teaching/Presenting Public Speaking

Corralling kids/keeping them focused Management skills

Emails and phone calls with parents Communication skills

Teaching within time limits Effective time management

Lesson planning with other teachers Collaboration with co-workers

Lockdown drills/ALICE/other drills Expert in safety protocol

Grading or record keeping for students Managed a portfolio of (enter #

of students here) clients

The constant daily interruptions Adaptability

Crying, hormones, different cultures, Emotional intelligence/

breaking up arguments, different views Interpersonal skills/Mindfulness

Teaching things students think are boring Sales experience

Grading/Analyzing what lessons worked Data analysis/systems eval

Hiring or helping new teachers Hiring/Onboarding staff

Teaching pedagogy/Lesson planning Training and development

These are by no means the only skills you have; they are just an example of some of the skills you have acquired through your time as a teacher.

Tailor your skills to fit the job that you are trying to get. Be confident in knowing you have what it takes to get this new job.?