Posted on June 26, 2025
For Jan Johnstone, enrolling in the Joint Professional Master’s Degree in Advanced Digital Technologies for Business wasn’t just about upskilling, it was a strategic move to redefine her professional future. With 20 years in corporate roles behind her and redundancy in January 2024, Jan faced a pivotal turning point and Digital4Business provided her with direction and opportunity.
“I chose the course because I thought the electives were very interesting. In fact, if I could, I’d do them all,” she told us with a smile during our recent interview.
Embracing flexibility amid life’s demands
Like many professionals navigating a rapidly changing job market, Jan decided to use the time after her role was made redundant as an opportunity for growth. After a year of reflection and self-development, she discovered Digital4Business.
“What drew me in was how well the programme fits into a busy life. It’s so flexible. I can study at home, during a break from my day job, or even if I decide to relocate,” Jan explained. “The flexible model makes it incredibly adaptable.”
This flexibility isn’t just a convenience; it’s a lifeline for professionals balancing work, personal commitments, and the need to stay ahead in their fields. The programme’s innovative design allows students to pursue micro-credentials or the full Master’s degree, studying full-time, part-time, or in focused bursts to suit their schedules.
A qualification that opens doors
One of the standout features of Digital4Business is the international recognition of its qualifications, a critical factor for Jan after spending over a decade in roles where her certifications were only valued internally.
“I’m really, really happy about the fact that my qualification is not just going to be recognised in Ireland, but it’s going to be recognised in Europe as well.”
With Europe-wide recognition, the programme equips students for a competitive job market beyond borders.
Bridging the digital skills gap in Europe
With Europe facing a significant digital skills gap, Jan’s timing couldn’t be more critical. Across Europe, a digital skills crisis is unfolding. This programme is uniquely positioned to prepare graduates for roles that didn’t exist just a few years ago. This resonated deeply with Jan, who saw the course as a way to sharpen her skills, stand out in a competitive market, and explore new career directions.
“The electives are so varied and engaging. They’re helping me identify what direction I want to take my career in. Some modules are making me a subject matter expert, while others are broadening my knowledge as an employee,” Jan reflected.
The facts about the digital skills gap in Europe:
- Only 55-56% of adults in the EU have basic digital skills, far below the EU’s 2030 target of 80%.
- At the current pace, Europe is projected to have just 12 million ICT specialists by 2030. This is well under the 20 million goal.
- Over 55% of European enterprises report difficulty filling ICT specialist roles.
- These skill shortages are costly: they result in roughly a 46% drop in productivity, 43% lower customer engagement, and 32% lost contracts.
In this environment, graduates equipped with advanced digital skills—like cloud computing, AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity—are in high demand. Whether you’re a recent graduate, an employer seeking to upskill your workforce, or a professional like Jan looking to pivot or strengthen your career, Digital4Business offers the tools to thrive in the digital economy.
How Jan is navigating the digital landscape
For Jan, the programme she’s undertaking offers clarity and confidence, and she’s excited about learning so many new things.
“There are so many interesting electives … they are going to help me better decide what direction I want to take my career in. … make me a subject matter expert in some areas and then a knowledgeable employee in others.”
This flexibility allows her to explore specialisations while building a broad digital foundation. This is a strategic competitive advantage in a fast-evolving job market.
Hear more about Jan’s journey
With Europe’s digital transformation trends accelerating and global digital transformation markets projected to reach US $2.8 trillion by 2025, the demand for digitally skilled professionals is only increasing. Hear Jan speak in her own words in the video below. She talks about the flexibility, recognition, and future she’s building.
Take the next step
Are you ready to future-proof your career? Explore the Digital4Business master’s programme today to discover how you can gain in-demand digital skills, recognised across Europe, on a schedule that suits you.