A Beginner’s Guide to start-up jobs in the digital industry

The digital industry

 As a listener, it was exciting to learn about the digital sector. Orsolya elaborated on digitalisation. Nowadays, in most organisations, at least the product or the process is digital. More and more jobs are being created in this area: Orsolya mentioned that digital jobs are expected to be 16% more plentiful by 2025. Moreover, the digital sector is an attractive career option for beginners who do not intend to limit themselves to any particular field of activity. It is relatively easy to integrate.  Individuals who have the skills have the opportunity to move between or find employment within different fields, be it agri-tech, climate-tech, etc. It is easier to switch jobs in the digital space. 

What is a startup?

Orsolya then proceeded to explain what’s out there in terms of startups. Startups are a small section of the digital space. A startup enterprise constitutes a team of people with an idea that may or may not yet be profitable, focused on value/impact generation and scaling. It is an umbrella term that covers activities ranging from business development to the creative side of product development. The audience received an overview of the diverse range of roles that can be found in such a company, covering areas as diverse as software engineering, product and/or product management, marketing, customer service, and the “core team.”

Skills to focus on

Technical skills are essential, and basic programming skills and data analytics will undoubtedly make candidates more employable. In terms of soft skills, emotional intelligence and managing one’s stress levels both demand attention. Although flexible, the digital space can potentially cause burnout for the unwary. Therefore, it is important to be able to manage work stress. Assertiveness and kindness are character attributes that are looked for in a potential team member. 

Ultimately, what are they looking for?

Start-ups are looking out for a match in terms of motivation, aspiration, and skill on the part of job applicants. Orsolya highlighted that adaptability and flexibility are key requirements for someone entering the digital space.  A job description is best understood as a general outline that can be expanded upon. In other words, you may find yourself taking on more responsibilities. The flexibility required in this sector makes it possible for you to move to a different department based on your skills and interests.

Overall, this 15-minute talk was packed with information for anyone looking to learn first-hand about the scope of the digital sector. It was very engaging, and I am confident that the digital sector can expect more applications from hopefuls, particularly after the GiLE conference.