The world is increasingly moving towards digital, heralding a paradigm shift from the traditional aspects of social and professional avenues, indicating that this is what life in future will look like. It is also the same as the youth’s career development since many recruitment and training functions are going the digital way to a great extent. 

It is no secret that modern youth have access to the enormity of digital technology due to the advent of smartphones and high-speed internet connectivity. It has re-shaped their approach to life. It must also be mentioned that the youth are spending most of their productive time on digital platforms. But the moot question that is always asked is that ‘how much can the youth leverage digital connectivity for their career development?’

In real-time life experience, which I witness as a human resource mentor, the youth are mostly linked up to the digital world for recreation and as a pastime. Many are not clearly aware that most corporate organisations have resorted to sourcing their candidates for possible placements from their digital portfolios. It is increasingly common to note that the professional associations also conduct most of their human resource activities through the virtual space. In business, we can see the emergence of digital channels replacing traditional channels of marketing and brand promotion apart from the actual process of vendor engagement and management.

Just remember that there is much more to gain from the digital interface apart from recreation and pastime activities. On the contrary, you can find yourself motivated to make use of your time in a more productive manner to get oriented/trained and certified in digital tools that would help your career development greatly.

The advantage of having hands-on skill on digital platforms can actually kick-start your professional career much earlier than expected. It will give you the confidence to take on small projects to test your skills, which can eventually be scaled up. 

Pay attention 
You should pay attention to emerging digital trends and keep yourself abreast with it

Edge on others 
Digital skills will equip you with industry standards and give you a competitive edge

Social media 
Create a positive social media profile on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook