The Most Important Digital Skills That Graduates Should Learn

You might already know this, but employers are looking for people who have plenty of digital skills before hiring them. You need to be able to analyse data, manage and edit digital documents, create content and more.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

One of the most sought-after digital skills is the ability to analyse and interpret data. The exponential growth of data generation has made organisations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making processes. Graduates who can effectively collect, process, and derive insights from data are highly valued across various industries.

Graduates should familiarise themselves with data analysis tools. Understanding basic statistical concepts and data visualisation techniques is also crucial.

Universities and online learning platforms offer numerous courses in data analysis and interpretation. Graduates should consider pursuing certifications or workshops to bolster their skills in this area. Practical experience through internships or personal projects can also provide valuable hands-on experience in working with real-world data.

Digital Marketing and Social Media Management

Digital marketing and social media management skills are highly prized. Graduates entering fields such as marketing, communications, or business development should be well-versed in these areas.

Key aspects of digital marketing include search engine optimisation (SEO), content marketing, email marketing, and pay-per-click advertising. Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Google Ads, and various social media management platforms is essential.

Social media management goes beyond personal use of platforms. It involves understanding audience engagement, content creation, scheduling, and analytics. Graduates should be able to develop and execute social media strategies aligned with business objectives.

Cybersecurity Awareness

Not all graduates need to be cybersecurity experts, but a basic understanding of digital security principles is crucial given how frequent cyberattacks are. Graduates should be familiar with concepts such as password management, two-factor authentication, and recognising phishing attempts. Understanding data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the UK and EU, is also valuable.

Many universities now offer introductory courses in cybersecurity. Organisations like the National Cyber Security Centre provide free resources and online training for individuals looking to enhance their cybersecurity awareness.

Cloud Computing and Collaboration Tools

The shift towards remote and hybrid work models has accelerated the adoption of cloud computing and collaboration tools. Graduates should be proficient in using cloud-based platforms for file storage, document sharing, and team collaboration.

Familiarity with services like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Dropbox is essential. Additionally, understanding project management tools such as Trello, Asana, or Monday.com can be beneficial in many professional settings.

You can take advantage of free trials offered by various platforms. Many of these services also provide tutorials and certification programs to help users master their features.

Digital Document Skills

The ability to create, edit, and manage digital documents efficiently is a fundamental skill. This encompasses more than just basic word processing and extends to a range of document types and formats.

Graduates should be proficient in using word processing software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, including advanced features such as styles, templates, and collaborative editing. Spreadsheet skills are equally important, with the ability to create formulas, pivot tables, and data visualisations in Excel or Google Sheets being particularly valuable.

Being familiar with presentation software like PowerPoint is crucial for effective communication of ideas. Graduates should be able to create visually appealing and informative presentations that effectively convey complex information.

PDF management is another essential skill. This includes the ability to create, edit, and secure PDF documents using tools like Adobe Acrobat or online alternatives. Understanding how to convert between different document formats, like PDF to Word, is also important. Smallpdf is free and easy to use, and you won’t lose quality.

You can explore online tutorials, take courses offered by software providers, or pursue certifications to enhance these skills. Practice is key, so creating documents for personal projects or volunteering to assist with documentation tasks can provide valuable experience.

Web Development and Coding Basics

Having a basic understanding of web development and coding can be advantageous in many roles. This knowledge allows for better communication with technical teams and can be particularly useful in digital marketing, data analysis, and project management roles.

Graduates should understand HTML and CSS basics. This knowledge enables them to make simple website edits and understand the structure of web pages. For those looking to delve deeper, learning JavaScript can open up opportunities in front-end web development.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Awareness

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are rapidly transforming various industries. While in-depth knowledge of these fields may not be necessary for all graduates, a basic understanding of AI and ML concepts and their applications can be beneficial.

Graduates should be aware of how AI and ML are being used in their respective fields. For instance, in marketing, AI is used for personalisation and predictive analytics. In finance, it’s applied in algorithmic trading and fraud detection.

To gain insights into AI and ML, graduates can explore online courses offered by platforms like Coursera or edX. Many of these courses are designed for non-technical audiences and provide a good overview of AI concepts and applications.

User Experience (UX) and Design Thinking

User Experience (UX) principles are not just for designers. In today’s digital-first world, understanding how users interact with digital products and services is valuable across many roles. Design thinking, a problem-solving approach that prioritises user needs, is increasingly applied in various business contexts.

Graduates should familiarise themselves with basic UX concepts such as user research, wireframing, and usability testing. Understanding design thinking methodologies can enhance problem-solving skills and foster innovation in any role.

Digital Content Creation

The ability to create engaging digital content is a valuable skill in many professions. This encompasses a range of media, including written content, images, videos, and podcasts.

Graduates should develop skills in content writing for the web, understanding the principles of SEO-friendly content. Basic image editing skills using tools like Adobe Photoshop can be beneficial. Video editing abilities can set graduates apart in roles that involve content marketing or social media management. You can start by creating content for personal blogs or social media accounts.