6 Tech Skills Every Student Should Learn

The technological environment is rapidly advancing and ever-evolving. In today’s day and age, tech skills are becoming increasingly important for not only working-class individuals but students as well. 

Whether you are in middle school or are an undergraduate, a sound knowledge of tech skills can give you an advantage over your peers and open up many opportunities for you.

These skills can empower you to excel in your academic life, broaden your career prospects, and equip you with the ability to adapt to an ever-changing digital landscape.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a relatively new technology that allows students to work smart, not hard. Cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services, Azure, or Google provide students with access to cost-effective and up-to-date technology, which the students can interact and experiment with, including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Cloud platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud can also be used by students to store and back up their important data, which not only includes their documents but also their research notes, assignments, projects, and more.

These platforms can be used to share a common file on which multiple people can work at the same time and save their changes, allowing many to learn the importance of collaboration and teamwork.

One way to learn cloud computing is to join a bootcamp. A bootcamp to learn cloud computing can help students gain practical skills and experience in using various cloud services and tools. It can also prepare students for cloud certification exams and career opportunities in the cloud industry.

Digital Communication

Technological advancements have drastically changed the ways through which people communicate. Having the ability to effectively communicate with people via email, video conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, which let you interact with people, has become crucial for students all over the world, especially after COVID-19. Remote learning saw an increased use of all of these platforms, which are still being used today. 

Digital platforms allow for more efficient communication than traditional methods. Students who do not know how to use these platforms may miss out on important information and messages sent by their teachers or peers. This breaks the chain of communication and can result in losing opportunities or missing out on crucial information shared by instructors or peers.

Basic Programming

With the increased use of computers, smartphones, and smart devices, programming has become more accessible and relevant to everyday life. Students interact with technology regularly, and learning to program allows them to understand and control these devices better. Programming fosters problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Countries are now recognizing the importance of introducing coding education at an early age. This is done to prepare students for the future job market as programming skills continue to be in high demand.

Data Analysis

Combining data in spreadsheets or other analytical platforms like Python allows one to amalgamate, interpret, and analyze data. This not only ensures that the data is saved in one place, but any inferences made from the data can be looked back on without having to compile the data again. Any future data can be added to the same file, which can be used to make comparisons.

Students can use these platforms to their advantage for coherent data representation and interpretation and detailed statistical analysis required for research papers, academic projects, and more.

Nearly all companies have departments for data analysis that combine and interpret several data, namely market research responses, financial data, inventory management, and customer and sale information. These skills, therefore, can not only help students prosper in their academic life but also give them an advantage over other candidates when applying for jobs.

Cybersecurity

The rapid advancements in technology have led to another rising problem: Cyberattacks. To counter these attacks, students must equip themselves with the skill and knowledge of cybersecurity. Students tend to spend more time online on multiple social media platforms, so recognizing a phishing attempt and reporting cyberbullying and identity theft while it is happening or has already happened can be extremely beneficial. 

One way Individuals can keep themselves safe online is by making use of a secure web browser, such as Google Chrome. These browsers block harmful websites full of trackers automatically, ensuring one’s safety from online data theft. Other features of Google include blocking pop-up ads, which also stop websites from redirecting you to other harmful websites.

Graphic Design

The world is moving toward becoming a digital and visual landscape. Simple graphic design skills for making eye-catching posts and stories for social media, small advertisement campaigns, and new product announcements are now must-haves.

This is especially true for students, many of whom have started a small side business due to inflation to cater to their wants and needs. Being able to effectively use and implement your graphic design skills helps to cut back on labor costs associated with outsourcing or hiring labor to do it for you. These skills also help in making engaging presentations and projects.

The top free application for graphic design for students is Canva. However, if they want to have more advanced features and go beyond the basics, Adobe Photoshop is popular in that category.

Conclusion

The world will continue to advance and change. Students do not necessarily have to be ‘tech savvy’ but should be flexible and willing to learn new skills as the world progresses. These skills should not be restricted to their preferred area of study but should rather extend beyond their ‘required’ academic knowledge. All skills require students to think critically and strategically, which can not only help them in their work but also with the challenges they face in their practical lives.