Upskilling for the digital economy: How students can stay ahead in a technology-driven world

As technology continues to reshape industries, students must prioritize upskilling to stay competitive in the workforce.

- DEEPAKK KUMMAR

With digital transformation revolutionizing roles across sectors, acquiring the right skills has become essential for future success.

Before diving into how students can adapt and thrive in the digital economy, let's decode what exactly is 'Digital Upskilling'.

What is Digital Upskilling?

Digital upskilling involves learning new skills or enhancing existing ones to adapt to the rapidly changing digital landscape. This includes gaining expertise in areas such as data analytics, digital marketing, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain.

For commerce and management students

1. Strengthen the basics: In a world of easily accessible technology, foundational knowledge should not be overlooked. Combining strong fundamentals with digital tools ensures students are well-prepared for complex challenges.

2. Use AI tools cautiously: AI tools, like ChatGPT, can provide quick solutions but are not always entirely accurate. Students must critically evaluate AI outputs and rely on their understanding to make informed decisions.

3. Pursue short-term certification courses: Platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn offer technology-focused courses that keep students updated on industry trends. Regularly upgrading skills has become a necessity for staying relevant.

4. Learn advanced excel skills: Excel, especially with VBA and Macros, is invaluable for data analysis. Mastering these tools can enhance efficiency and provide a significant edge in the workplace.

5. Gain basic programming knowledge: Learning a programming language such as C or Java improves understanding of technology fundamentals, which is essential even for non-technical roles.