The Top 10 Digital Skills to learn in 2024 – Best learning resources

Looking for the best digital skills to learn?

Want to boost your career or start a new creative journey in the digital world?

This blog post shares some of the top digital skills to learn in 2024. Best part is, you can start learning them from the comfort of your home!

Technology is reshaping the world, bringing about a change in how things work. Businesses are going digital and prompting a transformation in the nature of jobs.

This transition has influenced the growth of new skills, digital skills. Now is the time to go digital to become a successful entrepreneur or employee that stays relevant in the future.

The best way to prepare for this modern development and the future of work is to acquire vital modern skills. You have to grow from just being handy with physical tools to virtual tools.

What are the top digital skills to learn 2024?

Due to technological development and all, we now have virtual skill sets that are in high demand with good pay.

While there are a lot of digital skills to learn, you should pick an in-demand skill to boost your relevance in the digital world. That being said, question yourself;

• What is the best digital skill to learn?
• Which skill is best for the future?
• Which digital skill should I learn to stay relevant?
• What are some of the top digital skills to learn in 2024?

The questions above will open your mind to several incredible marketable skills that you will find in the course of this blog post.

Before you dive into learning any digital skill, understand that “it’s one thing to learn and another to excel in what you’ve learned.” Best be choosy by picking only digital skills you can commit your time to after engulfing courses and tutorials.

This post will give a detailed overview of at least 10 of the best digital skills to learn in 2024 from the comfort of your home.

The good thing about digital skills is that learning them is fun and unending; you get better with every practice.

To further help you chase your dreams, I’ll include the best resources, books and courses to enable you to learn a marketable skill on the internet.

The Best Marketable Digital Skills to Learn in 2024

Digital skills are currently in high demand. You can become your boss or get a high paying job and stay ahead of your folks in the labour market.

Let us jump right into some of the top digital skills to learn in 2024.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is likely the most in-demand skill on the internet. People who have sustained enough experience in this field offer several digital marketing services to business owners looking to promote their products and services.

Digital marketing, as the name implies, is an element of marketing that employs tools on the internet to promote products and services.

The primary medium of digital marketing is;

• Social media
• Blogs
• Search engines.

In summary, digital marketing aims to connect businesses to prospective customers.

A lot of people think that marketing is about reaching the right target audience. But this is only part of the goal.

You also need to make sure that you are keeping the cost of your promotional strategy under control. For instance it’s important to understand how to lower CPC for a PPC marketing campaign or ensure that SEO doesn’t cost a fortune.

To begin a successful career in this field, one has to be versatile in the relevant digital marketing skills, some of which are listed below;

• Search Engine Optimization(SEO)
• Search engine marketing (SEM)
• Social media management(SMM)
• Influencer marketing
• Email marketing 
• Analytics tools 
• Content marketing

Best places to learn a digital marketing skill

• Start your career as a digital marketer with Coursera
• Udemy offers various digital marketing courses you can start taking right away.
• Digital garage by Google offers a free certificate course in digital marketing.

Data Science and Analytics

Data is an essential aspect of the internet and the world at large. It is majorly all about inspecting, cleansing, transforming and modelling data to discover useful information that supports decision-making.

Every sector requires substantial data to function correctly. Companies need data to learn about consumers, their needs and essential information that promotes growth. Data analytics and science jobs are not only in consistent demand but come with competitive pay. This is clearly a brilliant digital skill to learn in 2024.

Here are some of the top skills you should consider learning in this field:

• Data Analysis: Data analysis involves examining and interpreting data to identify patterns and trends. It is a crucial skill for data scientists and analysts alike. Tools like Apache Spark, Delta Lake, SQL, and SQLite can help you perform advanced data analysis.
• Statistical Programming: Statistical programming languages like R and Python enable you to perform advanced analyses in ways that Excel cannot. They are essential tools for data scientists and analysts.
• Data Visualization: Data visualization involves presenting data in a visual format, such as charts or graphs, to help people understand the insights from the data. It is a critical skill for data analysts and scientists to communicate their findings effectively.
• Machine Learning: Machine learning involves building models that can learn from data and make predictions or decisions. It is a rapidly growing field and an essential skill for data scientists and analysts.
• Big Data: Big data refers to large and complex data sets that require specialized tools and techniques to analyze. Skills in Hadoop, Spark, and Hive are essential for data scientists and analysts working with big data.

In addition to the technical skills listed above, data scientists and analysts must also possess excellent communication and presentation skills. They need to be able to explain complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders and make data-driven recommendations.

Best places to learn data analytics and data science 

• Browse Coursera data analytics and science courses to kick-start a career in data science.
• Get a hand in data analytics on Futurelearn for free (upgrade required for certification and further learning).

