What it Takes to Stay Ahead of the Digital Curve

With new tools and technologies constantly emerging, it is no surprise that many professionals wonder how to stay current with their knowledge and skills. The reality is that no matter what industry you are in, from healthcare to finance to law, digital skills are now a key part of everyday work.

So, how can UCD graduates and young professionals develop the confidence to meet these expectations? We asked UCD alumni experts what it takes to stay ahead of the digital curve, hearing from (opens in a new window)Ebony Lawless-McCrea, Senior Tech Recruiter with over 10 years of experience, and (opens in a new window)Fintan Murphy, CEO of Damson Cloud, one of the first Google Cloud Partners in Europe at the time of this webinar. Take a look at their insights below to discover simple ways to stay ahead as the workplace continues to evolve.

Digital confidence matters in every industry

From using project management software to analysing data to creating content, digital tools are central to everyday work across all sectors.

Developing your digital skills is less about mastering complex systems and more about understanding how to use information effectively. The ability to ask the right questions, interpret data and engage with new tools will set you apart. With an open mindset, digital fluency is something anyone can build over time.

Think Like a Beginner

One of the simplest ways to grow your digital skills is to approach new tools with curiosity. You do not need to become an expert in everything, but being willing to explore new platforms and technologies will give you a distinct advantage.

Whether it is exploring a new feature in a familiar platform, attending an industry webinar or completing an online course, every small step strengthens your digital fluency and career resilience.

Start by identifying tools that are common in your industry. For example, professionals working in marketing might benefit from learning Canva or Google Analytics, while those in finance may want to explore cloud-based accounting tools. Taking time to familiarise yourself with a few key platforms can give you greater confidence in interviews and the workplace.

Using data to make better decisions

The ability to understand and use data is valuable in every role. It is not just about collecting large amounts of information, but about asking the right questions and interpreting insights that support better decision making.

Whether you are working in HR, marketing, finance or operations, using data to inform your work demonstrates strategic thinking. Developing the ability to communicate these insights clearly to colleagues or leadership teams is equally important. As with any skill, this improves with practice.

Strengthen your digital skills before you need them

A key takeaway from Fintan’s expert advice was the importance of developing digital confidence before it is required. Taking the initiative to explore relevant tools now will help you stay competitive in a rapidly evolving workplace.

Employers notice candidates who take responsibility for their professional development. Listing relevant tools and digital skills on your CV or LinkedIn profile can give you an edge in a crowded job market. As more organisations become digitally native, the expectation is that all employees are comfortable engaging with digital platforms.

Looking for more support?

UCD Careers Network offers a range of resources for recent graduates, including access to LinkedIn Learning, interview preparation tools and career consultations. You can also take advantage of the (opens in a new window)UCD Alumni Network platform to compare notes with other UCD graduates in your sector, as you continue to grow your digital skills and career confidence.

If you are looking to strengthen your digital confidence, there are plenty of resources available. UCD offers flexible learning through MicroCredentials, the Professional Academy, and Lifelong Learning programmes, all great options for anyone who wants to upskill at their own pace.

You can also watch the full webinar with all of (opens in a new window)Ebony Lawless-McCrea and (opens in a new window)Fintan Murphy’s expert advice (opens in a new window)here.