Digital skills: the must-have for graduates

For new graduates, digital skills are no longer optional - they're the key to thriving in an online, fast-changing world

Graduates in 2025 are stepping into a job market that demands a mix of skills, knowledge, and personal qualities to stay competitive, and at the top of that list is digital skills. This means the ability to work, create, adapt, and thrive in a fast-moving, technology-driven world. In fact, the government predicts that within the next 20 years, 90% of all jobs will require some level of digital know-how. Add in artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Large Language Models, and it's clear that technology is reshaping the way we study, work, and solve problems.

When people talk about the 'digital industries,' they don't just mean technology careers. they're referring to a range of sectors including media, consulting, and the video games industry. The UK government has made it clear in The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy 2025 that whether you're an engineer working with 3D design tools, a film editor making a video, or a statistician analysing data, having digital skills is part of the toolkit every graduate needs.

It's no surprise, then, that Skills England lists digital skills as one of the UK's biggest priorities through to 2030. In the next four and a half years alone, the country will need 87,000 new software developers and coders - and that's just the start. Even beyond tech-specific jobs, almost all graduate roles now expect a solid level of digital literacy.

Meeting the job market's digital skills needs

Graduate jobs are constantly evolving - and over the past 30 years, digital skills have completely reshaped many professional industries. It's hard to think of any area of graduate employment that has not been changed dramatically by technology - from healthcare and life sciences, where health informatics and data tools are now essential, to finance, business, and even the creative industries. Very few graduate roles in 2025 look the same as they did in 1995 - or even 2005.

There's often concern about the impact of tech, and fears that it will destroy professions. Some of that is justified - whole industries, like print, that was once a hugely important part of our economic and social fabric have already been transformed almost beyond recognition. But for graduates, digital change tends to create far more jobs than it takes away.

In summer 2025, there was plenty of concern that AI was wiping out entry-level roles. But looking deeper into the data and employer hiring patterns, it seems those fears were mostly overstated - at least for now. Still, there are few people who think AI will have no long-term impact on the job market in the long run, which makes learning to use these tools confidently a real advantage. Discover how to get a job in AI.

Tech and the evolving workplace

Skills shortages happen because technology evolves so quickly, leaving employers unsure what tools their staff will need just a few years down the line. That's why adaptability is crucial, and why these industries experiment with flexible training, continuing professional development (CPD), and microcredentials to keep skills up to date with emerging needs.

Like any industry, digital roles depend heavily on interpersonal skills. Take teamwork, for example. It has always been crucial, but in a post-COVID world it might involve collaborating in person, working together online, or juggling a mix of both. Leadership and communication are equally important and often matter just as much as technical expertise.

Whether you do a degree, an apprenticeship or a vocational course, the transferable skills you develop will need to be paired with the ability to use digital tools confidently and adapt quickly as new technologies emerge.

Demonstrating your tech expertise

The good news is you probably already have a solid foundation in digital skills already - after all, just finding and reading this article online shows you can navigate the internet, use basic software, communicate digitally, and interact safely online - all key basics employers look for.

Most jobs won't require you to code (though a little coding knowledge can go a long way), and your college or university courses will usually cover the common tech you'll use in the workplace.

If you've picked up specific digital skills - like web design, content creation, or video editing - make sure to highlight them on your CV and in job applications, and be ready to show proof, ideally through a portfolio or personal website showcasing your work.

Find out more

• Check out our graduate labour market update: August 2025.
• Explore our overview of the UK's IT industry.
• Discover our graduate's guide to job hunting.