By Ranjan K Baruah
We are all concerned and worried for Corona Virus or COVID-19 as all of us are locked in our respective houses. We have realised how important it is to be inside home because if we stay away from the virus then we are safe or else we bring problem for us and others. Schools and colleges are closed and offices are also partially closed. One of the best options these days is being digital or use technological skills.
In my career awareness and counselling programme, I have been telling the importance of technological skills as one of the attributes needed to be successful in life. Here, technological skills mean I am not talking about engineering but basic technological skills like using computers and internet. One who is an expert or even has ideas about internet and computers may work from home or from anywhere as things are connected digitally.
It is important for us to have technological skills if we want to have a vibrant career for us. These skills are the abilities and knowledge needed to perform specific tasks. They are practical and often relate to information and technology.
Most of us are aware of computers and we can use it but if we can use ii more effectively then it adds value and we can make money too. As these skills are often most important for jobs related to information technology (IT) and other fields in the sciences, many other industries also want employees with at least some technical skills.
People who are technically skilled may look for different career avenues. I am not mentioning that all of us need to be tech-savvy but basic and essential skills must be learned by all of us for our future and our career. What we need to learn is basics like MS programmes. We may also learn other languages depending on our interest and other subjects. If we can compose at maximum speed with the key pad then that is also another added advantage for us.
Most of our students take computer courses for the certificates as they need it while applying for jobs. Except few many students cannot perform many tasks as they only take certificates for the purpose of jobs. I would request that our students learn the skills not only for the certificate but to gain knowledge so that you can use them even if you work as an entrepreneur.
Some of the online jobs which can be done from home include data analysis, data entry, social media campaign, online tutoring, digital marketing, affiliate marketing, coding and programme, project management, online campaigning for different causes, virtual assistance etc.
As schools are closed we can think of arranging online tutoring for students for which the tutor must have basic technological skills like using the laptop and apps or system through which teaching can be imparted. One must be aware of using smart phone wisely so that things can be done through mobile phones too. Technically skilled people do not worry even if they have to stay at home as they can connect through the digital world.
Though many offices are closed but many activities are going on and people are using the digital medium. As we have time so let us take advantage of time and learn technological skills. There are online courses which can be chosen by our young people who are otherwise staying at home. We shall mention more in our next edition and till then stay at home to beat COVID-19.
(The author is a career mentor, motivational speaker and skill trainer and can be reached at 8473943734 or [email protected])
