From hospitality or retail to a new career: transferable skills and study paths
In 2020, COVID-19 restrictions led to widespread job losses in customer-facing sectors like hospitality and retail. Many Australians used that period to reassess their careers and formalise transferable skills. If you’ve worked in these industries, there are clear study pathways into IT, marketing, human resources and business that build on what you already do well, without starting from scratch.
Why your hospitality/retail experience transfers
Customer-facing roles build capabilities employers value across industries:
Communication (verbal and written) and empathy with customers
Teamwork and the ability to work autonomously
Time management, prioritisation and meeting deadlines
Problem-solving in fast-changing situations
Accuracy with routine tasks and compliance
Confidence with POS/rosters/apps, a solid base for broader digital skills
Use these strengths as the spine of your resume and interview stories, then add targeted study to “translate” them into new job families.
Career pathways to consider (with study options)
1) Information Technology
Why it fits: Service mindset + process discipline + comfort with tools = strong foundations for service desk, junior support, or web/operations roles. Many IT tasks can be done flexibly or remotely.
Good first step: ICT30120 - Certificate III in Information Technology. Builds foundations in IT support, digital operations, networking fundamentals and web basics; delivered online with trainer support.
Transferable strengths to highlight:
Attention to detail and documentation
Calm under pressure (incidents/tickets)
Clear communication with non-technical users
Following procedures and troubleshooting logically
2) Marketing & Communication
Why it fits: If you’ve promoted specials, handled customer queries, or posted for a café/store, you’ve already practised audience understanding, content creation and basic analytics.
Good first steps:
Short Course in Social Media Marketing: an intro to planning and executing campaigns.
BSB40820 - Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication: covers campaign planning, writing, promoting products/services and stakeholder relationships.
Transferable strengths to highlight:
Customer empathy and trend awareness
Written/verbal comms; tact with complaints
Organisation and time management
Creativity and an eye for presentation
3) Human Resource Management
Why it fits: Hospitality and retail sharpen people skills, onboarding, conflict resolution, rostering realities, which map well to HR support and recruitment coordinator roles.
Good first step: BSB40420 - Certificate IV in Human Resource Management. Learn to support HR processes, lead effective working relationships and assist learning & development - delivered online.
Transferable strengths to highlight:
Interpersonal skills and discretion
Decision-making in busy environments
Comfort with HRIS/rosters and general software
Prioritising and juggling competing demands
4) Business (Administration & Operations)
Why it fits: Front-of-house and retail roles build exactly what admin teams need: organisation, customer care, accuracy and cross-team coordination.
Good first step: BSB30120 - Certificate III in Business. Builds broad administrative, digital and customer-focused competencies suitable for entry-level office roles - delivered online.
Transferable strengths to highlight:
Professional communication (phone/email)
Data entry accuracy and attention to detail
Handling enquiries and complaints efficiently
Problem-solving and initiative
Make your pivot stick: quick wins
Map your stories - For each target role, write two STAR examples (Situation, Task, Action, Result) drawn from hospitality/retail.
Refresh LinkedIn - Headline: “Retail team lead transitioning to HR support” (or similar). Add competencies from your chosen course.
Tailor your resume - Mirror the language in job ads (skills, tools, responsibilities).
Keep it people-first - Clear headings, short paragraphs, mobile-friendly layout and minimal intrusive CTAs.
Study with Upskilled (online, trainer-supported)
All programs above are delivered online with access to trainers and learning resources via Upskilled’s platform, so you can study around work or caring commitments. Check each course page for units, entry requirements and the latest intake details.
FAQs
Do I need prior experience?
Not for entry-level qualifications like ICT30120 or BSB30120. Your hospitality/retail background plus study can be enough for junior roles. See the course pages for specifics.
Can I study online?
Yes - Upskilled delivers these programs online with trainer support and digital resources.
Ready to translate your hospitality or retail strengths into a new career? Explore the courses above and chat with an education consultant about the best pathway for you.
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