Transferable Skills for Multiple Career Options
Karen L . Klomparens
Abstract of Presentation
When we talk about transferable skills and the T-shaped individual , we mean workforce skills that transcend disciplinary knowledge . Often , these are interdisciplinary skills as well as expertise to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries , including non-cognitive skills such as : Time management , Project management ; Information technology ; Data analysis ; Teamwork ; Leadership and Communication to broad audiences .
The program at MSU that addresses preparing students for career success is called PREP : Planning , Resilience , Engagement , and Professionalism . PREP goals include broadening awareness of professional expectations in graduate education ; preparing students to plan and manage their careers ; promoting graduate student retention and completion ; providing students with a competitive edge in securing professional positions ; and focusing on developing transferable skills . PREP is divided into the early , mid and late stage of the graduate student ’ s time at MSU , and transferable skills are tied to each of the four areas represented by PREP . Affiliated partners are also identified to assist in developing these transferable skills via participation in PREP workshops and other development activities including those within the Graduate School . In mapping their path to Career Success , students Make their Plan , Evaluate their Skills , Document their Success , and Invest in Wellness , all with the end goal of becoming T-Shaped Professionals . ix