I used ChatGPT to highlight my transferable skills as a former journalist and a social work student with ADHD
As a social work student who has pivoted from journalism, I’ve been curious to know how my past skills become transferable skills for my future career as a macro social worker.
It gets pretty interesting when you translate transferable skills to resumés, especially as a career pivoter like myself.
AI software has been a big thing within the career world, especially when it comes to accommodations. One AI software I have used as a writer is Otter.ai. What I love about Otter.ai is that as a meeting is recorded, the software simultaneously transcribes words as they’re spoken, in real-time. Otter.ai was a game-changer during many City Council and School Board meetings, which took a long time to work through when creating my lede for stories (thank you inverted pyramid triangle, you made it a little bit easier).
Getting back to ChatGPT, here’s how my chat transpired:
Me: Keywords for transferable skills in client service, journalism, and social work
ChatGPT:
Client Service: Communication, problem-solving, customer service, time management, active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution.
Journalism: Writing, research, critical thinking, interviewing, storytelling, and media literacy.
Social Work: Communication, active listening, problem-solving, empathy, critical thinking, cultural competence, and conflict resolution.
Ok. So, Client Service and Social Work share communication as a transferable skill. This will be helpful when I revamp my resume.
Taking another crack at it I asked ChatGPT the following question:
Me: Keywords for ADHD and social work
ChatGPT:
ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, impulsivity, hyperactivity, inattention, executive functioning, accommodations, and intervention.
Social Work: Assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, counselling, support, advocacy, and case management.
So by viewing these words here’s what I can conclude: Being a person with ADHD, I sometimes struggle with executive functioning and impulsivity. However, these aren’t necessarily just detriments- it helps to view them differently.
I’m a firm believer in the strengths-based approach in social work, so I built from there. Here’s the result of that chat:
Me: Strengths of a social work student with ADHD.
ChatGPT:
Creativity: Individuals with ADHD may have a heightened level of creativity, which can be beneficial in developing innovative solutions to problems.
I may be able to come up with creative solutions to engage clients who may be resistant to traditional forms of therapy, such as using art or music therapy. I can also leverage creativity by finding unique solutions to complex problems and connecting with clients in a way that other students may not be able to.
ChatGPT:
Curiosity: People with ADHD may have a strong curiosity which can be beneficial in understanding and engaging with diverse communities and populations.
My heightened curiosity can help me develop a deeper understanding of the issues and populations I potentially will be working worth. Curiosity starts with leaning into discomforts that show up, so I can implement solutions in spite of those discomforts. After all, change has to start from within.
ChatGPT:
Multitasking: People with ADHD are often known to be able to multitask which can be beneficial in the social work field where juggling multiple clients and priorities are the norm.
While my childhood report cards said “difficulty staying on task,” I could refute that argument by saying I can juggle multiple situations and adapt to changing situations. In fact, a coworker of mine told me that she noticed something in me — if a client needed something, I addressed the client while simultaneously waiting for reports that were needed. I can get bored easily, so my adaptability and being able to shuffle in a snap come in handy.
ChatGPT is a great tool, however, it’s important to remember its capabilities don’t apply to everyone. You just have to find how ChatGPT applies to your unique and specific situations.
So my call to action? Just play around with it and see how it can work with you, not for you.
