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Graduating with a degree from City University of New York already puts students in one of the most connected university systems in the U.S. But in 2026, that degree works best when it’s backed by practical digital skills.

Employers still care about majors, but what they really look for is proof that someone can work with data, understand new tools, and communicate online without friction.

The good news is that most of these skills aren’t locked behind advanced programs. CUNY already offers access to them across courses, bootcamps, and workshops.

Data literacy

Data shows up in almost every job now, even outside tech. Marketing teams track campaign performance, healthcare workers rely on patient data, and finance roles revolve around numbers. Knowing how to read, question, and explain data has become a baseline skill.

At CUNY, this is built into many programs. Students can take courses that cover Excel, SQL, Python, and visualization tools, often through data analytics or data science tracks. These programs focus on practical skills like cleaning datasets, building dashboards, and interpreting trends rather than just theory.

The part many students miss is applying it outside of class. A simple project, like analyzing public NYC data on traffic or the win rate of top BTC roulette online games, can do more for a resume than a line that says “data analysis coursework.” Even basic charts with clear explanations show that someone can turn numbers into decisions.

Over time, that ability becomes more valuable than knowing any single tool because tools change, and the thinking behind them doesn’t.

AI basics

AI is already part of everyday work. Writing, research, customer support, and even coding now involve tools like ChatGPT. Employers don’t expect deep technical knowledge from every graduate, but they do expect familiarity with how to use these tools, when to trust them, and when to double-check results.

CUNY has been expanding quickly in this area. New initiatives like the CUNY AI Literacy and Professional Readiness Series focus on real-world use, ethics, and critical thinking, not just the tools themselves. There are also more advanced options, like a dedicated master’s program in generative AI launching in 2026, which shows how seriously the system is taking this shift.

For students is also important to show how they use AI. For example, improving a research project with AI assistance, documenting prompts, or comparing outputs shows understanding. Simply saying “used AI tools” doesn’t.

The advantage for employees here is speed. Students who get comfortable with AI early often complete tasks faster and with better structure, which stands out quickly in internships or entry-level roles.

Online collaboration

Online collaboration tools are a must for everyone working in a team or even freelance workers who need to discuss order details with clients. Even in New York, many teams operate across offices, time zones, or hybrid setups. That makes online collaboration less of a “soft skill” and more of a daily requirement.

CUNY already reflects this environment. Group projects, shared documents, and virtual classes push students to work together using platforms like Google Workspace, Slack, and Zoom.

These tools are the same ones used in real workplaces, but the difference shows in how students approach them. Some treat group work as something to finish quickly. Others use it to practice coordination — setting deadlines, dividing tasks clearly, and communicating updates without constant calls for minor updates.

That second approach tends to show up in interviews. Being able to explain how a project was organized or how a conflict was handled often matters as much as the final result. And when a student knows how to manage tasks within one system for the whole team, they catch up on the organization process way quicker.

Personal branding

A lot of hiring now happens before an application is even submitted. Recruiters search names, check profiles, and look for signals that someone is active and engaged in their field.

That’s where personal branding comes in. A complete LinkedIn profile, a few shared projects, or even short posts about coursework can make a difference, just because they’re visible.

CUNY offers support here through career services, resume workshops, and networking events. But the real impact comes from consistency. Updating a profile once isn’t enough. Adding projects over time, reflecting on what was learned, or even sharing small wins, builds a clearer picture of skills.

Students who do this early often find opportunities come to them as internships, referrals, or conversations that don’t start with a formal application.

Building a portfolio that actually shows skills

Sending an application with a portfolio is the first step to getting any job. But if the portfolio doesn’t reflect your skills or is just weak, it can be the last step as well.

At CUNY, many programs already include capstone projects or hands-on assignments. In data science programs, for example, students often complete real projects or internships tied to industry work. Those projects can become the foundation of a portfolio.

The key is not to wait until graduation. Saving work along the way, like reports, presentations, dashboards, or even group projects, creates a track record. Adding short explanations helps even more: what the goal was, what tools were used, and what the result showed.

A strong portfolio doesn’t need to be perfect, but it needs to be real. Even small, well-explained projects tend to stand out more than generic claims about skills.

Conclusion

Skills like data literacy or AI basics are often framed as pre-career requirements, yet their impact begins much earlier. The most successful students treat every course, project, or tool as a building block for their portfolio from the very start.

Sure, the process feels a little chaotic at first. Early projects look rough, and some tools take time to click. Over time, though, those small pieces start to connect. A basic spreadsheet evolves into a dashboard, a group project turns into a portfolio piece, and a simple assignment becomes something worth showing off.

By graduation, all small projects and short-term internships turn into experience that can secure you a dream job.