We live in a digital world; from the advent of the internet and smartphones to e-commerce and social media. Technology has become a major part of our daily lives hence, you require digital skills to remain relevant in our changing world.
Digital skills enable you to access information on the internet via digital devices and communication networks. These skills include but are not limited to digital marketing, programming, copywriting, product design and data analytics. They are the most sought after skills companies are looking for today and those studying ICT aren’t the only ones who must develop these skills.
If you are looking to start a new career or job, scale your finances and work remotely; here are seven reasons why you should learn digital skills and not be left behind:
1. IT PROVIDES AN EDGE IN THE LABOUR MARKET.
Globally, unemployment rate is becoming high, digital skills give job searchers an advantage in the labour market.
2. FREELANCING
If you are looking to have control over your time and finances, you can work as a freelancer for several organisations provided you have the right digital skills.
3. HIGH-INCOME JOBS
90% of companies seek employers that have digital skills. That is, if you don’t master a digital skill now, you may miss out on well-paying jobs that guarantee job security.
4. ADVANCEMENT IN YOUR CAREER
Acquiring digital skills gives you an edge in the labour market and helps you advance in your career. The requirement for digital skills becomes more obvious as you progress up the corporate ladder and seek promotions.
5. BUSINESS GROWTH
If you plan to start an online business or work in the e-commerce sector, you’ll need to develop digital skills to maintain a strong online presence and grow revenue for your company.
6. QUALIFICATIONS IN THE DIGITAL SECTOR
There are many digital certifications available to bridge the gap between digital literacy and digital illiterates. These certifications improve students’ knowledge, and abilities and qualify them to advance into skilled digital jobs.
7. INTERNET SECURITY
Knowledge of digital skills provides security against cyber attacks and phishing when surfing the internet. Individuals with digital skills are familiar with the fundamentals of online security as such, if you don’t know how to browse social media, you risk being prone to cyber-attacks and data breaches.
With an increase in the need and demand for digital skills, it has created a gap in the workforce and an increase in the creation of new jobs. This gap can only be filled by acquiring digital skills which are essential to thriving and staying relevant in our digital world.