Increasing opportunities for IT savvy digital natives

With the ever increasing importance of social media in commerce, communications, and public relations, the favourite pastime of many digital natives is now a must have skill in the workplace, report reed.co.uk.

The New York Times recently informed that teachers from major universities, colleges, and online schools were reported to be offering instruction in social media skills, web design, search engine optimisation, and web analytics for professionals in a wide range of industries. It is clear that employers are now looking for individuals who know how to use Twitter, update a timeline on Facebook, bookmark pages on Delicious, and upload images on Instagram.

Graduate job seekers have a clear advantage in this situation as they are digital natives, or young people who were born after the introduction of technology. Growing up surrounded by remarkable technology, and being immersed in social media, digital natives can barely remember a time before digital cameras, mobile phones and the Internet.

According to Cella Irvine, CEO of Vibrant Media, a staggering 98% of all 18-24 year olds in the US use social media. Social Bakers also report that the UK has the 7th largest social media base in the world with over 30 million users. With this in mind, brands are looking to utilise their social media assets to appeal to the growing online demographic.

As a result, job descriptions are changing to naturally reflect the skill sets of graduates in terms of IT knowledge, understanding of an online presence, and social media.

So before a CV is sent off, it is important for graduates to be comfortable with social media and the digital space. These skills are highly sought after, and are a great way to help find a full-time job after university.

To view a full range of jobs around the UK, including in the media, accountancy, and sales jobs, visit reed.co.uk.