Building digital confidence: how to future-proof a career with tech

Side-hustles are preparing the students of today for the careers of tomorrow

Hybrid work, an increasing rate of career change and AI-disruption means the careers for current students look very different from those experienced by the teachers, parents and advisors who are guiding them. 

To help traverse these challenges, SEEK, in collaboration with Tech Futures, hosted the Tech Futures Career Day, welcoming over 150 School Career Advisors​ to discuss and explore new tech career pathways.

As technology in the age of AI continues to evolve, a career in tech may be at once an exciting and risky proposition. But according to some of the experts, students, along with teachers, advisors and parents, need to widen their perspective about how to harness a career with technology. 

“Every student in every classroom is using technology everyday, but that doesn’t mean they understand it.

"The gap between use and understanding is the one we need to close, and the key lies in fostering curiosity about where the tech goes next,” says Megan Fyfe, CEO Tech Futures Australia.

Tech is everywhere

A career in technology is not as definitive as it once was. There is still growing demand for many tech-centric jobs, such as those in Information & Communication Technology Management, Software Programming and Analysis, however tech skills are not as strictly confined by industry as they once were. 

“All people employed in large businesses require strong foundations in digital literacy, it is no longer optional in any role,” says Lisa Tobin, Group Executive - Technology at SEEK. 

“At SEEK, every part of the business – not just the technology team – is powered by technology, by our systems, and by our understanding of what they can do. Increasingly, this includes AI tools and capabilities that make us faster by helping us access the right data and make the right decisions much more quickly.”

So rather than encouraging students to think of tech as a career path, we need to shift the mindset to digital confidence as a baseline skill. 

The most hireable skill is honed outside the classroom

Digital confidence begins with access and immersion into various platforms, understanding the capabilities and limitations of platforms, and the practice of harnessing these platforms to achieve a goal.

While exposure to these platforms is key, the real magic lies in their practical application, often over time, and that just can’t happen within the restraints of a school day schedule. 

“We often ask potential candidates for SEEK’s grad program about a side project or something they have done in their spare time that they are proud of,” says SEEK Graduate Program Lead, Libby Haynes. 

“Demonstrating a willingness to try things, build projects, take up hobbies with a purpose, outside of your day-to-day is one of the key indicators we look for in a curious mind. It also helps that technical skills often follow.”

Future-proofing careers

Today’s students are likely to have upwards of 15 jobs in their lifetime, probably across multiple industries. With technology changes augmenting roles at an increasingly rapid pace, many students may be looking at future careers with trepidation. How do you plan for a future career when so many traditional jobs are evolving, especially within the Professional Services and Technology sectors. 

While there may appear to be a lot of doom and gloom sentiment around tech careers, basic tech skills, which could include software, design or infrastructure skills, should be a key focus for most students.

“When you learn to use data well, manage projects, or collaborate online, those skills can follow you from your first casual job all the way to running your own business,” says Megan. 

“Every part‑time job, school project or side hustle is a chance to practice digital skills.” 

-ENDS-

About Tech Futures

As Australia's leading digital technology education charity, we've transformed learning for 400,000+ students across 1,000+ schools nationwide. Trusted by educators and industry leaders, we equip schools with industry-relevant, curriculum-aligned pathways and resources, ensuring every student can thrive in our digital future.