Why Learning Digital Skills Early Saved My Career

The Day My Perspective Changed

When I walked into the university gates for the first time in 2015, I thought I had life figured out. I had enrolled in a procurement course, confident that after four years, I would graduate, get a good job, and start my career. Simple.

That very year, there was a graduation ceremony. I remember watching the graduates proudly take photos in their gowns. But one man caught my attention—he had just graduated, yet there he was, back on campus, selling clothes to students.

It shook me. I had always believed a degree was my golden ticket. But here was proof that the paper alone wasn’t enough.

“The degree might open the door, but skills keep you inside the room.”

My Wake-Up Call

That encounter made me question everything. If this man had graduated and was now hustling on campus, what would stop the same from happening to me? I realized I couldn’t rely solely on my degree. I needed something more—skills that could help me survive in any situation.

So, I started looking around me. What was running the economy? What were people abroad doing to earn a living? I explored YouTube (which, back then, was still new for most people I knew). That’s when I discovered Adobe Photoshop.

Learning My First Practical Skill

With no laptop of my own, I borrowed from friends and began experimenting with design. I learned how to make posters, flyers, and banners. At first, it was just curiosity, but soon I was earning small amounts for my work. It felt incredible—I was still a student, yet I could make money on the side.

The real reward came after graduation. While many of my peers struggled to find work, I used my Photoshop skills to get freelance gigs. That software became my lifeline.

Why Skills Matter More Than Ever

Looking back, I realize the world doesn’t pay you for what you know—it pays you for what you can do. That’s why digital skills, from graphic design to content creation, are so valuable. They give you the freedom to work from anywhere, even if the job market is slow.

If you’re still in school, start now. Don’t wait until after graduation to scramble for skills. Explore areas like how to make your social media videos look professional or learn how to turn content creation into a career. These are opportunities that can change your future.

My Advice to Every Student

No matter what year you’re in—first, second, or final year—it’s not too early or too late to start. Pick one skill and commit to mastering it. Even if you don’t land your dream job right away, you’ll have something to fall back on.

I didn’t learn that lesson in a lecture hall. I learned it from a graduate selling clothes and from the hours I spent teaching myself Photoshop.

And that lesson has kept me going ever since.