As the world strives towards digitalization, there’s been an increasing interest for people to scale up their skills and remain relevant, career-wise. On this post, we will tackle six ways you can advance your career in the digital space.
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Now, one cannot even imagine any field that can fully operate without digital integration and proficiency, from arts and medicine to construction and sales. According to reports, 92% of professions depend on these prerequisites for optimal on-the-job performance.
When paired with the growing need for a more borderless and flexible work environment, it’s clear that having a roadmap for professional development is crucial for establishing a career in the digital sphere.
For someone who is in the early career phase, it may be overwhelming for you to make sense of it all and decide the best course of action for growth, which is why we’ve compiled some practical tips that will help level the playing field and increase your chances of success.
Embrace Continuous Learning
To maximize your career growth potential in the digital space, you need to have a solid foundation. That means acquiring a good grasp of digital concepts and best practices that can refine your skills.
This may involve enrolling in an IT-supported degree program or simply taking online courses, webinars, or workshops. Platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, Pluralsight, and LinkedIn Learning offer such opportunities.
Are you a salesperson? Consider acquiring additional skills that are relevant to this discipline, such as search engine optimization, digital marketing, or social media management to broaden your knowledge and give you an edge over others.
If you’re a software developer, learn artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and big data analysis. And how about you moving to UX as a designer? In that case, invest your time in mastering Adobe XD.
Each discipline has multifaceted aspects you can learn and leverage to your advantage as you build up a career in the digital sphere.
Network with Goal-Oriented Individuals
You are only as good as your network, which is why you have to be smart about the company you keep as they can either make or break your growth.
To ensure the former, surround yourself with people who are highly ambitious and have career goals similar to yours. Learn about their success, pains, failures, and lessons, all of which will give you the confidence and support you need to succeed.
Platforms like LinkedIn are ideal for finding, connecting, and building mutually beneficial relationships with like-minded professionals. If you have such people in mind, you can use Nuwber to get their contact details, social media handles, and more.
You can also find emerging trends, job opportunities, and other growth prospects. For extroverts, corporate hangouts, meet-ups, and conferences are a great start, while introverts might prefer a slower but equally rewarding route—online forums, discussion groups, and niche communities.
Redefine Your Personal Brand
Nothing speaks to your authenticity and value like a well-crafted and articulate personal brand. It’s an integral aspect of positioning yourself for moving your career forward. When defined correctly, your brand not only sets you apart from the rest but also creates a lasting impression.
A personal brand comprises a clear mission, strong voice, unique selling proposition, and set of core values that help communicate who you are and what you can do. If your brand is compelling, it becomes easier to attract the right opportunities, gain the confidence of your colleagues, managers, and stakeholders, and build trust with clients.
Specialize in a Niche
In no way does this point contradict the need for continuous learning or acquisition of additional skills. In fact, if anything, it complements that journey.
As the digital landscape evolves, the one thing that remains constant is the demand for specialists—rare professionals who offer a unique blend of skills and expertise in specific areas of their chosen discipline.
So, if you currently struggle to explain what you do and how it ties to your growth, consider reviewing your positioning. Look for intersections between your field and emerging trends, and you’ll be surprised by the vast array of opportunities that will open up.
Build a Strong Portfolio
Having a successful track record that highlights your expertise can make a difference in building a solid career in the digital space.
According to Matthew Krachey, a member of the American Statistical Association (ASA) Committee on Career Development, a portfolio helps hiring managers better understand the abilities of a candidate. Without one, you’re as good as any other candidate in a sea of many.
Your portfolio shouldn't necessarily be complicated. It can be a simple showcase of your previous work or a collection of projects that demonstrate your skills and achievements. The trick here is to keep it concise and impactful, and when done right, your portfolio can provide solid proof that you’ve walked the walk.
Adapt to Change
In 2020, 26% of American employees switched jobs significantly due to the digital transformation brought about by the pandemic. This practically shows just how fast situations can change, especially as businesses adopt new ways to work and serve customers.
Considering we’re in the information age where every bit of news counts and changes occur at lightning speed, you need to be flexible and open to change or you’ll be left behind. Be prepared to venture outside of your comfort zone and take up tasks that may not initially align with your long-term goals.
You could learn to use a new tool, implement new working protocols, or do things better. All of these will help you gain experience in new areas, grow your confidence, and build resilience.
Building A Career in the Digital Sphere – Final Words
In essence, if you want to gain leverage in your current role or explore new opportunities out there, you must be willing to learn how to re-evaluate your situation and equip yourself with the right set of skills. This starts with continuous learning, networking, and redefining your personal brand.
To build a career in the digital sphere, you also want to consider niching down to an area of interest, building a strong portfolio, and adapting to new developments.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. So, share your struggles with like-minded individuals and learn from theirs as well. Keep your eyes on the goal through patience and discipline and you’ll become an indispensable asset in your corporate environment in no time.
