Digital skills are simply any skills related to being able to find, evaluate, use, create and share content using information technology and the internet. These skills are useful when using a computer, smartphone or other electronic devices. Whether you are joining a firm or setting up your own business, the importance of digital skills in the contemporary world cannot be overemphasized. It is something all employers seek and any business that does not take advantage of digital skills will find itself at a competitive disadvantage.
As computers and the internet have penetrated virtually every aspect of human life, it is rare to find an individual who has no knowledge of digital skills. You’d soon become unemployable without them. However, if you are not too tech savvy and are wondering what skills you need to improve your knowledge in the field, read on. Some digital skills you should consider taking the time to learn include:
Microsoft Office
Most employers automatically assume job seekers are proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint. The ability to write meaningful reports, present data in spreadsheets and craft dynamic presentations is a necessity in any field of employment. Knowing how to use these will save your business extra cost of hiring someone just to type documents and keep records. You will be expected to present key points in powerpoint slides whenever you are required to give a presentation. It is, therefore, important to gain familiarity with the Microsoft office package.
Touch typing
This is probably the most basic skill you should acquire. Everyone assumes you can type these days. That means being able to type using both hands on the keyboard and without looking at the keys. A typing speed of about 40 words per minute is considered average and will be adequate for most people. However, if you are going into a career that requires a lot of typing, you should aim for a typing speed of above 65 words per minute. Fortunately, there are free software and websites available for you to practice typing. You can also take a typing test to find out how fast you can type.
Social media
Everyone and everything are online. The ability to create and maintain a suitable online image is essential. Branding is no longer just a corporate concern. The HR officer of the organization you just applied to is bound to look up your social media profiles to see what kind of person you are. So will potential customers looking to try your new product. If you have any product to sell, customers are more likely to find it if you have a well-maintained social media account.
Graphic design
Internet users no longer expect to read text-only websites. Graphic designers no longer manipulate stock images. Rather, they create. Having visual content on your website or social media page has been shown to increase viewer engagement by at least 10%. You will need to engage viewers in order to get them to do a much-needed action such as clicking the like button or completing a purchase. You will also need to use images in order to make your presentations dynamic. If you need a logo for your business, some knowledge of graphic design will help you design one yourself. A knowledge of existing printing technology and social trends will also aid a graphic design create appealing content to a client.
Coding
As the web becomes ubiquitous and internet penetration keeps increasing, it is being suggested that 10 years from now coding skills will have to be taught right from Secondary Schools. Even if you can’t code the applications you need, an understanding of the language in which they are written will help you use those applications better. Having an understanding of HTML, for example, will enable you to get to the heart of a website and insert relevant content to meet certain criteria.
If you have not taken the chance to invest in some digital skills training for yourself, now will be a good time to start. The digital skill world is fast evolving and spreading. There are many opportunities out there for people with the right skill set. You can join a coding club at school, sign up for free online tutorials or learn the basics of graphic design from a professional. Do not be afraid to go out there and practice. Whether you are into administration, fashion design, journalism, sales or advertising, clients are crying for professionals with digital skills. You can take advantage of this opportunity but only if you happen to have the necessary digitalskills.
Author Intro :
My name is Adam Fort, I’m an education strategist at Ratatype.com. This project helps children and adults to learn touch typing via an online typing test and lessons. I am in charge of developing the proper typing lessons and exercise for typists who want to improve their typing speed. I also have a commercial pilot’s licence which I’m proud of.
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