Why every professional needs digital skills

According to Jobs and Skills Australia*, the ability to engage with technology is now recognised alongside literacy and numeracy as a foundational capability for meaningful participation in modern work and society.

In this landscape, technology is reshaping the workforce faster than ever before, transforming the way organisations operate, the skills professionals need and the careers emerging across industries.

170 million new jobs are expected to be created globally by 2030, driven largely by advances in AI, automation and digital transformation (World Economic Forum, 2025). As industries adopt new technologies and ways of working, professionals with strong digital skills will be best positioned to adapt, grow and remain competitive in the workforce of the future.

“Technology is not this thing that happens as a segment of a business, it’s actually how a business runs today.”

David Hickin | AI Technology and Policy Lead at Microsoft Australia

The demand for digital literacy is accelerating well beyond traditional technology careers.

Jobs and Skills Australia* found that occupations where workers spend more than 50% of their time using data and digital skills are projected to grow at nearly double the rate of other occupations.

Importantly, much of this demand is occurring outside of dedicated technology roles. Occupations with the fastest growth in digital and data skill requirements span a wide range of industries, highlighting how digital capability is becoming largely embedded across the broader economy.

_{*Annual Jobs and Skills Report 2023}

Technology skills in the age of AI and digital transformation

Technology skills now extend far beyond coding or IT expertise. Today, they include the ability to work confidently with AI tools, digital platforms, data and emerging technologies in day-to-day professional environments.

Demand for technological skills will grow faster than any other capability over the next five years, with AI and big data, cybersecurity and technological literacy leading demand globally (World Economic Forum, 2025).

However, technical capability alone is not enough. As AI becomes more integrated into workplaces, professionals also need strong communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to interpret information ethically, collaborate effectively with technology and adapt to new ways of working.

The professionals and organisations best positioned for long-term success will be those that can combine technical expertise with these distinctly human skills. To support professionals building these capabilities, UNSW also offers specialised AI short courses focused on practical workplace application and emerging industry demands.

Short, medium and long-term learning options for technology upskilling

Digital capability is no longer something developed once and carried throughout a career. Professionals and businesses now need to continually refresh skills, expand technical understanding and confidently engage with new tools and systems.

From short-term skill building to longer-term specialisation, modern learning pathways are becoming more adaptable, stackable and aligned to changing industry needs.

Flexible pathways to evolve with industry and career growth

UNSW short courses are designed to support continuous upskilling as technologies, industries and workforce demands evolve.

Eligible AGSM short courses contribute CEMD points towards the Certificate in Executive Management and Development (CEMD), allowing professionals to progressively build recognised capability in step with emerging business and technology trends. By accumulating 12 points over up to four years, professionals can earn the CEMD, which can also provide credit towards selected AGSM MBA and Graduate Certificate programs.

For longer-term progression, postgraduate pathways such as graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master’s degrees are designed as stackable qualifications with flexible exit points. This allows professionals to progressively deepen expertise as career goals and industry demands evolve.

Technology is not only reshaping the way businesses operate — it is also accelerating the transition towards more sustainable industries, economic progress and broader societal impact. From clean energy systems to smarter supply chains, demand is growing for professionals who can work across both technology and sustainability.

“This dual focus on technology and sustainability is shaping the workforce of the future, which will require new skills and competencies across many industries.”

At UNSW, this intersection between technology, sustainability and innovation is helping shape future-focused learning designed to prepare professionals for evolving workforce demands and long-term industry transformation.

From climate resilience and clean energy to digital innovation and responsible AI, this approach reflects a broader focus on technology for good, equipping professionals with the capabilities to drive business performance while creating meaningful societal progress.