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Many industries use AI and ML are technologies to automate processes and improve decision-making.

If you’re interested in learning about AI and ML, you can start by learning the basics of machine learning algorithms and neural networks.

Once you understand these concepts, you can move on to learning how to use programming languages such as Python and R to build your own AI and ML models.

Best places to learn AI and ML

• Coursera: Coursera offers a variety of courses on AI and ML from top universities such as Stanford and University of Michigan.
• Udemy: Udemy has a wide range of courses on AI and ML for beginners and advanced learners.
• Kaggle: Kaggle is a platform where you can practice your AI and ML skills by competing in machine learning challenges and building your own projects.

Graphic Designing

If you are good with paper and pencil, now may be the time to go digital with your talent. More and more artists are bringing their skills to the internet for better job opportunities.

Graphic designing goes beyond drawing. You must be able to create outstanding arts that tell a story with visual and textual content.

A finished graphic art should convey the message of the project, event, campaign or product to the target audience. 

If you are looking to delve into this field, you must master digital art. You need to understand tools like Photoshop, Corel draw, Illustrator, et al. These aforementioned tools serve as your workspace. To grow a successful career in this field, take the right courses, up your skills, and be ready to work hard and smart.

Monetization? The easiest way to monetise the graphic design skill is to offer freelance services like brand logos, business cards and landing pages creation. 

Best places to learn Graphic Design and illustration

• Skillshare is an excellent modern creatives platform offering several tutorial videos on graphic design and illustration. You can browse their design and illustration category pages to choose the best tutor for you.
• Udemy offers both free and paid courses on graphic designing. Be sure to use the user reviews to weigh upon your selections.
• Tuts+ offers several Adobe Photoshop courses. Browse the list and choose the best for you. 

Programming

The internet runs majorly on computer programming. This skill is not just highly in-demand, but competitive.

You need to stay on top of your game and learn any of the modern programming languages like JavaScript and Python. These languages build applications and streamline processes across different systems.

If you’d rather stay relevant in the 21st Century, you need to gain the right skills, and programming is inarguably one of the best to learn.

Best places to learn coding and programming 

• Pluralsight offers one of the best courses in programming. There are several languages to choose from to kickstart your coding journey.
• Browse Udemy for all its fantastic courses in different programming languages.
• Codeacademy will guide you through your journey in programming with their excellent courses. Browse the category and make a decision or take their quiz to help you make your selection.

Web Developing

Web development is a subset of programming that revolves around website setup and designing. A web developer doesn’t always deal with codes as there are applications to make the job easier.

Web developing is one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying jobs in tech. It’s competitive but easily monetisable. 

Web development is an ever-growing field that requires continuous learning and adaptation to keep up with the latest technologies and trends. In 2024 , web developers need to have a solid understanding of the following skills:

• HTML and CSS: HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the standard markup language for web pages, while CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is used to style the elements of a website. A strong foundation in HTML and CSS is essential for any web developer.
• JavaScript: JavaScript is a programming language that is used to create interactive and dynamic web pages. It is an essential skill for front-end developers and is also used in back-end development with technologies like Node.js.
• Responsive design: With the increasing use of mobile devices, web developers need to have a good understanding of responsive design. This involves creating websites that adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions.
• Web performance optimization: Website speed and performance are critical factors in user experience and search engine optimization. Web developers need to have a good understanding of techniques like image optimization, minification, and caching to improve website performance.

Web developers should also stay up-to-date with the latest web development technologies and frameworks. Some of the most popular ones in 2024 include:

To begin your journey as a web developer, first sign up for a web development course and learn how to create interactive and beautiful websites that help your clients convert internet users into paying customers.

You’ll be surprised at how easy it’s to start a career in this field as there are many applications that simplify things. In the end, you may only need your CSS and HTML skill for a few edits and fixes while you work.

You can become a WordPress or Shopify developer and make money creating themes for their users.

Best places to learn Web development

• WP101 offers monthly and a yearly subscription for access to their coursework on WordPress.
• Learn web development on Pluralsight by browsing a search list of web developing topics.
• Learn web development on Udemy by browsing the category and choosing the best course for you.
• Codeacademy will guide you through your journey in web development with their amazing courses. Browse the category and take a decision or take their quiz to help you make your selection.

Blockchain

Blockchain is a digital ledger technology that is being used in various industries such as finance and logistics to improve security and efficiency.

If you’re interested in learning about blockchain, you can start by understanding how blockchain works and its potential use cases.

You can also learn about cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, which are built on blockchain technology.

