Unlocking employability advantages with digital skills

Sameer Jain

Associate Professor, NICMAR University, Pune

According to a report published by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, in collaboration with the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), only about 40% of graduates in India are employable. The report further states that only 34% of engineering graduates and 18% of MBA graduates in India are employable in the software services sector, which is a key sector for digital skills.

Another report published by Aspiring Minds, an employability solutions provider, states that only 7% of MBA graduates in India are employable in core management roles. While this report does not specifically address digital skills, it highlights the overall employability challenges faced by MBA graduates in India.

In addition, a report by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) suggests that there is a significant gap between industry expectations and the skills possessed by MBA graduates in India. The report identifies digital skills as one of the key areas where MBA graduates lack proficiency.

Digital skills are becoming increasingly important in the job market. A report by the World Economic Forum states that by 2022, 54% of all employees will require significant re-skilling and up-skilling to meet the demands of the digital economy.

Digital Skills in Construction, Project Management, Real Estate, and Urban Infrastructure Management: These industries are becoming more reliant on digital technologies, and professionals with digital skills are in high demand. A report by the National Institute of Building Sciences states that the construction industry is expected to grow by 1.2% annually through 2022, and digital technologies will play a significant role in this growth.

Acquiring digital skills in management studies

Students of Management can gain digital skills in Construction Management, Real Estate Management, General Management, Infrastructure Management, and Project Management through various means. Here are some ways:

• Online courses:There are numerous online courses available on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and edX that offer training in digital skills for management students. These courses cover topics like project management software, data analytics, and digital marketing.
• Internships:Students can undertake internships in companies that specialize in construction, real estate, infrastructure, or project management. During their internship, they can learn how to use digital tools for project planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Workshops and seminars:Workshops and seminars provide an excellent opportunity for students to learn from industry experts about the latest trends and technologies in their field. These events often feature hands-on training sessions, where students can practice using digital tools in real-world scenarios.
• Collaborative projects: Collaborative projects involving the use of digital tools can help students gain experience in managing teams and working on real-world problems. By working on projects together, students can learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses.
• Networking: Networking with professionals in the field can provide students with insights into how digital tools are used in their industry. By connecting with professionals through social media or attending industry events, students can stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments.

Overall, digital skills are becoming increasingly important in management fields, and students who acquire these skills will have a significant advantage in the job market.

Improving digital literacy for MBA and other management programmes

• Integrate digital skills in curriculum: Colleges and universities can integrate digital skills into the curriculum of management courses like MBA. This can be done by introducing courses on topics such as digital marketing, data analytics, project management software, and other relevant tools and technologies.
• Offer online courses: The availability of online courses can be an excellent way for colleges and universities to supplement the digital skills of management students. Online courses can provide students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and from anywhere in the world.
• Conduct workshops and webinars: Colleges and universities can organize workshops and webinars to provide students with hands-on training in digital tools. These events can be conducted by industry experts, which can help students learn from real-world experiences.
• Encourage internships: Encouraging students to undertake internships in companies that use digital tools can provide them with valuable experience in using these tools in real-world scenarios.
• Provide digital infrastructure: Colleges and universities can provide students with access to digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet, computer labs, and other technology resources. This can enable students to practice and experiment with digital tools and technologies.
• Focus on collaboration: Collaboration is a critical aspect of digital skills, and colleges and universities can focus on building collaboration skills in management courses. By working in teams, students can learn how to use digital tools to collaborate and communicate effectively.

Role of digital skills in future MBA programmes

The future of digital skills in courses like MBA in Construction Management, MBA in Project Management, MBA in Real Estate and Urban Infrastructure Management is very bright. Here are some reasons:

• Increasing importance of digital technologies: Digital technologies are becoming increasingly important in the construction, project management, real estate, and urban infrastructure industries. From project planning to construction site management, digital technologies are being used to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• Growing demand for skilled professionals: As digital technologies become more prevalent in these industries, the demand for professionals with digital skills is also increasing. Companies are looking for individuals who can leverage digital tools to solve complex problems and improve outcomes.
• Emergence of new technologies: New technologies such as artificial intelligence, building information modelling, internet of things, virtual reality, drones, machine learning, 3D printing, analytics, software tools for project management and blockchain are transforming the way these industries operate. MBA programs that offer training in these technologies can provide graduates with a competitive edge in the job market.
• Need for data analysis: The ability to analyse and interpret data is crucial in these industries, and digital tools make it easier to collect, manage, and analyse large amounts of data. MBA programs that offer training in data analytics can prepare students for careers in these fields.
• Remote work and collaboration: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend towards remote work and collaboration. MBA programs that offer training in digital collaboration tools can prepare students for careers in a post-pandemic world.

Digital skills and employability

Having digital skills in courses like MBA in Construction Management, MBA in Project Management, MBA in Real Estate and Urban Infrastructure Management, MBA in General Management can provide several employability advantages. Here are some reasons why:

Increased efficiency: Digital tools can help students and professionals in these industries to increase their efficiency and productivity. By being proficient in digital tools, they can perform tasks more quickly and accurately, which can result in increased output and higher quality work.

Competitive advantage: With the growing use of digital technologies in these industries, professionals who have digital skills have a competitive advantage over those who do not. They can apply their digital skills to streamline processes, improve workflows, and solve problems, which can make them more attractive to employers.

Improved communication: Digital tools can facilitate communication and collaboration among team members, even when they are not in the same physical location. Professionals who are skilled in digital communication tools can work more effectively in remote teams, which is becoming increasingly common in these industries.

Analytical skills: The ability to analyse and interpret data is becoming increasingly important in these industries, and digital tools make it easier to collect, manage, and analyse large amounts of data. Professionals who have digital skills and are proficient in data analysis can provide valuable insights that can inform decision-making.

Adaptability: As technology continues to evolve, professionals who have digital skills are better equipped to adapt to new technologies and work in dynamic environments. They can learn new tools and techniques quickly, which can make them more versatile and adaptable to changing industry trends.

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