Top Digital Skills For Graduates To Develop In 2024

The world of technology is evolving at an exponential rate. Graduates in the 1990s braved a new world that previously did not include mobile phones or the internet, in the 2000s high-speed broadband, social media and smartphones became a reality and in recent years we have seen a range of new innovations including artificial intelligence, machine learning and virtual reality finally gaining traction with a global market.

So the big question for today’s graduates is, what can I expect next? As we step further into the future, certain digital skills are becoming increasingly valuable in the job market. If you're a recent graduate or soon-to-be graduate, here are the top digital skills to develop in 2024 to give your career a competitive edge.

1) Video Editing

Given how fast-paced the digital sphere is, more companies are recognising that it’s simply not enough to just be investing in their ad copy or website copy anymore. Words on a page can only get you so far, which is precisely why more employers are looking for digital marketing candidates with video editing skills.

Thankfully, there are so many different types of video editing software available on the market today, spanning from industrial software that’s used on Hollywood (and Bollywood) film sets, to highly versatile online video cutter tools like the Adobe Express app. Familiarising yourself with these video editing tools can actually help you develop the ability to work with other platforms and software.

You’d be surprised by just how similar the user interfaces of all the most popular video editing tools can be. Learning one can help you use all of them at a foundational level.

So start experimenting with Adobe Express today to start honing your video editing skills well before your digital marketing course (or perhaps your filmmaking course!) even begins.

2) Data Analytics

Data is the beating heart of all digital operations, but there is so much to work through and the volume of data produced daily grows by the second. In 2023 alone, 120 zettabytes - equal to a trillion gigabytes - was produced globally. That number is set to rise by 150 percent by 2025.

So it comes as no shock that data analysts are going to be amongst the most sought after professionals in the world, to be able to dissect and sort that data, interpreting and translating it into actionable insights.

In fact, most seasoned data analysts assert that this increasingly vital discipline is about so much more than just the scientific process of model-making. Understanding data analytics processes and how best to present your data-driven findings, also requires dynamic communication and presentation skills. Data analytics professionals are also expected to have a firm grasp of persuasive language and framing, just like journalists and people working in the media sector.

In this regard, there’s a lot more artistry and innate strategy in data analytics than you would’ve expected. Any student who loves numbers and using numbers to construct compelling arguments and strategies, is guaranteed to find plenty of job satisfaction when they pursue a career in data analytics.

3) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

The artificial intelligence industry has barely scratched the surface of what is possible, but already became a $2 billion business in 2023. And the emergence of machine learning is set to explode as well, with industry giants like Amazon spending enormous amounts of money to train and educate new ML professionals around the world - including in India, with tech hubs across the country fighting to pioneer the world’s next best machine learning tool.

And speaking of the fight to develop the next best tool, it’s no secret that AI and machine learning are delivering incredible new ways for businesses to automate and streamline their operations while also delivering an improved customer experience without putting a strain on resources and workforces.

The humble chatbot has become a staple on most business websites, essentially turning them into 24/7 digital shop fronts for a global audience. Predictive analytics give businesses the power to discover problems before they even happen and stop them from occurring in the first instances. And complex data analysis and decision making processes are made simpler as these technologies quickly digest and analyse data including images and video.

These technologies are really on the tip of the iceberg as well. There are ambitious plans to use AI and machine learning to develop smart, automated cities along with self-driving vehicles. Transportation, logistics and emergency services all stand to benefit from these emerging innovations.

And those graduates with the right AI and machine learning skill sets will be in demand for a range of other industries as well, including tech, finance, healthcare, and more, as they continue to reshape the landscape of business practices.

4) Cloud Computing

The way businesses handle data has undergone a remarkable transformation with the advent of cloud computing. Proficiency in cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure is highly coveted in today's job market. Employers are keen on individuals who can harness the potential of the cloud to enhance efficiency and scalability.

Cloud computing has solidified its position as a fundamental aspect of business operations, with more and more companies all over the world investing in the service. As this technology becomes more prevalent, those possessing the right skills and expertise are increasingly sought after by businesses aiming to optimise their operations for greater opportunities.

According to a study by Indeed, searches for cloud computing roles have surged by nearly 108 per cent in the last three years. Similarly, employer interest in candidates with relevant skills has seen a substantial uptick, jumping by 33 per cent during the same period.

The demand for skills in this field is poised to grow even further as the adoption of cloud computing services continues to rise. More businesses are recognising the extensive benefits of multi-cloud or hybrid cloud platforms, with Gartner predicting that over 75 per cent of medium and large organisations will have adopted these solutions.

A large part of knowing where to upskill for the future involves analysing the current digital trends that are already gaining traction and expected to explode in the coming years.

By developing digital skills that will meet the rising demand for data analytics, online security, cloud computing and emerging technologies like AI and machine learning, today’s graduates will position themselves for long and successful careers within industries where there will be no shortage of demand for their skills.