18 Unit 1 Learning About Human Services Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Portable Skills in the Twenty-First Century You hear the buzz word “portable skills” when people talk about résumés and look for a job. What are portable skills? How can you fi nd out if you have any? Portable skills are skills you learn at one job that you can use in different work situations—even in a different industry. These might also be skills you develop through volunteer work, hobbies, sports, or other life experiences. Some of the basic portable skills that almost everyone has include decision-making, communication (both written and verbal), problem-solving, and leadership skills. Other portable skills that employers look for may include • meeting deadlines • having the ability to plan and delegate • accepting responsibility • instructing others • using good time management skills • being open to learning new skills and • showing how you can increase sales or productivity. Now that you know what portable skills include, you can work on your own list of personal portable skills. Some easy steps to help fi gure out what portable skills you have include • making a list of your experiences on and off campus • developing an inventory of skills • highlighting your research experiences • describing how you make a decision • listing leadership roles and • explaining how well you function in a group setting. The portable skills you develop now will help shape the professional you will become. While you are still in school, you are able to work on your creativity, learn how to ask for help, and build your personal credibility. Volunteer opportunities will enable you to meet new people and network. Remember the old adage, “it’s not what you know, but who you know.” Create a Personal Skills and Job Chart Using the steps above, make a list of skills you possess, as well as skills you are learning. Update this list throughout the year. Remember to also keep a list of any volunteer and work experiences, including the duties you perform. These lists come in handy to remind you of your accomplishments. You can add them to your résumé or talk about them during a job interview. After gathering this information, put it into a chart. You can do this in many ways. One way is to list the job in one column and the skills learned in a second column. Another way is to break down the skills into areas in one column (such as communication skills, decision making, problem solving, and leadership) and list examples in the second column. Be creative as you make your own list and chart. Use this information to help you determine which portable skills you can start developing now. Pathway to Success Pathway to Success