Computer Experience is Crucial in the Workplace
Almost every job requires computer experience. Twenty years ago, knowledge about computers was an extremely rare resume booster. Ten years ago, the same knowledge divided job applicants. Today, this knowledge is expected on almost every job listing. Even the least most sought after jobs–working in fast food or janitorial jobs–require employees to interface with computers to take orders or record cleaning logs. Upper echelon jobs that never involved computers have become dependent on their implementation. Examples include hand-drawn architecture being replaced with computer-aided systems, and the switch from physical banking to completely online banks. This job evolution has become both a blessing and a burden. While many jobs that are now automated by computers have disappeared, thousands of new computer-related jobs have emerged. In some cases, such as the military or medicine, the efficiency and accuracy of computers can help save lives. Problems arise when people refuse to “get caught up” in the digital age by failing to gain computer experience. Such people have difficulties finding work or advancing in their employment. Perhaps the most useful advice for unemployed people is to achieve as much computer experience as possible. This knowledge might not ensure employment, but it will certainly qualify individuals for a vast array of jobs.
