Matt Trainum offers his advice on how to translate the skills you've acquired in higher education into a job in a new realm. At the highest level, you have to believe that you can do whatever job you're applying to during your job search, he said. 

As you look to make that move, conduct smart research and prepare yourself well for each stage you'll encounter. Self-reflection is also a great place to start if you're imagining exiting  higher ed and going into another industry. 

Translate is a key word, Trainum said. You've got to translate every word and every experience when you're presenting what you've done. Department chairs are similar to department managers in a highly-decentralized organization. But it's up to you to help the team you're interviewing with see that connection. 

Trainum is currently the vice president for networks and strategic partnerships with the Council of Independent Colleges.

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