According to a report by the World Economic Forum, about 65 million young people (aged 15-24) are currently unemployed, reflecting a 13% youth unemployment rate. This figure is lower than it has been in previous years, but it’s still concerning. More so, many more young people are under-employed.
Particularly more concerning is another report by UNICEF that indicated that around 3 in 4 youths lack the skills needed for employment. This means that in a lot of fields, there is a skills gap simply because the youths have not acquired sufficient training.
Whether you find yourself unemployed or you are looking to earn additional income, this guide is useful for you to identify digital skills that you can earn money from, depending on your talent, training, and willingness to learn.
1. Career Coaching
Career coaches help professionals get through career transitions, growth, skill development, and job search strategies by providing personalized advice, goal-setting, and accountability.
If you have established yourself as a professional in your field, becoming a career coach gives you an opportunity to mentor younger people and even peers who are struggling to navigate the field. Coaches can earn by offering one-on-one sessions, group workshops, resume writing services, networking opportunities, and so on.
2. Cloud Computing
There is a high demand for cloud services right now because they are foundational to modern businesses by enabling data storage, scalability, and remote accessibility. Even without any digital skills in this area, you can start with basic certification and focus on one platform (AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, etc.) initially.
Then after building some practical projects, you can start consulting for organizations trying to migrate their services or looking for professionals to manage and maintain remote servers, data storage, databases, etc.
3. Content Creation
One of the fastest-rising careers today is the content creator role. The rise of social media and digital marketing has made content key for brands to engage audiences and build communities. Freelance content creators can earn from brand collaborations, sponsored content, direct payments, and so on.
More importantly, this is a skill that has a low barrier to entry. Focus on one area of content creation (blog writing, video content, podcast, newsletter, etc.), build your portfolio, develop your personal brand, and market your digital skills.
4. Copywriting
Copywriting focuses on crafting persuasive text for ads, websites, emails, and more to drive sales and engagement. It’s a valuable skill because strong copy converts readers into customers, which is essential for digital marketing success.
As a copywriter, you get specialization options in areas like sales pages, email sequences, ad copy, website content, and more. By studying successful copy and practicing with spec work, you can build sufficient digital skills to populate your portfolio and start attracting clients.
5. Crypto Trading and Consulting
Cryptocurrency markets are volatile and provide highly variable income based on market conditions. However, it is this situation that makes many people require expert guidance to navigate the space.
If you are familiar with how crypto trading works, including market fundamentals, risk management, blockchain technology, analysis, etc. then you can consider providing consulting services to individuals interested in crypto investments and blockchain projects.
6. Data Analysis
As a data analyst, you’d be responsible for gathering, processing, and interpreting data to help companies understand trends, improve operations, and make informed choices. This skill has become crucial as organizations rely on insights from data to make strategic decisions.
It’s in high demand in industries like finance, healthcare, retail, tech, etc. To get started, you can engage on a foundational level with tools like Excel, SQL, Python, R, Tableau, Power BI, etc.
7. Data Visualization
An aspect of data analysis that’s also increasingly crucial is the visualization of data insights. Businesses use these visualizations to identify trends, patterns, and outliers. And you must be able to engage stakeholders and help them understand complex data.
It’s necessary to master tools like Tableau and Power BI, as well as Python libraries like Matplotlib and Seaborn. Once you have a portfolio showcasing your work (you can apply your digital skills to personal projects), then you can attract clients looking for data visualization services.
8. Dropshipping
In recent years, many e-commerce enthusiasts have adopted dropshipping as a way of selling online even without holding any products. With this model, all you need to do is to select profitable products and then manage the online storefront, marketing, and customer service.
The inventory and delivery is managed by your supplier. If you can find a good supplier and arm yourself with extensive knowledge of e-commerce platforms like Shopify, this is a business you can run with very minimal upfront investment.
9. E-commerce Management
E-commerce managers oversee online stores and handle tasks like inventory management, customer service, marketing, sales platform optimization, etc. Companies need digital skills like that in order to streamline operations and boost sales, especially as online shopping continues to grow.
Entering this field requires experience with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Magento, or WooCommerce as well as a good knowledge of SEO, digital marketing, analytics, and so on. This is a good skill for freelancers to acquire.
10. Graphics Design
Brands will always need visual elements like logos, promotional materials, social media content, etc. That means the services of graphics designers to create visual content for digital and print media remains a valuable skill. If you have a knack for creativity and an eye for aesthetics, then this is a skill you should consider.
By using tools like the Adobe Creative Suite, you can quickly build a portfolio showcasing various works, logo design, social media graphics, website visuals, and so on.
11. IT Support
IT support specialists help resolve technical issues and maintain computer systems. With increasing remote work, there’s growing demand for remote IT support specifically. Basic certifications like CompTIA A+ and the like can help you to quickly get started.
So, you can work remotely with small businesses to help manage their tech needs or assist users with common system issues and troubleshooting.
12. Mobile App Development
Mobile app development is a lucrative digital skill as demand grows for app-based solutions across industries. Proficiency in programming languages like Swift (for iOS) or Kotlin (for Android) is essential, as well as knowledge of app architecture and design.
Income can come from freelance work, app sales, in-app advertising and subscription models, app maintenance contracts, etc. By building a portfolio with a few completed projects, you can easily make your digital skills appealing to clients.
13. Online Tutoring
If you have an extensive knowledge in a particular field, then you should consider imparting your knowledge to people. With video call platforms like Zoom and other specialized educational apps, you can teach anyone all over the world from the comfort of your home.
Plus, you can set your own rates and schedule and build a stable monthly income with even a few consistent clients. Even if you are not actively teaching, you can make an income from course creation or organizing group discussion classes.
14. Paid Advertising Management
Businesses need paid advertising to drive traffic and increase conversions, especially on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads. Advertising managers design and execute ad campaigns, monitor performance, and adjust strategies for optimal ROI.
This skill involves understanding analytics, ad copy, targeting, and budgeting. Start by getting platform certifications and managing small campaigns, and strive to earn income by managing monthly ad budgets, campaign setup fees, performance-based bonuses, etc.
15. Project Management
Particularly in the tech field, there is an increasing demand for project managers, who can coordinate teams and reasources to complete projects efficiently.
People who are skilled in project management methodologies like Agile and Scrum as well as tools like Jira and Asana can easily be virtual project managers. For more credibility, acquire certifications like PMP and then offer your services to companies.
16. Social Media Management
Social media managers curate and oversee content across social platforms to engage audiences and build brand presence. This role is vital as social media remains a primary channel for marketing and customer engagement.
So, digital skills in content creation, analytics, and understanding platform algorithms are important. As a professional social media manager, you can earn by managing social media accounts for businesses or offering consulting services.
The One Resource Hub
If you are looking to launch a new career, start a business, or even become a freelancer, StartupGrowthGuide is your hub for all the resources you need to succeed in the path you have chosen. With guides covering digital skills, financial management, business success, career growth, cybersecurity, and industry reviews, you’ll have everything you need to excel by following StartupGrowthGuide today.
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