Hey Readers,
As you know, Careers&Things is here to support you discover ideas, perspectives, and future-focused careers that might spark your interest, plan for and successfully implement career transitions towards careers you find meaningful and that set you up for long term success, and support you to thrive in the world of work through up-skilling you in key digital skills.
This week, we switch our focus to highlighting digital skills with an article on the Top 5 skills that are often overlooked as a critical basis for building your digital literacy and skillset.
We hope you enjoy this week’s instalment and stay on the lookout for more in our digital skills related topics coming up.
Warmly,
Nonjabulo Zondi
Lead Coach & Founder, Careers&Things.
Top 5 Digital Skills You Might Not Know You Need to Have to thrive in the digital world
In an increasingly digital world, possessing the right skills can not only give you a significant edge in your career, but they can also be the critical launch pad that you need to even get a foot in the door.
While we often focus on hard skills like coding or SQL data analysis, there are essential, less technical skills that are equally important for navigating the digital landscape. We'll uncover five crucial digital skills you might not know you need, highlighting how they contribute to effective day-to-day work functioning.
This week we’ll explore five essential digital skills you might not know you need to have becoming increasingly proficient in to contribute to effective day-to-day work functioning and why we believe you need to pay more attention to them.
1. Digital Literacy
Digital literacy is the ability to navigate and utilise digital tools and platforms effectively, from your cellphone and various critical commerce digital platforms (banking apps, Google search, etc), to slightly more advanced digital environments such as utilising social media platforms for business (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok), using work software (Microsoft Word and Excel) online learning platforms (Coursera, etc), cloud storage services (Google Drive, Dropbox), and video conferencing tools (Zoom, Teams).
Why You Need It: Digital literacy is the foundation for the world of work as we know it today and the foundation all other digital skills. It ensures you can adapt quickly to new technologies and stay relevant in a rapidly changing workplace.
2. Visualising Data
Data visualisation is the skill of presenting data in a visually engaging way, using charts, graphs, or infographics to make complex information more accessible to wider audiences. Data visualisation skills are important for individuals in all parts of the business to surface information in accessible and engaging ways.
Why You Need It: Data visualisation skills are an important part of storytelling, managing stakeholders and communicating the value you bring to a team or a business. As organisations become more data-driven, the ability to translate data into understandable visuals is a powerful skill that also enhances decision-making and communication.
3. Online Collaboration Tools
The ability to proficiently use digital platforms like Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, project management tools such as monday.com or automation tools such as Zapier to collaborate and communicate effectively with others is increasing in importance in organisations worldwide.
Why You Need It: As remote work becomes more prevalent, being skilled in online collaboration tools is crucial for maintaining productivity and effective teamwork across distances. Furthermore, working efficiently and effectively is a crucial part of growing in your career and utilising digital tools that make this more effective is becoming the norm.
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4. Cybersecurity Awareness
Cybersecurity awareness is having a basic understanding of how to protect your personal and professional data from cyber threats, including recognising phishing scams and using secure passwords.
Why You Need It: With cyber attacks on the rise, having cybersecurity awareness is essential for protecting both yourself and your organisation from potential threats.
5. Critical Thinking
Last but not least, critical thinking! Critical thinking is the ability to analyse information objectively, evaluate different perspectives, and make reasoned decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions or emotions.
Why You Need It: In the digital age, we are constantly bombarded with information from various sources. The ability to critically assess this information is essential for making informed decisions, solving complex problems, and avoiding misinformation. Whether you're analysing data, strategising for a project, or navigating digital platforms, critical thinking helps you to break down challenges, identify potential solutions, and make choices that lead to better outcomes.
Conclusion
Mastering these five often overlooked digital skills can significantly enhance your ability to navigate the modern workplace. While technical skills are undoubtedly valuable, it's these foundational skills that empower you to adapt, communicate, and make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. By investing in these areas, you’re not just keeping up with the digital era—you’re positioning yourself to thrive in it.
🚀 C&T Low Code Jobs Board
C&T Tech Jobs Board
🚀 In the Spotlight this week
In the spotlight are job listings with exciting Tech companies that we believe are ripe for a career switch!
1. Copywriter. Accenture. Entry - Mid level. Cape Town, South Africa.
2. Customer Solutions Manager. Tiktok. Mid level. Johannesburg, South Africa.
3. Customer Support Team Lead. iKhokha. Senior.Durban, South Africa.
4. Inbound Sales Future Talent Pool. iKhokha. Entry - Mid level. Durban, South Africa.
5. Onboarding Project Manager - EMEA. Deel. Remote.
6. Associate Customer Success Manager. Deel. Remote.
Know anyone in the market? Share this post with them today!
Our Services
We offer a range of services to help you discover, transition into, and thrive in digital, future-fit careers that include CV review and writing, career transition coaching and providing up-skilling.
visit our website on www.careersandthings.com or email us on careersandthings@gmail.com to learn more about our services.
About Us
Careers&Things is a tech careers and personal development platform. We specialise in supporting entry to mid-level professionals position themselves better for the job search market through training, webinars, events, and more.
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