Digital Communication Skill Requirements

Authors: Outsell Client Services, Client Services;   Eduventures, Inc.

Inquiry Overview

A leading software company wanted to understand the digital communication skills (defined below) job entrants are expected to have in business, education, and healthcare industries.

For the purpose of this research, digital communication skills have been defined as competencies that enable the creation of effective communications using such digital media as Web sites, audio, video, images, animations, etc.

Key Questions

• What digital communication skills are currently in demand among undergraduate students?


• What digital communication skills currently are being taught at postsecondary institutions?


• Is there a disconnect between employers and institutions?


• If there is a disconnect, what are institutions and employers doing to bridge the gap?

Methodology

To explore these issues, Eduventures conducted a total of 20 strategic interviews with human resources personnel, hiring managers, and career center coordinators. Although the interviews are not representative of all postsecondary institutions and of all companies, they provide a good exploratory glimpse at the perceived necessity of digital communication skills.