Graduates Should Acquire Digital Skills

By Chinedu Junior Ihekwoaba

Job Search has become a hard nut to crack. In fact, looking for a job is like looking for gold in the street.

According to CNBC Africa, the unemployment rate in Nigeria rises to 23.10 percent in the third quarter in 2018 from 22.70 percent in the second quarter in 2018. The youth unemployment rate is in excess of 50%.

That’s an alarming figure. It’s frightening. Many qualified graduates have been without a job since they graduated. Those who were fortunate to get employed are working for a meagre salary.

So what’s the way forward in a country like Nigeria that’s still developing: ’Digital skills.’

Digital skills include:

• Content Marketing
• Email Marketing
• Social Engine Marketing
• Social Selling
• Analytics
• Social Media, etc.

Many graduates are without digital skills. It makes them look raw and unready for the labour market.

There are various digital skills that will put you in the right job.

Here’s why graduates should consider having numerous digital skills:

• It can be a long-term source of income

After my graduation, I have never worked in any organization. Although I did apply for many Jobs, I never got any.

After numerous futile attempts, I embraced a digital skill, ’Content Marketing.’ It’s been a source of income for me since 2017.

• It can aid job search

Digital skills can bridge the gap between you and your potential employers.

Take, for example, Social Media – there are over one billion people who visit social media daily, i.e. LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc. Building a brand on any of these platforms can be the icing on the cake for you.

I have gotten numerous opportunities through these means. I built a strong brand on LinkedIn, amassing an average of million views monthly with over 35,000 followers.

• It can lead to self-employment

I know many job seekers who turned entrepreneurs through efficient and effective usage of Digital Skills.

Josh Fechter built his company, Squibbler, through the use of digital skills. I am also a typical example of this testimony.

There are numerous problems you can solve with digital skills. If you can master how to use one of it effectively and efficiently, you are always good to go.

• It can be a side hustle

In the modern world, it is advisable to have a side hustle. In fact, everyone must have multiple streams of income in order to be secured from unforeseen circumstances.

Digital Skills can be a side hustle and of course, provide multiple streams of income for you. It’s not a crime to work and earn from another source.

That’s the future of work.

• Lastly, it can provide an avenue to further investments.

There are many ideas that remain ideas because of the lack of funds. Many graduates have the best ideas but can’t be executed.

Money is vital in business. It fosters the growth and development of business by making it possible to transform business ideas into reality.

Here’s where Digital Skills can be the Messiah to achieving your dreams. Money made from selling your digital skills can be used as funds to start your business ideas without having to acquire a loan from the bank.

Any graduate who wants to be relevant after graduation should start thinking of acquiring digital skills.

There are many platforms you can acquire them either for free or at a particular fee. Better still, you can contact me through any of my contacts if you are interested in taking my ”Digital Skills Course”.