While the traditional path of obtaining a university degree or college education is valuable, today's employers seek graduates and young talent who can manage the world’s evolving digital landscape and demonstrate essential soft skills. This combination of education and practical capabilities gives graduates in the digital job market an edge in their job search.
To expand on what this means, here is what you need to know about making your mark when looking for your next job:
How Prospective Graduates Should Hone Leadership Skills
The university or college experience extends beyond academic achievement. Student leadership roles provide invaluable experience in managing teams, solving complex problems, and developing communication skills. These positions often involve digital collaboration and virtual team management – skills prized by graduate recruiters. Student leaders gain confidence, communication skills, networking abilities, and problem-solving capabilities, all of which will stand you in good stead when talking about how you would navigate the digital work landscape.
Why Prospective Graduates Should Gain AI and Technology Knowledge
The job market is hungry for skills in emerging technologies, and at RAG, we're seeing more and more job opportunities for emerging technologies.
Understanding how to work alongside AI solutions is becoming crucial in many jobs, even at a graduate level. While mastering every new tool isn't necessary, demonstrating the ability to adapt to and leverage AI technologies effectively can significantly enhance your employability. Fundamental digital skills like AI literacy, data analysis, and digital transformation are all a plus on your graduate CV.
How Prospective Graduates Should Master a Digital Presence
Your digital footprint is your first CV, and prospective employers and graduate recruiters will likely examine your online presence before interview invitations are extended.
In the words of Phillipa Geard, founder of RecruitAGraduate and RecruitMyMom, "While traditional background checks remain a crucial component of the hiring process, the rise of social media has made it easier for recruiters and employers to gain insight into a candidate's personality, values, and behaviour outside the workplace. We look to see if a candidate is likely to fit in with the culture and values of the organisation from their social media posts."
Graduates and the Strategic Gap “Year”
A gap “year” is a period of experiential learning that can deepen one's practical, professional, and personal awareness before starting a career. This period can include volunteering, remote work or part-time jobs - whatever fits your circumstances and goals. These experiences can build valuable skills and insights before starting your career. Choose activities that work within your financial situation while helping you grow professionally.
How South African Graduates can Continue Professional Development
The modern workplace calls for constant adaptation, and keeping abreast of this is important. Online learning platforms offer courses; some are paid for, but many are free.
Locally, in South Africa, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and platforms like Coursera and edX offer free courses and local libraries and community centres often have free internet access. You can learn practical skills through YouTube tutorials, join free coding communities or access government-sponsored digital skills programs.
Your chances of success in South Africa’s graduate job market are heightened when you anticipate and prepare for a role where human skills and technological literacy are important. These skills, combined, demonstrate adaptability and ongoing learning in a changing digital workplace, a skillset that most employers seek.
Are you a graduate who has embraced the digital transformation of today's workplace? If so, join a recruitment agency for graduates like RecruitAGraduate, which understands your value to modern organisations. Register with us so we can alert you to new jobs as they come in.