Technical Skills are a Huge Asset

WSU alumnus, Sophia Demetriades Toftdahl, who has facilitated work for 3,000 people discusses her top three tips for anyone wanting to thrive in a digital world

When Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) graduate Sophia Demetriades Toftdahl first came to Australia, she dreamed of doing something ‘different’.

A quick glance at Sophia’s LinkedIn profile would reveal a CV of job titles such as Coach, Management Consultant, Business Development Manager and Founder of her own company, Dream Internship. Dream Internship, which connects interns with companies, aims to optimise career profiles based on behavioural styles and deliver innovative programs for educational institutions. To date, the company has facilitated internships and ongoing employment for more than 3,000 people.

Working closely with employers across the world, Sophia noticed the increase of digital technology in the workplace.

Take the architectural industry - when it comes to understanding the impact of digital technology in the architectural industry, Sophia says there is now an expectation for professionals within the industry to learn and use complex software and digital tools in order to do their job (think Rhino 6, Revit). For digital natives who will graduate and enter the industry it would be a natural evolution, but for industry professionals it has meant a steep learning curve to combine traditional expertise with new expectations. ‘If you’re very strong in some programs, you can add a lot to a business – but some people who are more established are not as comfortable with using technology,’ she says.

‘This is why a young person with technical skills can become a huge asset to any architectural business.’ 

Sophia’s top tips for those who are starting out and are interested
in digital media include:

  • Learn how to use digital media platforms for work, and not just for fun.
  • Build personal and professional blogs.
  • Take more responsibility for starting initiatives.

These actions will set a positive foundation that can serve you well in an ever-changing workforce, where people will be jumping between roles more than ever before. ‘Now with so many different platforms and the fast-paced evolution of digital media, there is a widening communication gap between the generations,’ says Sophia. ‘By communicating with all of the different people in your life – from your grandmother to your 11-year-old tech-savvy niece – you can gain some positive insights into the digital media comprehension of a diverse range of people, and learn how to bridge that communication gap between staff, clients and audiences to further your brand.