Have you ever stared at a blank resume, wondering what to put under “Experience” when all you have is your degree or a handful of unrelated jobs? You are not alone. Many WGU students and alumni are transitioning into new fields and wondering how to make what they have count. The truth is — you already have more to offer than you think.
This post will help you recognize the skills you already have, even if they did not come from a traditional job. Whether you have worked in retail, volunteered, managed a household, or focused entirely on school, you have developed valuable abilities that employers want. The key is learning how to identify and communicate those transferable skills.
What Are Transferable Skills?
Transferable skills are abilities you can carry from one experience to another — across jobs, industries or even life roles. These include:
· Communication
· Time management
· Problem-solving
· Adaptability
· Teamwork
· Organization
Do any of that sound like you? If you completed a degree program at WGU, you have likely used all of them!
Think Beyond Job Titles
If you have only held one or two positions, or none, that does not mean you lack experience. Ask yourself:
· Have I led a group project in a class?
· Have I helped someone learn something new?
· Have I worked on a tight deadline?
· Have I juggled school, family and other responsibilities?
Each of these scenarios reflects transferable skills. The way you write about them on your resume is what will set you apart.
Put It into Practice
Here is how to translate what you have done into employer language:
· Instead of: “Wrote papers for class” Say: Produced research-based written content under tight deadlines
· Instead of: “Took online classes” Say: Managed time and workload independently in a remote learning environment
· Instead of: “Helped raise my siblings” Say: Developed conflict resolution and multitasking skills in high-pressure situations
Need help crafting your bullet points? Use our Resume Resources or schedule a session with a Career Advisor to get personalized feedback.
Confidence Is Key
It is easy to feel like you do not have “enough” experience. But skills are not just gained in offices — they are built through life. Employers care about what you can do — not just where you have done it.
So, ask yourself:
What challenges have I overcome? What skills did I use to get through them? Write those down. They are your stories. They are your resumes.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit the Career & Professional Development homepage to:
· Explore our Transferable Skills worksheet
· Get resume samples tailored to your career field
· Connect with an advisor who can help you build your brand
You have more to offer than you realize — we can help you show it.
