Are you frustrated at job searching and not feeling qualified? Cannot understand how to gain experience without being hired first? Feel like you waited too long to get involved on campus? Regret not doing an internship?

If you said yes to any of those questions, do not worry, you probably have already gained the skills that employers are looking for! As students get ready to enter the workforce they often  find themselves frustrated when they see entry level positions requiring 2-3 years of experience. They question, “How am I supposed to get experience if no one will hire me without experience?” What they do not realize is that although they may not have had a full time position in that field they already have the transferable skills they need for that position from their part time work. Below are three career readiness skills I have gained from my side hustle in the service industry.

Communication Skills

Everyday I talk and “network” with my customers. I have met so many different people through my bartending shifts. One time I started small talk with a guest and soon found out he was a professor here at DeSales University. Another time I met a physical therapist who had just come from an event at DeSales with the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. And another time I met someone who grew up with my dad in a town 2 hours from the restaurant. To say it is a small world is undermining. You never know who you are going to meet at your part time positions.  Always be ready to communicate who you are and what your goals are moving forward. You never know how they are able to help connect you with a professional or give you advice.

Leadership Skills

Another skill I developed in the service industry is my leadership skills. I am able to create new menu ideas and work with our social media platforms to create content. Based on my determination and leadership I was able to train new employees. Leadership skills is a great skill you probably have already learned though part time positions, playing sports and during group projects. You market that by telling employers about new ideas you have brought to the table. Being able to create new ideas and share those ideas are what employers are looking for.

Critical Thinking Skills

As we know, serving can be a very hard job when customers are not happy. What happens when food comes out cold? What happens when you break a glass walking to the table? You need to be able to think critically in that situation of a solution. You would not just stare at a customer and tell them there is nothing we can do for them. No, you would apologize and find a solution they are happy with. That is critical thinking. 

Next time you think you do not have the experience, reflect on your past and think of your transferable skills! Whether you have had a leadership position on campus, played a sport or had a part time job you have acquired great skills and should be marketing that to the employer. 

How do you identify your transferable skill strengths that employers seek, and what skills can you develop further to improve your marketability?  Drop in to the Career Development Center to learn more or check out our two fall courses, EXP-150: 1-credit Career Readiness & Professionalism Class and EXP 140: 3-credit Career Development & Planning.