These essential digital skills not only improve efficiency and productivity, but are also crucial for innovation and professional growth in the ICT field.
In a world where technology is the engine of change, many people have decided to redirect their careers towards information and communication technologies. The demand for ICT skills is constantly growing, driven by the digitisation of business, the automation of processes and the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT). This change not only opens doors to a wide range of job opportunities, but also positions itself at the centre of innovation and technological development.
But what does it mean to reorient your career towards ICT?
It involves acquiring new skills and updating your knowledge. There are various tools and resources to facilitate this transition. One of these tools is our Virtual Career Advisor, a free platform that helps you assess your digital skills and offers personalised training recommendations.
Through two tests integrated in this tool (“essential digital skills test” and “careers test”), you will be able to identify your strengths and areas for improvement in the digital field. The digital skills test, in particular, is designed for those who are looking for personalised guidance, even if they have a basic knowledge of the digital environment.
The test, which takes just ten minutes to complete, is divided into five blocks of eight questions each, covering the five key areas defined by the European Digital Competence Framework (DIGCOMP): information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, security, and problem solving.
Each of these areas covers specific competences, from the ability to search for and evaluate information online, to the ability to protect personal devices and data, to the creation of digital content and collaboration in virtual environments. With the Virtual Career Advisor, you will receive training suggestions tailored to your needs, enabling you to develop the skills you need to excel in today’s competitive and dynamic job market.
What are the “essential digital skills”?
As mentioned above, the labour market related to digital profiles is constantly evolving. The digital transformation has meant that all fields of activity are looking for qualified people to cover their technological needs.
To find out about the constant demand or request for these profiles in the Spanish job market, all you need to do is access Employment Map, our tool that allows you, free of charge, to have first-hand, up-to-date information on the vacancies that the job market requires. In fact, in the last quarter of this year, for example, more than 55,400 job offers for digital professionals were published.
Now let’s take a closer look at which digital skills are considered “essential” in the ICT world.
- Information search and management: possessing the skills to perform advanced online searches and assess the credibility of information sources. It is important to know data management, e.g. the use of databases and data analysis tools in order to make informed and verified decisions.
- Communication and collaboration: mastering virtual environments including tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, Slack, among others, as well as email, instant messaging, video conferencing and professional social networks.
- Digital content creation: have content design and editing skills, from using software such as Adobe Creative Suite to video editing tools and content management platforms, as well as knowledge of web development and programming and website maintenance. For example: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Python.
- Network security: know the practices and tools to protect personal and corporate information. This includes the use of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and security software. In terms of cyber security, skills are needed to identify and mitigate cyber threats. It involves knowledge of information security principles, risk management, and security incident response.
- Finding innovative solutions: critical and analytical thinking, along with technical support and maintenance is key. It also includes skills to diagnose and solve technical problems, such as knowledge of hardware, software, and networks.
These essential digital skills not only improve efficiency and productivity, but are also crucial for innovation and professional growth in the ICT field.
People who master these competences are better equipped to face the challenges of today’s labour market and contribute significantly to their organisations.
