Unlocking Hidden Strengths: The Power of Transferable Skills

Could you do your thing somewhere else and get paid more for it? Have you ever considered that the skills you're using today might shine even brighter in a completely different career?

What do you do?

"Oh, I’m just a..."

HOLD UP! Are you really about to box yourself into a tiny corner of who you are and how you do it? You’ve got so much more to offer.

Picture this: You’re sitting in a coffee shop, casually chatting with someone about what they do, and suddenly, you realise—your skills, the very ones you're downplaying, could translate to something bigger and better.

Let’s get one thing straight: You have transferable skills, and they can take you to bigger, better, and more profitable places if you give yourself the chance. So many people lock themselves into one industry, one job, or one way of thinking, believing that they’re “just” whatever their job title says they are. But what if I told you the same skillset could be worth 10x, 50x, or 100x more in a different market?

In this post, we’ll talk about how transferable skills can change your career trajectory and show you how to shift from feeling stuck to finding new and exciting opportunities. Let me share a real-life story that may just spark your next move.

The Moment of Realisation

I was at a coffee shop, and I struck up a conversation with someone who worked in mining technology. We were talking about the sheer scale of the projects he worked on—massive budgets, strict timelines, and complex negotiations. At the time, I was working in marketing and sponsorship for high-performance clothing, with a solid event management background. As I listened, I confidently asked, "How do I get in?"

He hesitated and said, "Well, it’s very different from event management." But is it? Sure, the industries were different, but the core skills—managing budgets, strict timelines, negotiating with stakeholders, and delivering results—were fundamentally the same. I had the foundational skills, the right attitude, and a lot of the right tools in the toolbox. I just needed to learn more about the industry.

That moment planted a seed, and I made it one of my career goals to explore opportunities in the energy and mining industry. A few months later, I got my foot in the door, and it completely changed the trajectory of my career. The lesson? Don't underestimate your skills just because they’re packaged differently.

Starting a new job anytime is generally a couple of months of a total head f$#@ because you are not only learning a new culture, ways of working, team dynamics, and your role, but now you’re learning a new industry, new acronyms (there are always soo many acronyms), and new risks.

Core Skills That Transcend Industries:

1. Adaptability – The Chameleon’s Gift
   Just like I transitioned from event management to mining, adaptability is a superpower. Your ability to adjust, learn, and thrive in new environments is one of the most valuable transferable skills. It’s not about how different the industry is—it’s about how you apply your core strengths in new settings.

2. Problem-Solving – The Puzzle Solver
   When I made the leap, the problems I faced weren’t all that different, even though the industry was. Whether you're in marketing or mining, solving problems—figuring out how to deliver a project, manage people, or cut through red tape—is a skill that goes wherever you go.

3. Communication – The Bridge Builder
   Communication is key in every industry. Whether I was dealing with corporate sponsors or high-level engineers, the art of building bridges through effective communication helped me get things done. This is a skill that’s universal and always in demand.

A Plan to Pivot:
So, how do you start?

1. Write down all the tasks and jobs you perform. Strip the industry out of it.

2. Ask yourself: How do these skills apply to a new field? It’s not about starting over—it’s about repositioning yourself.

3. Get clear on what industry you want to work in? What is it that you are missing in your current situation? Where could you get that? Start aligning your personal values with your career values and watch your self-satisfaction grow.

4. Recognise that changing industries might mean stepping back in title but not in growth. THIS IS OKAY. You’re moving strategically and climbing a new ladder faster because you have a plan.

For example, I know Bec, who was an Operations Manager in Football. She pivoted to running the most successful kids' wellness business in her area, using her organisational and leadership skills in a completely different industry. The transition wasn’t easy, but it was well worth the climb.

Remember that coffee shop conversation? What if I had believed him when he said my skills didn’t fit? I would’ve missed out on an entire career that’s now filled with exciting opportunities. Sometimes, all it takes is asking how to get in.

Now, think back to that moment where you nearly boxed yourself in—thinking you’re just one thing. You’re not just a… fill in the blank… You have skills that can shift, grow, and adapt to new heights with the right attitude.

And finally, if you’ve been wondering whether you can take what you do to another industry and get paid more for it—the answer is yes. If your skills in another industry add more value and ROI to them, your skills are worth more to them. With the right mindset, your transferrable skills can take you places you’ve only dreamed of.