Best places to learn blockchain

• edX: edX offers courses on blockchain from top universities such as UC Berkeley and Linux Foundation.
• Blockchain Council: Blockchain Council offers certification courses on blockchain technology.
• Coursera: Coursera has courses on blockchain technology from top universities such as Duke and University at Buffalo.

UI/UX design

User interface (UI) and user experience(UX) design skills are currently one of the most in-demand digital skills to learn in 2024. They are key to creating a user-friendly and intuitive digital experience.

Best places to learn UI/UX design

• Learn UI/UX design on Udemy by browsing the category and choosing the best course for you.
• Browse through YouTube to find helpful user experience and interface design tutorials.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly common, and it’s important to understand how to protect your digital assets and stay safe online.

If you’re interested in learning about cybersecurity, you can start by understanding common threats such as phishing and malware, and learning how to use encryption and other security measures.

According to Spiceworks, the top cybersecurity skills to learn include:

• Cloud security
• Application security
• Artificial intelligence/machine learning security
• Internet of Things (IoT) security
• Identity and access management (IAM)

Best places to learn cybersecurity

• Cybrary: Cybrary offers free cybersecurity courses and certifications.
• Udemy: Udemy has a variety of cybersecurity courses for beginners and advanced learners.
• Coursera: Coursera has courses on cybersecurity from top universities such as University of Maryland and New York University.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the practice of storing and processing data on remote servers rather than on local devices.

If you’re interested in learning about cloud computing, you can start by understanding the basics of cloud computing and learning how to use cloud computing platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.

According to TechTarget, some cloud computing skills you’ll want to obtain in 2024 include:

• Cloud service platform expertise, such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and GCP.
• Cloud security, including knowledge of security protocols and best practices for securing cloud infrastructure.
• Machine learning and AI, as these technologies are increasingly being integrated into cloud computing services.
• Cloud deployment and migration across multiple platforms, including experience with containerization and orchestration tools like Kubernetes.
• Technical skills required for cloud computing, such as knowledge of programming languages, networking, and virtualization technologies.
• Database skills, including knowledge of SQL and NoSQL databases.
• DevOps, including experience with continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and tools like Jenkins and Git.
• Cloud cost optimization, including knowledge of cloud billing models and tools for monitoring and optimizing cloud costs.

As cloud computing continues to grow in importance, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. By developing expertise in cloud computing, you can position yourself for a successful career in a rapidly growing field.

Some great places to learn cloud computing

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) Training and Certification: AWS offers a variety of training and certification programs on cloud computing.
• Coursera: Coursera offers courses on cloud computing from top universities such as University of Illinois and University of Washington.
• edX: edX offers courses on cloud computing from top universities such as UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech.

The Best Place To Learn Marketable Digital Skills in 2024

Thanks to technological development, you can learn from the same device you use to keep up with friends throughout the day, any time of the day, and anywhere you are.

In the course of the blog post, I mentioned several courses and tutorials that will help you learn your desired skill. Here is are some of the places mentioned in this post.

• Skillshare
• Udemy
• Tut+
• Coursera
• Pluralsight
• Futurelearn
• Codeacademy
• Digital Garage by Google

Do not limit yourself with the courses or sources you find in this post. There are plenty of them out there and you can do more research if you wish to opt for other courses or tutorials.

If you want to learn several other skills outside these recommended digital skills to learn, you can browse the internet and find other marketable skills. There is no limit to what you choose to do with your time.

Here are a few more ways to learn your dream digital skill:

• Community forums: Join community forums where you can ask questions and get help from other users. For example, the Stack Exchange platform offers many forums with topics related to digital skills.
• Books: Read books about digital skills and learn from experts. For example, “Learning Adobe Photoshop CC” by Scott Kelby is a great book for learning how to use Adobe Photoshop.
• MOOCs (massive open online courses): Many universities offer Massive Open Online Courses that can teach you digital skills. For example, the University of Pennsylvania offers a course on data visualization that can help you learn how to create graphs and charts.
• Employers: Ask your employer if they offer training in specific digital skills. Many employers also have websites where you can find training resources, such as Lynda or Skillshare.
• Ask a friend: Ask a friend who is experienced with digital skills for advice. They may be able to point you in the right direction or help you solve a problem that you are having with your digital skills.

Conclusion

You found my top digital skills to learn in 2024. Now, it’s your turn to start your journey in the digital world. You only need internet data and possibly registration fee (if you are opting for a premium course).

These are some of the top digital skills to learn in 2024; be sure to make your selection wisely so you don’t start a course you’ll likely never commit to or complete.

Note that most of the courses on this post are premium courses and others are free. Some free courses require a premium subscription for further learning.

There is no limit to what you can learn with the right information and determination.

Good luck in your quest for financial freedom.