It is now evident that digital skills are becoming increasingly important in this era. The digital age has expanded into all areas, and the workplace hasn’t been spared either. With the modern workplace, people are relying so much on new technologies and use of social media platforms among others. That’s why digital skills have become a must-have for anyone who wants to stay valid in the modern workplace. Digital skills are defined as a range of abilities to use digital devices, communication applications, and networks to access and manage information. Recent trends have seen many of the largest and most venerated corporations and even government agencies adopting information communication technologies (ICTs) as their main mechanism for operation. Anitha Isimbi, an IT specialist working with a construction company says it’s now evident that employers are looking for those with advanced digital skills. This is because these are now must-have skills for many organisations and companies to run efficiently. She points out that at this moment, everything is showing that technology is at the centre of our lives and that this is proven by how people are dependent on the internet and digital communications for almost everything they do. In this era, Mathis Nkeeto, an educator believes that having basic computer knowledge is not that relevant anymore, noting that with the currently available jobs, employers are looking for someone who is capable of using the internet efficiently to advance their business. In the workplace, Nkeeto says digital skills can be anything ranging from original content creation, e-commerce, information security as well as social media marketing. Depending on one’s career, a person may need additional skills that pertain to their specific role. “To clearly understand which digital skills to possess, it’s ideal to research the industry or the profession you are interested in as well as read through job descriptions for better understanding,” he says. How to improve your digital skills Many studies have found out that a big number of the workforce lacks the foundational digital skills employers are looking for, meaning a large population of professionals need reskilling. Some of the ways an employee can advance their digital skills can include reading, enrolling in technical classes, and taking part in technical projects, let’s say through volunteering. Nkeeto believes advancing digital skills and knowledge sharpens and at the same time prepares one to be in a better position for securing jobs out there. One of the best ways to start acquiring digital skills is through self-learning, adding however that, getting such skills doesn’t necessarily mean attending classes physically. “It’s now evident that technology is becoming part of our lives, acknowledging how critical this is in helping us learn is important. One can get to access more information on any area they need through online platforms,” he says. Besides, he notes that connecting with professionals in your field is another great way to supplement your self-learning and understand which skills need more refining. The good thing about taking online courses, he says, is that one can learn at their own pace and at a slightly deeper level than self-learning. This is one of the best steps towards gaining basic knowledge and essential digital skills. Meanwhile, some of the minimum digital skills one needs to have include; the ability to carry out certain tasks online such as communicating via email, researching information online as well as handling sensitive information in virtual ecosystems, among others. Other essential digital skills can include communicating, handling information and content, transacting, and problem solving plus being safe and legal online.
