By James Pak
The author is head counselor of Academic & Career Mentors
(Email: jpak@acmentors.com Website: https://acmentors.com)
With summer break soon approaching, college students can greatly benefit from enhancing their digital literacy during this time. The world increasingly operates on digital platforms, and mastering these skills is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Here’s an expanded guide to the crucial digital skills every student should work on this summer:
- Microsoft Office Suite
Despite the popularity of Google’s suite among students for its collaboration features, most businesses still rely on Microsoft Office. Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential. Word remains the standard for creating documents, Excel for managing data and performing complex calculations, and PowerPoint for crafting professional presentations. Familiarity with these programs ensures readiness for both academic and professional tasks. For Excel, a student should aim to know how to use formulas and functions such as XLOOKUP and Pivot Tables.
- Efficiency with Shortcut Keys
Learning keyboard shortcuts for your operating system, whether Mac or PC, can greatly enhance your efficiency. Mastering these can help you navigate software and web interfaces much faster than using a mouse, which is a time-saver during exams or when meeting tight project deadlines.
- Advanced Google Searching
Effective research isn’t just about what you search, but how you search. Using advanced operators like filetype: to find specific document types and site: to search within a website can dramatically refine your search results, making it easier to find credible sources and important documents.
Establishing a professional online presence early on can open up networking opportunities and internships. LinkedIn allows you to connect with professionals in your intended field, join industry groups, and even find mentors who can provide career guidance and advice.
- LinkedIn Learning
This platform offers a wide range of courses that can bolster both your technical and soft skills. Access to LinkedIn Learning is often free through local libraries, making it a cost-effective way to learn new skills that are in demand in the workplace.
- For Students Pursuing Creative Work: Adobe Creative Suite
Photoshop: Master the fundamentals of image editing, from simple corrections to complex digital art, which can be vital for careers in digital marketing, graphic design, and media.
Illustrator: Learn to create vector-based graphics, essential for logos, infographics, and product design, providing you with skills applicable in various creative industries.
This summer, dedicating time to enhance these digital skills will not only prepare you for the academic challenges ahead but also equip you with the competencies needed in today’s digital-centric job market. Each skill not only enriches your academic experience but also builds a foundation for professional success.
