When it comes to building a successful career as a migrant, both attitude and skills play essential roles. But which one matters more? It’s a question many of us ponder as we navigate the job market in a new country. Is it your technical abilities that will get you ahead, or is it the mindset you bring to the table?
Let’s dive into the differences between attitude and skills, and how understanding this balance can help you unlock your full potential as a migrant professional.
What Are Skills?
Let’s start with the basics—skills are the abilities you’ve gained through education, training, and experience. These include technical know-how (hard skills) like coding, accounting, or operating machinery, as well as soft skills like communication, time management, and teamwork.
For migrants, the challenge can sometimes be that the skills you’ve developed in your home country might not translate seamlessly into your new country’s job market. You might need to retrain, update certifications, or adapt to new ways of doing things.
What Is Attitude?
While skills are what you do, attitude is how you approach what you do. Attitude includes your mindset, outlook, and behavior at work. It’s about being adaptable, open to learning, and maintaining a positive approach, even when facing setbacks or challenges.
For migrants, a positive attitude can be a game-changer. Moving to a new country, learning new systems, and adapting to different cultural expectations can be tough, but with the right mindset, you’ll see these challenges as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles.
Skills Are Important, But Attitude Can Set You Apart
Employers often hire based on skills but retain and promote employees based on attitude. Why? Because while skills can be taught, attitude is harder to change. A person who is eager to learn, stays motivated, and works well with others is often more valuable than someone who has the right technical skills but lacks the drive or teamwork abilities.
As a migrant, your ability to adapt to new environments is an asset, and that speaks volumes about your attitude. Your experience in adjusting to a new culture and overcoming challenges shows resilience—something employers value deeply.
How Attitude and Skills Work Together for Career Success
You need both skills and attitude for long-term career success, especially as a migrant. Here’s how they complement each other:
- Skills Get You in the Door: Employers will look at your skills and qualifications first. This is where your resume shines, showing off your professional abilities and experience. If you’re missing a few qualifications, consider taking a course or earning a certification to stay competitive.
- Attitude Helps You Stay and Grow: Once you’ve landed the job, it’s your attitude that will determine how you navigate the workplace, build relationships, and rise through the ranks. A positive, proactive attitude makes you stand out and shows that you’re adaptable and committed to growing in your role.
Examples of How Attitude and Skills Impact Migrants’ Career Development
- Learning a New Language
Skills: You can learn a new language through classes, online courses, or practice.
Attitude: Your willingness to push through the frustrations of learning something new, making mistakes, and staying committed to improving is what makes all the difference. - Gaining Industry-Specific Certifications
Skills: Some industries may require you to update your qualifications to meet local standards. This might mean going back to school or getting certified.
Attitude: Having the motivation to continue your education shows that you’re dedicated to your career, no matter the challenges. It’s your determination and perseverance that will set you apart. - Building a Network
Skills: Networking itself is a soft skill, requiring good communication and social know-how.
Attitude: Your openness to connecting with new people, staying persistent, and overcoming any initial discomfort plays a big role. A good attitude helps you foster relationships that could lead to mentorship, referrals, or job opportunities.
Which Is More Important: Attitude or Skills?
So, is attitude or skills more important for your career development as a migrant? The truth is, they’re both critical. However, many career experts argue that while skills are necessary to get your foot in the door, it’s your attitude that will help you advance in the long run.
For migrants, having a strong set of skills is essential, especially if you’re entering a competitive job market. But don’t underestimate the power of a positive, growth-oriented mindset. Your ability to stay motivated, overcome challenges, and show flexibility in a new environment will be what takes your career to the next level.
How to Improve Both Attitude and Skills
- Stay Open to Learning
Whether it’s improving your technical skills or adopting a more positive mindset, commit to continuous learning. There’s always room to grow. - Seek Feedback
Ask for feedback from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors. Understanding how others see your attitude and skills can help you identify areas for improvement. - Set Personal Goals
Set short- and long-term goals for both your skills development and personal growth. This could be taking a class, seeking out leadership opportunities, or working on your resilience when facing setbacks. - Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
Connect with people who inspire you and encourage growth. Positive energy is contagious, and it can help keep your attitude in check, even when things get tough.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Attitude and Skills for Career Success
As a migrant, you’ve already shown incredible strength by moving to a new country and building a career from the ground up. Your skills are important, but your attitude will determine how far those skills will take you.
Embrace both. Build your skill set, but also nurture the mindset that makes you adaptable, resilient, and ready for any challenge. Together, these qualities will help you achieve lasting career success in your new country.
