Building transferable skills when your industry is shrinking
by Hanif Roslan·May 20, 2026
I'm in print media. I can see the writing on the wall. Here's what I've been doing for 18 months to not be trapped.
Identifying what's transferable: Producing clear audience-appropriate content under deadline, interview and research skills, understanding what makes a story, all valuable outside media.
Where those skills are valued: Content marketing, corporate communications, UX writing, AI content strategy.
What I've done:
- Built a portfolio showing impact (traffic, engagement) not just publications
- Done 2 freelance content strategy projects for non-media clients
- Connected deliberately with people in target industries
The honest reality: You'll start at lower seniority in the new sector. The adjustment is real. But it's better to move on your terms than wait until the sector decides for you.