It’s 2023 and everything is dynamic and tech-driven. In this economic environment, it is essential to arm yourself with some software tools that are highly priced in the professional world.
Whether you’re aiming for immediate job opportunities after graduation or looking to venture into the world of freelancing, having a grasp of one or more of these tools can put you a step ahead of the competition. Let’s dive into eight software and application types that every student should consider mastering before stepping into the professional arena.
1.Google Workspace
At this point, every college should offer a Google Workspace course. Everything is migrating to the Google Cloud including workflows and storage. Google Workspace is churning out a fine alternative to the Microsoft suite of products while integrating this with each user’s Google account. Google Workspace formerly known as G-Suite, stands as an indispensable tool for students and professionals alike. It offers a host of tools for editing, productivity, presentation, and communication.
Let’s take a look at the main items in Google Workspace:
- Gmail: Your go-to email client.
- Google Calendar: Keep track of your schedule effortlessly.
- Google Drive: Store, share, and collaborate on documents in the cloud.
- Google Docs: Create and edit documents in real time with your team.
- Google Sheets: Collaborative spreadsheets for data analysis and reporting.
- Google Slides: Craft stunning presentations that captivate your audience.
- Google Meet and Google Chat: Connect with colleagues through video meetings and messaging.
- Google Sheets – Advanced Topics: Dive deeper into data analysis with advanced spreadsheet functions.
With more of the world embracing Google Workspace, students should see the opportunities for collaboration on projects, assignments, and presentations with ease.
2.MS Office
It nearly goes without saying that if you are using a Windows PC then you need to be familiar with MS Office products. Microsoft Office remains a cornerstone of digital productivity, regardless of your operating system. While macOS users may not use it as extensively as Windows users, having a fundamental understanding of Microsoft Office is essential due to its widespread adoption. Key components include:
- Microsoft Word: Create, edit, and format documents professionally.
- Microsoft Excel: Manage data, conduct complex calculations, and create charts.
- Microsoft PowerPoint: Design captivating presentations with ease.
- Microsoft Outlook: Streamline email management and scheduling.
Microsoft hasn’t quite perfected automation and integrations as Google has. However, learning Office early will keep you a step ahead of tasks such as report writing, creating Excel sheets, and designing presentations.
3.Text editors like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor
Professionalism in the workplace extends to well-crafted communication. Your documents such as emails, resumes, and cover letters should be crafted with error-free output.
Text editing tools like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor are invaluable in ensuring error-free, well-structured documents. Grammarly, in particular, helps catch editing mistakes on the fly with its browser integrations, making your emails, resumes, and cover letters polished and professional. So, your emails and documents like resumes and cover letters don’t have to go out with nasty typos that can easily cost you opportunities.
Learning how to use text editors in addition to word-processing applications also gives you a boost as a freelancer. You can even work remotely as a freelancer for an essay writing service or a digital marketing agency.
4.Team Workflow Programs
As the global economy embraces remote work, proficiency in team management applications is increasingly valuable. Platforms such as Jira, Asana, and Zoho empower you to:
- Create and assign tasks.
- Establish and monitor workflows.
- Track task progress.
- Manage team collaboration efficiently.
- Generate reports on the fly.
As a college student or someone who’s just graduated, there’s a high probability that you might end up working remotely. Learning team applications will put you a step ahead of the competition when it comes to employability.
5.Image design and photo editing applications
The digital world is supported in great part by imagery and color. Thus, it is important to learn how to design or edit an image for social media, blogs, websites, and other promotional material.
There are tons of free photo editors available online and in downloadable versions. Pixlr, Inkscape, and GIMP are just some of these options. For those looking to go into something more specialized but with higher quality, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are great options.
Proficiency in image design and photo editing can not only enhance your brand but also lead to lucrative income streams in various creative industries.
6.Python
Python is an easy-to-use programming language that makes coding light and enjoyable. That’s great news for students who are novices to coding or those who don’t particularly find languages such as C++ and Java enjoyable.
Python is a versatile language used for website development, software creation, task automation, data analysis, and data visualization. Python’s accessibility makes it a valuable skill for those without extensive coding experience, including accountants and scientists.
7.Social Media
Social media rules the world in 2023. Social media ad spending in the US alone is expected to top the $100 billion mark in 2023 according to the Digital Marketing Institute. You have no choice but to leverage social media to your advantage.
- Embrace social media to your advantage and use it to:
- Explore freelance opportunities.
- Join a digital marketing agency.
- Cultivate your brand.
With social media proficiency, you can leverage your online presence to establish an organic presence, interact with your followers, network, and grow an authentic brand whilst diversifying your income streams.
8.CAD Software
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software is quite diverse and also industry-specific, therefore #8 on this list might not apply to students. For engineering, architecture, and visual design students, it is imperative to learn at least one CAD software.
Consider familiarizing yourself with CAD applications such as:
- Autodesk Suite (including Revit, AutoCAD, and Inventor)
- SketchUp
- BIM modeling software (Tekla, Bentley, etc.)
Proficiency in CAD software equips you with the skills needed to excel in specialized fields and industries.
Wrapping Up
Beyond the eight software and application types discussed here, a myriad of other tools and skills can enhance your resume and career prospects. Delve into video editing, explore accounting software like QuickBooks, or dive into the world of SEO with tools like Keyword Planner and Google Analytics.
In a tech-driven world, adaptability and proficiency in a diverse range of software and applications give you leverage. These skills can set you apart in the job market, empower your freelancing career, and open doors in the digital work domain. Learn one or more of these skills to unlock the keys to your tomorrow.
