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