Troubleshooting is at the heart of technical, healthcare and service jobs alike, and it is one of the most transferable skills you can build.
How to start building it
- Learn a step-by-step troubleshooting method for your field
- Keep notes on problems you solve and what worked
- Take on tasks where you have to figure out the cause, not just follow steps
Careers that rely on problem solving
IT Support Specialist
Help people solve computer, account and network problems: the classic way into IT.
- Typical training: 3–6 months
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Keep factory machinery running with mechanical, electrical and PLC troubleshooting.
- Typical training: 1–4 years
HVAC Technician
Install, maintain and repair heating, cooling, ventilation and refrigeration systems.
- Typical training: 6–24 months
Automotive Service Technician
Inspect, diagnose and repair cars and light trucks, including hybrids and EVs.
- Typical training: 6–24 months
Electronics Technician
Build, test and troubleshoot electronic circuits and equipment.
- Typical training: 2 years
Quality Control Inspector
Measure, test and inspect products to make sure they meet specifications.
- Typical training: 3–12 months on the job
Server
Take orders, serve food and drinks and make every meal a good experience.
- Typical training: 1–2 weeks
Janitor
Clean and maintain schools, offices, hospitals and buildings.
- Typical training: A few days on the job
Majors that build problem solving skills
- Respiratory Therapy
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
Training that builds problem solving
A self-paced online course on what quality control inspectors do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: precision measurement, blueprint and GD&T reading, and sampling plans
Why it fits: Problem solving is central to this job.
A self-paced online course on what automotive service technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: computerized diagnostics, brake and suspension repair, and electrical troubleshooting
Why it fits: Problem solving is central to this job.
A self-paced online course on what industrial maintenance technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: mechanical troubleshooting, electrical and motor controls, and PLC basics and ladder logic
Why it fits: Problem solving is central to this job.
A self-paced online course on what HVAC technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: refrigeration cycle diagnostics, electrical troubleshooting, and brazing and refrigerant handling
Why it fits: Problem solving is central to this job.
A self-paced online course on what IT support specialists do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: windows and macOS troubleshooting, active Directory and Microsoft 365 administration, and networking basics (IP, DNS, DHCP)
Why it fits: Problem solving is central to this job.
A self-paced online course on what electronics technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: circuit theory, soldering and rework, and oscilloscopes and multimeters
Why it fits: Problem solving is central to this job.
Problem solving skills: frequently asked questions
Why are problem solving skills important?
Troubleshooting is at the heart of technical, healthcare and service jobs alike, and it is one of the most transferable skills you can build.
How can I improve my problem solving skills?
Learn a step-by-step troubleshooting method for your field. Keep notes on problems you solve and what worked. Take on tasks where you have to figure out the cause, not just follow steps.
Is problem solving a hard skill or a soft skill?
Problem solving is usually considered a soft skill: it shapes how you work with people and apply your knowledge, and it transfers to almost every job.
Which careers need problem solving skills?
Careers that rely on them include IT support specialist, industrial maintenance technician, HVAC technician, automotive service technician, electronics technician, quality control inspector, server, and janitor.
Which college majors build problem solving skills?
Majors that list them among their core skills include Respiratory Therapy, Computer Science, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering.
How do I show problem solving skills on a resume?
Give specific examples: a situation, what you did, the tools or methods you used and the result. Add related training, certificates or projects.
How long does it take to build problem solving skills?
You can learn the basics in weeks with focused study and practice. Strong skills come from using them regularly over months and years, on the job, in classes or in projects.
Can I learn problem solving skills online?
Yes, you can start online. Career Education Institute trainings that build them include Quality Control Inspector Training, Automotive Service Technician Training, and Industrial Maintenance Technician Training. Practice with real tasks makes them stick.