Tech in the Workplace
Hola mi amigos y amigas! I hope you’re having a beautiful Sunday morning, complete with coffee (or whatever lame substitute you’ve chosen. hehehe). It’s cold here in the mid-Atlantic. How about where you are?
Part of my week was spent working with folks who’ve just come home from incarceration or are looking to come home soon, and one of the big topics and lessons we’ve been focusing on is digital literacy. Here’s what we know about this skill gap…if you’ve been out of the workforce for ten, twenty, thirty years, you’re woefully behind in knowing how to use technology, and for young people who haven’t been out of the tech world for all that long, these skills are also lacking. Just because you can use a smart phone to text and post on social media doesn’t mean you’re tech proficient.
So. I put together this bare-bones list of technology skills that we see people needing as we help them apply for various jobs. No matter who you are (justice-impacted or not), if you’re looking at upskilling, these are the hot tech skills we hear about over and over, so if you want to pick something that you’d like to learn or improve upon, take a look:
Digital Literacy: Basic digital skills are a prerequisite for most jobs. This includes proficiency with computer operating systems, web browsers, and common software applications like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace. The most common applications we see that are crucial to learn are word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation creation (we teach Microsoft and Google products since you don’t know which one an employer may prefer).
Digital Citizenship: Professional etiquette in emailing, texting, and communicating in a digital community is non-negotiable. Digital citizenship also means knowing how to protect yourself and your company from scams. Understanding the difference between original sources and fake news is essential. In general, it’s learning the responsible use of technology.
Data Analysis: The ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data is crucial. Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel, Python, R, or data visualization tools like Tableau can be extremely valuable.
Programming: Even if your job doesn't require you to be a programmer, understanding the basics of programming can be beneficial. Languages like Python, JavaScript, and SQL are widely used and versatile.
Cybersecurity Awareness: As cyber threats continue to grow, having knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, such as password management, recognizing phishing attempts, and understanding the basics of network security, is vital.
Cloud Computing: Familiarity with cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud can be advantageous, as many organizations are migrating to the cloud for data storage and computing. This is an emerging job market too, although companies like Amazon need to get with it and embrace Second Chance Hiring. Understanding how the cloud works is necessary to really navigate well and safely at work, but you could also turn it INTO your work, if you’re interested.
Digital Marketing Skills: In a digital-first world, understanding digital marketing concepts such as SEO, social media marketing, and email marketing can be valuable, especially for marketing and sales roles. If social media is your thing, this might be an interesting field for you. If you own your own business, it’s crucial to understand how this works.
Web Development: Basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can be useful, even for non-developer roles, as many businesses maintain websites or digital platforms. At Hand2Heart DC (my non-profit), we teach folks how to build their own website to sell their hand-made goods. It’s easier than you might think.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Understanding the basics of AI and machine learning can provide a competitive edge in various industries, from healthcare to finance. Even if you’re a hands-on person, or you’re working to help people find jobs, think about CNC machining. AI is in every industry now. Leveraging it is smart and soon will be non-negotiable as it’s developing at lightning speed.
Project Management Tools: Proficiency in project management software like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Project can help streamline workflows and collaboration. Every industry needs project management, and if you can leverage these tools to better manage your time, your schedule, and your tasks, you’ll be an invaluable employee. If you’re an entrepreneur, these technologies can save you time and money.
Video Conferencing and Collaboration Tools: With remote and hybrid work becoming more common, being comfortable with tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Slack is essential for effective communication and collaboration. Since the pandemic, this trend of meeting virtually has stuck around. This is an essential skill, and you have to add digital citizenship to the use of video conferencing too. Be aware and teach others to be aware of the etiquette around video meetings.
IoT (Internet of Things): Understanding how IoT devices work and how they can be integrated into various industries is becoming increasingly important. It can be hard to keep up, so stay tuned in to new advances.
Digital Design Skills: For roles involving marketing, content creation, or user experience design, knowledge of graphic design software like Adobe Creative Suite or Canva can be a valuable asset. There are so many apps out there now that make digital design easy to do if you have an eye for design. Learning to use these apps is getting more and more user-friendly, and with the addition of AI, you can get really creative.
Database Management: Understanding database systems and SQL can be essential for roles that deal with data storage and retrieval. A basic understanding is the foundation, and you can learn your company’s specific system once you’re onboard. No matter your career pathway, you’re going to be using a database…logging in attendance, marking your overtime, inventory, metrics, grades, etc.
Troubleshooting and Technical Support: Having the ability to troubleshoot common technical issues and provide basic tech support is valuable no matter what your job is. As an example, this week I had a virtual meeting with a woman who couldn’t hear me, although I could hear her. Because I’d had about a million other meetings with no problems that day, I figured the problem was on her end. Just because I have a basic knowledge of how the app works, I walked her through some troubleshooting tasks via the chat box, and we figured it out. Being able to troubleshoot before you call your IT folks will save you time and make you more proficient. If you have a propensity for this work, being a help desk technician is a pretty good gig too.
Of course, specific tech skills required can vary depending on your industry and job role. Staying adaptable and continuously learning is key in today's tech-driven workplace that feels like it’s changing daily. Additionally, soft skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and communication are just as important as technical skills in the modern workplace. The upshot is…we can’t avoid working with technology, and a rudimentary understanding of how it works is essential. If you’re just starting out or working with people and students who are just starting out, begin with digital literacy and citizenship and progress from there. Without those skills, you’re really at a disadvantage in the workforce.
And with all this talk about technology, don’t forget to take a break from those screens to interact IRL, to smell the roses, and to relax (after your Sunday Morning Coffee, of course. hehehe).
Here’s to a good week!
