The Digital Reality: Why every job is tech, and essential skills
Publication date: April 28, 2025
Author: Vasileios Linardos, Athens, Greece - Discover Vasilsios' career journey here.
We often hear the buzzwords – AI, blockchain, cloud – swirling around the conversation about jobs and the future of work. And yes, mastering technical skills in these areas is certainly valuable. But let’s zoom out for a moment and consider the bigger picture. Not long ago “digital job” was this niche thing. It required specialized skills to operate a personal computer and some basic functions of it, such as a document editor. Now? Digital is just… work. It’s woven into pretty much every industry you can think of. This fundamental shift completely redefines what it takes to not just get a job, but to excel and truly stand out in today’s – and tomorrow’s – workforce.
It’s no longer accurate to think of “digital jobs”. Consider a marketing role. It’s no longer about print ads and billboards. It’s about data-driven campaigns, social media engagement, SEO optimization, complex analytics dashboards and AI content generation. A manufacturing job? Think of automation, robotics, IoT-connected machinery, and supply chain management software. Even in traditional hands-on fields like agriculture, we see precision farming, drone technology, and data analysis to optimize yields. Every job, in essence, is becoming a digital job to some degree, especially with the introduction of AI, which can provide huge productivity gains, iterative refinement of ideas and data understanding. This isn’t just about specialized tech roles; it’s about how digital tools, platforms, and mindsets are transforming the nature of business work across the board.
What CVs Really Need to Shout
Given this digital ubiquity, the landscape of what employers value on a CV is evolving. While baseline technical literacy is increasingly assumed, and tied with role specific technologies, especially for younger generations entering the workforce, it’s no longer the primary differentiator. Think about it – many fundamental digital skills are now learned on the job, through readily available online courses, or even intuitively through daily life software usage. So, what does make a CV stand out when applying for a digital-era role? It’s about showcasing those qualities that go beyond just knowing how to use software.
Employers are now heavily focused on candidates who demonstrate dedication and drive. In a fast-paced digital world, adaptability and a proactive approach to learning are crucial. A CV that shows initiative, commitment to projects (even personal ones), and a willingness to go the extra mile signals a valuable candidate. Communication skills remain paramount, but in a digital context, this means clear and concise written and verbal communication across various platforms, from email to video conferencing. But not necessarily all of them. I believe that especially in the era of this digital evolution of jobs, flexibility arises to be able to choose a communication channel and excel at it.
Furthermore, increasingly valued is a sense of enthusiasm and positive engagement – you might call it “fun” – a demonstrated passion for the field, a collaborative spirit, and the ability to contribute to a positive team environment. Employers are looking for individuals who not only have the baseline competence but also possess the personal attributes to thrive in dynamic, often ambiguous, and collaborative digital workplaces. And that is not necessarily linked to the role “importance”. I see people in all kinds of roles, eager to elevate their output through creative ways, even in the more traditional and well defined jobs.
A Glimpse into the Future
Let’s take a moment to consider the Artificial Intelligence industry specifically, as it represents a powerful force shaping the digital landscape. One of the most striking characteristics of AI is its sheer speed of evolution. The field is moving at an astonishing pace, with new breakthroughs, tools, and applications emerging constantly even on a weekly rate. For professionals in AI, and increasingly for those in adjacent digital fields, keeping up with the pulse of the community is vital. This means actively engaging with online communities, not just passively consuming information. Platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn groups, specialized forums, and industry newsletters become essential channels for staying informed about the latest trends, tools, and discussions.
In reality, in the domain of AI, collaboration goes far beyond the boundaries of a single team, or even an entire company. It is a global, alive and vibrant ecosystem that constantly evolves and participation in the community is vital, even more than certifications and training.
Looking ahead, the nature of AI-related jobs themselves is also evolving. While deep technical expertise will always be necessary for core AI research and development, a significant shift is emerging towards roles that require strong analytical skills coupled with a deep understanding of business needs. The future of many AI-focused roles will likely be less about pure coding and algorithm creation in isolation, and more about technical professionals who can strategically apply and tune AI technologies to deconstruct and solve specific business problems. This requires individuals who can bridge the gap between technical AI capabilities and real-world business challenges, understanding how to leverage AI to drive value and achieve organizational goals.
The Power of “1 + 1 > 2”
In my experience, working within the digital sphere, one of the most consistently reinforced lessons is the power of effective teamwork. It’s a simple equation, but profoundly true: in digital jobs, often 1 + 1 can indeed equal more than 2. While technically brilliant individuals are undoubtedly valuable assets, particularly in specialized roles, the most
significant advancements and innovations often emerge from highly functional and collaborative teams.
Top individual performers, with exceptional technical skills, can achieve remarkable outputs on their own. However, in the collaborative and fast-evolving environment of digital work, teams that foster a culture of innovation, shared drive, and strong team spirit consistently outperform the sum of their individual parts. The ability to enable others, to share knowledge effectively, and to foster open and transparent communication are cornerstones of high-performing digital teams. In digital projects, characterized by complexity, interdependencies, and rapid iterations, the synergistic energy of a well functioning team, where diverse skills and perspectives are effectively combined and amplified, becomes a crucial driver of success and a powerful competitive advantage. It’s not just about individual brilliance; it’s about how individuals can work brilliantly together.
The future of work is undeniably digital, but at its heart, it remains deeply human. Focus on developing your adaptability, cultivate business acumen alongside your technical skills, and prioritize the ability to connect and collaborate effectively – these are the real keys to thriving in the digital era.
