How to Boost Your Salary and Career with Digital Upskilling

Digital upskilling is increasingly paving the path to career advancement and higher earnings. As technology changes the way industries work, professionals who keep improving their digital skills are more likely to grab new opportunities and move forward in their careers.

According to HRM Asia, Singapore’s focus on retraining and artificial intelligence indicates a significant shift in how businesses approach skill development. This focus on digital upskilling shows that leaders recognise the need for ongoing learning to stay competitive in a tech-driven world.

By strategically engaging in digital upskilling, you can position yourself as a valuable asset. This article will define digital upskilling and its key aspects, explore the trends driving its demand, discuss its benefits, and outline the best ways to pursue it to help boost your salary and career.

What is Digital Upskilling?

Digital upskilling means improving or learning new digital skills to stay current with technology and job market changes. It covers various activities to boost your ability with digital tools, software, and technologies crucial in today’s industries.

Key Aspects of Digital Upskilling:

• Developing expertise involves advancing your skills, such as mastering software applications, analysing data, and learning coding. 
• Understanding emerging digital tools and platforms, like AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity.
• Digital upskilling involves formal training, online courses, workshops, or certifications.
• Acquiring new digital skills enhances job performance, boosts marketability, and improves career progression and salary growth opportunities.
• Solid digital skills help you adapt to evolving processes and technologies.

Related: How to Future-Proof Your Career in the Era of AI & Tech Layoffs

Why Are Digital Skills Becoming More Important?

Here are the top reasons why digital skills are becoming increasingly important:

Technological Advancement

Due to technological advancements and automation, 50% of employees will need reskilling by 2025. (Source: World Economic Forum, “The Future of Jobs Report 2023”)

Increased Automation

Up to 30% of the global workforce could be displaced by automation by 2030, underscoring the need for digital skills to adapt to new technologies. (Source: McKinsey & Company, “The Future of Work: Reskilling and Automation”)

Competitive Edge

LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report indicates that 92% of talent developers believe digital skills are essential for their employees to remain competitive and relevant. (Source: LinkedIn Learning, “2023 Workplace Learning Report”)

Remote Work and Collaboration

A Gartner survey shows that 48% of employees will work remotely at least part-time post-pandemic, requiring proficiency in digital collaboration tools and technologies. (Source: Gartner, “Future of Work Trends Post-COVID-19”)

Data-Driven Decision Making

Gartner predicts that by 2025, 95% of decisions that currently use data will be at least partially automated. (Source: Gartner, “Data and Analytics Essential Guides”)

What Industry Trends Are Boosting the Demand for Digital Skills?

Here are key industry trends that are boosting the demand for digital skills:

Digital Transformation

The current wave of digital transformation is propelling companies across industries to elevate their operational efficiency, revolutionise customer experience, and drive innovation. This surge has created a significant demand for expertise in digital tools, data analytics, and automation as organisations seek to maximise the potential of emerging technologies.

Remote and Hybrid Work

The rise of remote and hybrid work models has quickened the use of digital communication and collaboration tools. Professionals must now be adept at using platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and various project management software to stay productive and connected. This change highlights the increasing demand for digital skills to navigate and oversee remote work environments effectively.

Growing Adoption of AI and Machine Learning Technologies

Mastery of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science is essential as organisations use these technologies to improve decision-making and streamline operations. The increasing reliance on AI and machine learning highlights the need to develop these digital skills to keep pace with the evolving job market.

Cybersecurity Threats

With the surge in digital activity, organisations are facing increasing cybersecurity threats. This has increased the demand for cybersecurity professionals who can protect data and systems from breaches and attacks.

Growth in Data Volume and Complexity

The rapid expansion of data and its growing complexity create a demand for advanced skills in managing and analysing large datasets. There is a high demand for professionals with expertise in big data technologies, data mining, and data visualisation, as they are needed to handle and interpret vast amounts of information effectively.

How Can Digital Upskilling Boost My Salary and Career?

Mastering the latest digital tools opens up new career opportunities and leads to rewarding roles. Investing in advanced skills boosts earning potential, accelerates career growth, and prepares you for leadership positions. 

To start investing in your skills, consider enrolling in any tech courses at Vertical Institute. These programmes are designed for both students and lifelong learners, providing the opportunity to acquire the most relevant skills in just 21 hours. With a focus on practical, hands-on learning, you can quickly gain expertise in the following areas:

1. Cybersecurity Course

Equip yourself with crucial skills to defend against digital threats. Start by mastering the fundamentals of cybersecurity, then dive into the intricacies of the cyber-attack chain to gain insight into how attacks transpire. This comprehensive course encompasses essential online security measures, robust risk management strategies, and effective methods to counter social engineering tactics. Enhance your knowledge by understanding cybersecurity regulations and mastering the art of preparing for and responding to incidents precisely.

2. Data Analytics Course

Immerse in the transformative Data Analytics course, where you’ll develop critical skills for success in data analysis. Starting with an introduction to data analytics, you’ll gain proficiency in Excel and SQL fundamentals. The course will equip you to manage databases effectively, visualise data accurately, and create compelling dashboards and narratives using Tableau.

3. Data Science and AI Course

Explore Data Science and AI, starting with foundational concepts and advancing to topics like string methods and control flow. Learn to use Python libraries such as NumPy and Pandas for data manipulation and dive into data cleaning, visualisation, and exploratory analysis. The course also covers machine learning, including feature scaling, supervised learning with classification models, and techniques for model evaluation and hyperparameter tuning.

4. Digital Marketing

Enhance your digital marketing skills, where you’ll cover both foundational and advanced topics. Learn to craft effective organic and paid social media strategies, optimise for SEO, and develop compelling content. Master Google Analytics, refine your email marketing tactics and apply measurement and testing techniques to improve your marketing performance.

5. UI/UX Design Course

Enrol in our UI/UX Design course to develop the skills to craft exceptional user experiences. Start with a solid introduction to UX design and delve into user research and design thinking. Learn to organise information effectively, create wireframes and prototypes, and design visually engaging interfaces. The course also includes thorough usability testing to ensure your designs meet user needs.

6. Blockchain

Sign up for our Blockchain course to delve into fundamental and advanced aspects of blockchain technology. Start with an introduction to blockchain and cryptocurrency, then explore transactions, wallets, mining, and staking. Learn about exchanges, smart contracts, decentralised applications (DApps), and decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs). The course also covers NFTs and DeFi, offering you a thorough understanding of the blockchain ecosystem.

The Best Time to Pursue Digital Upskilling is Now!

As technology rapidly advances, embracing a mindset of continuous upskilling is crucial. Digital upskilling is more than just professional growth—it’s a strategic personal investment that enhances your adaptability and confidence. Gaining new digital skills allows you to excel in your career and easily tackle complex challenges. This proactive approach ensures you remain competitive in the job market while fostering personal development. Don’t miss opportunities to future-proof your career and enrich your life. Discover our courses in Singapore today and take the first step toward investing in your success.

About Vertical Institute

Vertical Institute is shaping the future of work by preparing individuals for tomorrow’s job market. Our courses and certification focus on teaching essential skills and nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders.

As an Approved Training provider (ATO) accredited by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and the Institute of Banking & Finance Singapore (IBF), our courses adhere to the highest standards. They are government-subsidised and eligible for SkillsFuture Credits or NTUC UTAP Funding.