Digital skills drive careers, yet 73% falter on email etiquette and fewer than 3% can code: Here’s how you can stand out and excel

We are dwelling in a hyperconnected world today. Technology is not merely moulding the face of industries but is penetrating every aspect of human existence. It is redrawing the very blueprint of what it means to be employable. From business communication and data analysis to collaborative tools and artificial intelligence, digital fluency now sits at the heart of almost every profession. The days when technical skills were the exclusive domain of IT specialists are stories of the past. Today, these skills form the bedrock of cross-disciplinary success. As automation and digitisation accelerate, individuals lacking foundational digital competencies may find themselves left out in the cold in the professional abode.
Yet, the reality on the ground unearths disturbing facts. According to recent research by FLAME University, nearly 73% of undergraduate students in India grapple with basic email etiquette, and fewer than 3% are equipped with even rudimentary coding abilities. These aren’t just numbers painted on the wall—such gaps massively impede upward mobility. As the job market swells and becomes an increasingly competitive ground, digital literacy may well become the Achilles’ heel of an otherwise capable generation.

Misplaced confidence, measurable consequences

FLAME University’s research underpins a major disconnect between what students perceive and their actual digital literacy. While many undergraduates report high confidence in their potential to conduct online research or communicate digitally, objective assessments reveal substantial gaps, especially in utilising productivity tools like Excel or PowerPoint. Approximately 70% of students overestimate their abilities, leading to inefficiencies in academic and professional environments. This overconfidence, untempered by real-world skills, creates a false sense of readiness that employers often detect quickly.

Significance of digital skills in today’s job market

The significance of digital skills in today’s world cannot be overstated. It is no longer a competitive advantage to candidates but has translated into fundamental requirements. From managing professional communication channels to leveraging data and AI-driven tools. Today’s workforce must be well-equipped to operate confidently in digital environments. Employers increasingly value individuals who can adapt to technological changes, collaborate virtually, and solve problems utilising digital resources. As automation and remote work reshape industries, digital skills are merely helpful- they are essential for securing opportunities, driving innovation, and sustaining long-term career growth. Sorabh Bajaj, Director of Centre for Digital Learning, FLAME University mentioned that “Digital literacy for undergraduates goes beyond mastering tools—it cultivates adaptability, critical thinking, and effective collaboration in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

How to stand out and excel

The job market is evolving at an unprecedented pace, digital competence increasingly defines professional prowess. Students who move beyond basic skills position themselves as frontrunners. Mastery of tools like spreadsheets, data visualization platforms, and collaborative software is essential to climb the ladder of success. Yet, what truly demarcates high performers is not just technical proficiency but digital judgment: Knowing how to assess credible information, communicate effectively, and adapt to new technologies swiftly.
To gain an edge in the competitive job market, students should focus on:

Employers today value more than tool use—they look for adaptable, critical thinkers who can work fluidly across digital contexts. In this evolving environment, digital literacy is no longer a supporting skill—it’s the main stage.