My B.Comm has provided me with great transferrable skills

My B.Comm has provided me with great transferrable skills

As my boys graduate high school, I recall my decision to pursue post-secondary education when I was their age. I knew that I would go onto university, but I had no idea what college or field to enter. Fortunately two key activities happened in the months leading up to my entrance into university.

In the spring of my grade 12 year, I stage managed for our local high school drama production and I loved it. Our production went to provincials and I won one of four coveted technical silver cups. I realized I was good at this “management” thing.

That summer, I worked as a cashier at the local grocery store – a family run business. I liked it and I thought “I could do this.” Hence, for the first time, I considered pursuing studies in the College of Commerce at the University of Saskatchewan.

I had been accepted into the University of Saskatchewan and I requested a switch into the College of Commerce (today it is called The Edwards School of Business). I was conditionally accepted and at the last minute my entrance was a reality. Four years later I convocated with a Bachelor of Commerce.

Today, almost 25 years later, I continuously reflect upon what a good decision and good fit this ended up being for me. The learnings and skills I gained from my B.Comm have served me well and I enjoy putting my skills to work everyday.

I recently worked on a Workforce Development Strategy and the research shows that with the rapidly expanding pace of technology and automation, we are moving away from simply a credentials based economy more towards a skill based economy. Employees that have “transferrable skills” will do well.

What are transferrable skills? They are the skills and talents that can travel with you regardless of the job or industry in which you operate. They include things like: problem solving, communication, research and analytical, computer and technical skills, project management, strategic planning, organizational structure, marketing, accounting and finance, human resource management, and much more.

My B.Comm degree, along with my experience, has helped me hone these skills and it doesn’t matter whether I would work as a sole proprietor or for a major corporation, whether I worked for a small or large enterprise, whether I worked in the banking and finance industry, transportation, mining, agriculture, government, health care, retail, not-for-profit, or any other industry you can think of, my skills are needed and will serve me well.

In addition to employment, I try to use my skills to serve my community. I sit on councils, committees, and boards. My skills help me to make good decisions for the organizations I serve.

I realize that we all have different gifts, talents and interests – and that’s a good thing – I would NOT make a good a good car mechanic. However (and I may be a little biased here) I don’t think you can go wrong with the skills you’ll gain from pursuing a B.Comm!