From Internship and Volunteer Work to Entry-Level Intelligence Analyst
Steven’s journey shows how using SkillScan to identify his transferable skills played a key role in shifting from an academic approach to a focused, skill-based job search. This case study highlights how the tools helped him gain clarity and direction, leading to a fulfilling role as an Intelligence Analyst.
Client Background
- Name: Steven
- Age: 28
- Education: B.A. in History, M.A. in International Studies
Experience
Steven had a long-standing passion for global affairs, which he cultivated through years of academic study and real-world experiences. He became proficient in Chinese, both written and spoken, and pursued multiple opportunities that reflected his international interests. During college, he completed two impactful internships:
- Mayor’s Office: Prepared briefing materials for meetings with Chinese officials on commercial development
- U.S. State Department, African Embassy: Conducted investigative work and authored analytical reports
Following graduation, Steven volunteered with the Peace Corps in China for two years, where he taught courses in speech, writing, debate, and cultural studies. Upon returning to California, he was eager to launch his professional career.
The Challenge
Steven applied to more than 50 positions but received only one interview. His timing couldn’t have been worse—his job search coincided with the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by layoffs and the sudden shift to virtual hiring. Despite his strong international background, he faced these key obstacles:
- Not Highlighting Transferable Skills and Experience: Although he had relevant transferable skills, his academic research-focused resume didn’t showcase them effectively for targeted roles.
- Job Market Conditions: Hiring freezes and remote processes created added barriers.
- Confidence Drop: Repeated rejections impacted his self-esteem.
Steven’s goal was clear:
- Work in Risk Consulting, China-related research/investigations, or Geopolitical Analysis
- Apply his research and writing skills to real-world problems with meaningful impact
Assessment Tools Used
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| SkillScan Drive | Identified his transferable skills from college, internships, and volunteering and target to each role |
| Holland Interest Themes | Clarified his interests as Investigative and Social |
| Values Exercise | Revealed his core values: Contributing, Creativity, and Achievement |
Explore these tools in the Learning Center
Career Profile Summary
| Holland Themes | Drive Transferable Skills | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Investigative – Enjoys analytical research, problem-solving and writing | Analytical Thinking | At the U.S. Embassy, Steven analyzed visa fraud data to uncover demographic trends |
| Social – Important to contribute to a mission with global reach | Research and Writing | Conducted primary research and wrote a thesis that offered information and insight on an unexplored academic topic |
Core Values in Action
- Intellectual Challenge: Demonstrated in his graduate thesis and investigative work
- Contributing to Society: Evident in his mission-aligned roles at the embassy and with the Peace Corps
Turning Point: Strategy and Support
Through coaching, Steven realized he had been approaching the job search with an academic mindset, focusing too heavily on theory rather than practical results. Key shifts included:
- Targeted Job Search: Clarified his greatest strengths and used the SkillScan Position Analysis Exercise to align his skills and strengths to specific roles and companies.
- Resume Transformation: Created a combination resume with a spotlight section on Analysis and Research, incorporating specific accomplishments and metrics.
- Customized Applications: Tailored every resume and cover letter to the job description, showcasing the most relevant skills.
Outcome
Within just three months of adopting a focused, skill-based job search strategy, Steven interviewed with several organizations and landed his preferred role as an Intelligence Analyst.
Key Takeaways for Career Counselors
Steven’s journey is a powerful reminder that:
- Even highly capable individuals may struggle if they are unclear about their greatest strengths and don’t align them with employer needs and expectations.
- Academic resumes often need transformation for the private or public sector job market.
- Encouraging clients to see their experience through an employer’s lens—with an emphasis on impact and relevance.
- A tailored approach to applications, supported by strong assessment tools, significantly increases success.