The world has arguably become a global village. It is no longer a secret or news that we live in a digitalized world. Digital technologies are now evolving beyond the human wildest imagination, becoming embedded in our everyday affairs into a working culture. Every year, new inventions are springing up, ranging from self-driven cars, VR, and clouds, to AI, robots etc.
These would only become even more prevalent as technology continues to improve, integrate with our affairs, and become part and parcel of our everyday activities. This is where digital skills come in. There presently exists a void which can only be filled by humans. With every invention, the position of the operator cannot be replaced. Having been armed with this information, it seems prudent to cast a critical eye over the digital skills gap and follow the trend to learn as many digital skills as necessary. This will help you to remain relevant in the marketplace.
Moreover, any business still in existence is currently running in a time of immediacy, where it can access any piece of information in real time and connect with others at a fingertip. Navigating this network requires keeping up with digital literacy, picking up or employing new skills to better position its brand or business online and create a sustainable, positive impression on the online audience.
Most of the tech built are equipped with human interests and try to provide customers with innovative experiences which augment their buying experience; while the rest are brought about by a need to make businesses more efficient and agile in their daily operations. However, regardless of how the intended application of the tech is invented, it still needs a human operator. This has made digital skills a prerequisite in every industry.
Interestingly, you dont need a degree to learn a digital skill. Anybody can learn digital skills; as long as they have the passion, the willingness and a computer – which is perhaps the most essential tool.
Below are some of the reasons you need to acquire digital skills:
1. Well-paying jobs: if you are in the hunt for a good pay slip with zero digital skills, then a dreamer is better than you are. In this era, acquiring a digital skill is your best bet to getting well-paying jobs. As long as you are good at what you do, there will always arise the need for your services. In this regard, digital skills will always be required as the digital world continues to evolve.
2. Lucrative side hustle: hustling, as they say, is obsolete. To make wealth, you need to work smart. With digital skills, you can work as a freelancer for several organizations and still do your 8-5 job. There are many freelance sites you can work with such as Fiverr, Upwork etc. Many Nigerians are earning thousands of dollars every month just by freelancing. The amount of time you invest determines the amount you will make.
3. Organizations are evolving into digital: this new wave has pushed organizations to become digitally inclined. Due to the pandemic, there is an increase in the demand for skills such as website development, digital marketing, mobile app development, content writing, etc. Possessing one or more of these skill sets immediately positions you apart from other candidates in the field. More so, automation has made business owners downsize staff, which makes digital skills even more relevant. Even if you have a job, your versatility makes you more useful to your organization than your colleagues.
4. Become a techpreneur or grow your business: with the right digital skills, you can begin your web design, digital marketing or content writing company. Most notable founders of top digital agencies in Nigeria began by learning. More so, you can use your digital skills such as content writing, digital marketing, and SEO to boost your business by creating an online presence, thereby reaching more people. Instead of paying a large amount of money to agencies to help you grow your business, having digital skills can go a long way in helping you maximize your return on investment (ROI).
Therefore, acquiring digital skills would undoubtedly be the key to a sustainable life either career-wise or physically in this digital age. Those who sacrifice to learn new digital skills or to upskill themselves will be the ones to harvest the benefits of long-term success. With adequate planning, training, patience, and the will to succeed, you would in no time record success in the field.
