How to Navigate Career Changes and Transferable Skills

Changing careers is one of the most significant decisions a jobseeker can make. For many people in Canada, starting fresh in a new profession can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve invested years in your current field or are adjusting to a different labour market.

Career changes are more common than ever, and employers increasingly value diverse experience. The key to a successful transition lies in identifying and communicating your transferable skills.

Understanding Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are abilities and knowledge that can be applied across industries and occupations. Unlike technical skills specific to a trade or profession, transferable skills include:

• Communication

• Problem-solving

• Teamwork

• Leadership

• Project management

• Adaptability

  
  

They can also include technical competencies such as computer literacy, data analysis, and customer service.

Example: A retail manager’s skills in supervising staff, scheduling, managing budgets, resolving customer concerns, and meeting targets are highly transferable to fields like human resources, office administration, client relations, or logistics. Similarly, a teacher’s expertise in lesson planning, presentations, and mentorship can translate to corporate training, policy development, or organizational communications.

Why It Is Never Too Late to Change Careers

Career changes aren’t just for young professionals. Many Canadians pivot into new professions in their thirties, forties, and fifties. Employers value adaptability, lifelong learning, and diverse perspectives.

Industries such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades are growing, creating opportunities for individuals at every stage of their careers. Changing careers later in life can be an advantage, as it allows you to bring maturity, interpersonal skills, and a wealth of experience.

Mindset tip: View your career as a series of stages rather than a single linear path. Each stage equips you with skills and experiences that can be repurposed, reducing the fear of “starting over.”

Pairing Past Experience with New Education

While transferable skills provide the foundation for career change, adding education or certifications can bridge gaps and boost credibility.

Examples:

• Bookkeeping experience + payroll administration certificate → specialized finance roles

• Construction experience + project management designation → supervisory or office-based roles

• Hospitality experience + marketing diploma → client-facing roles in a new industry

Canadian colleges and universities offer part-time, evening, and online programs for working professionals. Short-term micro-credentials are also popular, allowing job seekers to upskill without a full degree.

Resources include:

• Colleges and Institutes Canada

• Universities Canada

Many provincial governments provide financial support for retraining programs, such as Ontario’s Second Career program or New Brunswick’s Labour Force Training initiative.

Finding Transferable Skills as a Newcomer to Canada

For newcomers, the challenge is demonstrating international experience in a Canadian context. Valuable transferable skills include:

• Language proficiency

• Adaptability

• Technical knowledge

• Cross-cultural communication

Steps to get started:

1. Create a skills inventory: List your past roles and tasks.

2. Compare your skills with Canadian job postings to find overlaps.

3. Consider settlement agencies like ISANS, ACCES Employment, or YMCA Newcomer Services for mentoring, workshops, and bridging programs.

4. Volunteer to gain Canadian experience while demonstrating leadership, organization, and teamwork.

   
   

Gaining Transferable Skills Through Current Employment

Even if you’re not planning a career change immediately, you can build transferable skills in your current role:

• Take on additional responsibilities

• Volunteer for cross-departmental projects

• Seek mentorship outside your normal duties

  
  

Examples:

• Customer service representative → analytical skills by tracking performance data

• Administrative assistant → project management experience coordinating office initiatives

Professional development, such as training programs, conferences, and workshops, also strengthens your skillset and shows initiative.

Tips for Highlighting Transferable Skills

To use transferable skills effectively, communicate them clearly:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills

• Focus on achievements rather than just duties

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in interviews to illustrate skills

  
  

Networking is also valuable:

• Conduct informational interviews to see how skills translate

• Use LinkedIn for connections, endorsements, and recommendations

  
  

Helpful Resources for Canadian Jobseekers

Government of Canada Job Bank:

• Career Planning Tools: Access the Job Bank Career Planning section for resources like the Job Transition Tool, career quizzes, and job profiles.

• Job Search Assistance: Utilize the Job Bank to find job listings, create a profile, and receive job alerts.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS):

• Training Courses: Explore online courses on various health and safety topics.

• Health and Safety Programs: Develop workplace health and safety programs with guidance from CCOHS.

WorkSafeNB (New Brunswick):

• Workers' Compensation: Learn about workers' compensation insurance and related services at WorkSafeNB.

• MyServices Portal: Access claim or account information securely through the MyServices portal.

Local Employment Service Providers in New Brunswick:

• MCAF Employment Programs: Participate in workshops covering resume building, interview skills, and occupation-specific bridging programs. More information is available on the MCAF Employment Programs page.

• YMCA Career & Employment Centre (Fredericton): Access free tools for resume/cover letter assistance, interview preparation, and job search strategies at the YMCA Career Centre.

• NBCC Career Services: Receive support with resume/cover letter creation, job search techniques, and interview preparation through NBCC Career Services.

• WorkingNB Job Search Assistance: Get help with resume writing, interview preparation, and job fairs at WorkingNB.

Final Thoughts

Changing careers in Canada requires courage, planning, and persistence, but it is achievable at any stage of life. Transferable skills bridge your past experience with future opportunities. Combine them with education, networking, and professional development to open doors to exciting new possibilities. Recognize your skills, highlight them effectively, and use available resources to confidently take the next step in your career.