Companies are now looking past the mere digitally deft of Generation Y and are targeting those who have lived through and adapted to the digital revolution, according to employment agency LINK recruitment.
Those that have had to adapt to the digital revolution – known as ‘digital immigrants’ – bring both an understanding of technology and an appreciation of business principles.
This is in stark contrast to the ‘digital natives’ of Generation Y, who have a natural affinity for technology but no understanding of business.
“Employers and recruiters are focusing on candidates who have a greater understanding of their entire business and are able to put forward a business case for using technology,” said Bill Whiteside, technology practice leader at LINK recruitment.
“Ultimately, IT is just a tool. Being able to use it is one thing but being able to apply it within a business and understand its impact is always going to be more valuable to employers.”
Whiteside said this shift has already been reflected by universities, which have paired IT with non-IT training.
“We’ve seen a trend at tertiary level for universities to combine practical IT qualifications with complementary business or communication degrees,” he said.