Even outside of India and across the rest of the world, we've seen proficiency with digital tools become a non-negotiable skill for professionals in virtually all industries - and this shift has only occurred in just a few short years as well. For both seasoned and established professionals as well as young graduates all over the world, it has become vital to equip yourself with digital-savvy skills to capture the attention of prospective employers, and maximise your chances of enjoying a 'futureproof' career.

But it's important to keep in mind that not all digital skills are equally accessible. After all, learning how to code in Python or JavaScript is basically like preparing to learn a whole new language. So what skills should be a top priority for students and professionals looking to upskill sustainably?

Below, we'll be outlining some of the top in-demand tech skills that can be observed across Indian job markets. Here are the key skills you should be looking to add to your CV.

AI & Business Automation

Artificial intelligence has revolutionised how we work. Today, you can use AI for a wide variety of applications. With the right generative AI tools, you can create AI generated images, and even translate videos into different languages.

The best way to learn anything is by doing, and AI is no exception to this rule. If you're currently a student, try to find an internship or placement that lets you get your hands dirty with AI tools like Adobe Firefly, ChatGPT, and Midjourney. You can also get access to these and other tools on your own and play around with them in your free time. And if you're after a more structured learning experience or may already be working full-time in a role where generative AI usage is less varied and experimental, then there are also plenty of courses out there that will teach you how to use various AI platforms. Online guides that outline how to write AI art prompts are also a great place to start when developing your prompt engineering skills.

AI in business is more than just generative for creative applications, however. With AI integrations across business management software like Asana and Trello and even industry tools like Hootsuite, AI skills also encapsulate proficiency with business automation strategies. Professionals that can demonstrate their business automation skills can position themselves as a valuable asset to prospective employers, namely because proficiency with automation speaks to a higher level of efficiency. A professional who can contribute to streamlining of business processes is likely to make a positive impact on that company and its daily operational patterns over the long term.

Basic Coding Skills

While not everyone needs to be a developer, having basic coding skills is becoming increasingly important when entering the professional landscape in the digital age. If you don't have any prior knowledge in the subject of coding, start by learning some basic HTML and CSS. This is enough to know your way around the backend of a website, which is ideal considering that web visibility is becoming a vital asset to every company in the digital age. Even if you're looking to work in creative industries, being able to publish your own work (i.e. web articles, photos, video embeds, etc.), can help keep project workflows simple and streamlined, which equates to less micromanaging for your employer.

If you're already proficient with HTML and CSS, you may even seek to build familiarity with JavaScript and Python. These more specialised coding languages can be ideal for professionals looking to dabble in application design (i.e. web or mobile apps), or for those looking to build custom tools for their industry/organisation.

Note: even if your job doesn't require you to write reams of code, knowing the basic terminology, like variables, loops and functions, can help you communicate effectively with your company's dev team. What's more, knowing the basics of how to code also allows you to perform tasks like software testing, web design and task automation. Whether or not you're applying for a tech role, a basic knowledge of coding will instantly make you a much more attractive job candidate in the digital age.

Data Analytics & Presentation

Spreadsheets have been around much longer than AI, but they're just as relevant today as they were in the early 2000s. Why? Because data is the backbone of industry today. Almost every career path you can choose, from marketing to healthcare, requires you to have some knowledge of data analysis and data presentation.

While working with a tool like Excel or Google Sheets might seem intimidating at first, they're actually fairly user-friendly once you get the hang of them. If you're new to spreadsheets, however, start by learning the basic functions and formulas, like SUM and AVERAGE. Afterwards, you can move into more advanced spreadsheet functions like VLOOKUP, COUNTIF, and CONCATENATE. And if you've got some custom spreadsheets and presentations to add to your portfolio, then be sure to do so. It's never too early to show off your data skills.

Digital Design & Communications

Of course, there's more to data presentation than just making graphs legible. Data presentation skills also require robust digital design and communications capabilities. Today, professionals are more likely to be working in remote teams or even presenting information virtually over a video call. As such, it's essential for professionals to hone strong digital design and communications skills that support them in disseminating that information as organically as possible.

Here, building proficiency with design software like Canva and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of design tools is definitely ideal. You can also easily add these software skills to your CV as talking points in job interviews, or to support any digital design assets added to your portfolio. If you have some great bespoke infographics you've designed for a client or a winning report or presentation, then be sure to present these in your portfolio to further strengthen your CV.

Digital Personal Branding

An extension of digital design skills, is the ability to develop your own highly presentable digital personal branding. Companies get hundreds and even thousands of applicants on a weekly basis, so it's vital to stand out if you want any chance of landing your dream job.

There are many ways to leverage technology to boost your personal brand. The most basic of these is simply to build a strong resume. It's now possible to use AI to craft an effective resume, which can be beneficial given the fact that many employers use AI to screen candidates. If you want to go further, you can also build a website that showcases your skills or portfolio. This is especially important if you're looking to enter a creative field like graphic design or content writing.

While personal branding has always been important for job seekers, how it's done has changed over the years. Ensure that your personal brand is optimised for the digital world, and you'll have an immediate leg up on the competition.

Set Yourself Up for Success with these Next-Gen Tech Skills

Business landscapes are growing more digital by the day, which means that all young professionals taking their first few steps into the workforce need to equip themselves accordingly. This involves learning some essential tech skills like how to use different AI platforms, how to use a spreadsheet and how to build your personal brand digitally.

Start upskilling today to experience firsthand how these skills will be able to boost your employability.