As young graduates enter the workforce, digital literacy is a requirement they cannot afford to ignore. It’s almost impossible to believe, but for every digitally reliant profession today, there was a period when it relied on manual methods.
Before computer-aided design software, engineers and architects had to read manually and draft blueprints on paper, often using precise hand-drawn designs with rulers and protractors. Accountants and bookkeepers relied on manual ledger books for tracking financial transactions. The list goes on.
Digital skills have become so universal that the very nature of work has changed, requiring graduates to be highly digitally literate even to have a chance in the working world. According to the Creativity with AI in Education 2025 Report, employers increasingly seek candidates who can think creatively, communicate visually, and use generative AI to solve problems. That’s why using creative software tools like Adobe Express is essential for confidence and success in any career path, and the numbers back it up.
The Rise of Creative Literacy in Education
Educators already recognise this shift. From the same report, 92% of educators believe creative literacy enhances student learning and prepares them for tertiary education and careers.
So, more than nine in ten educators understand that traditional learning methods alone will not cut it. Students must develop critical skills like storytelling, multimedia communication, and creative problem-solving to give themselves the best chance in today’s workforce.
But what does this look like in practice? Creative software tools like Adobe Express transform classrooms, making learning more interactive and empowering students to bring complex ideas to life.
The revolution is well on its way, with 89% of educators reporting that students already use AI-powered creative tools in their coursework, showing that the transition to a digitally creative future is already happening.
Generative AI is a Career Booster
For graduates, creative AI is a no-brainer. The report highlights that 86% of educators believe that learning generative AI for creative and multimedia applications increases students’ chances of landing a job.
Employers in marketing, finance, or STEM fields now expect digital literacy, including AI-assisted content creation. Employment agencies recognise this and will actively seek CVs with strong digital skills.
The shift is already visible in hiring trends: 66% of industry leaders say they wouldn’t hire someone without AI skills. Whether students design presentations, edit videos, or enhance their projects with generative AI, these tools are becoming fundamental to workplace communication and problem-solving.
Industry-Relevant Capabilities
Creative software equips students with industry-relevant capabilities, increasing their chances of securing jobs requiring these skills. As industries continue to evolve, having skills in AI-powered design, video editing, and content generation is becoming a difference-maker various sectors, from marketing and media to education and product development.
Mastering these tools while they are still students allows young people to create high-quality work and show adaptability, problem-solving, and technical acumen even before they show up for the first interview. Employers highly value these qualities in a digital-first economy.
With AI-driven workflows streamlining creative processes, students who develop these competencies will have a clear advantage in securing roles that require innovation and strategic digital communication.
Hands-on Experience
Remember when graduates would turn up for work with zero knowledge of the job they would be doing? They acquired the necessary skills through training and experience over time. However, modern businesses don’t always have the time or capacity for this.
By providing students with hands-on experience with generative AI tools before they leave the classroom, educators give young learners the gift of technical expertise and confidence, making them more competitive in the job market.
As more educators apply tasks that students will encounter in the real world, so-called authentic assessments, students get to experiment with real-world applications before they step into the workplace.
Adobe Express as a Pathway to Digital Confidence
The solution for students wondering how to build these in-demand skills is clear: start using industry-standard tools now. Platforms like Adobe Express and Adobe’s suite of generative AI tools offer a hands-on way to develop digital creativity.
With easy-to-use AI-driven features for design, video editing, and content generation, students can learn to produce professional-grade work before entering the workforce. By mastering these tools, students won’t just be job-ready. They’ll be job-confident.
Creative Thinking as a Career Accelerator
AI supports the development of creative thinking, which is projected to be one of the most important skills by 2027. Thus, it will be essential across various fields, as far apart as healthcare and engineering.
As industries evolve, the ability to think creatively and solve complex problems is becoming a fundamental requirement. AI-powered tools allow students to experiment, iterate, and refine their ideas quickly, building a mindset of innovation and adaptability.
Students can bridge the gap between technical proficiency and creative ideation by integrating AI into their creative processes, making them more versatile in an increasingly automated and data-driven economy.
Whether in designing new medical solutions, engineering breakthrough technologies, or developing engaging marketing strategies, creative thinking empowered by AI ensures that students are prepared to lead in their chosen careers.
The Bottom Line
In a world where AI and creativity are reshaping industries, students who develop digital creative skills will have a significant advantage. Learning Adobe Express and generative AI today means confidently stepping into the job market tomorrow. So, the message is clear for students looking to secure a future in their careers: Digital creative literacy is the new baseline.