EDUCATION

Best Online Skills to Learn During Polytechnic IT

The Industrial Training (IT) period is often seen as a chance to get real-world experience, but in reality, many polytechnic students end up wasting that time doing nothing meaningful. Some sit in offices doing photocopy work, while others stay home binge-watching movies.

What if you used that same period to learn high-paying digital skills that could change your financial future forever? You don’t need to travel to Lagos or Abuja to gain valuable experience. All you need is a working smartphone, internet access, and the right choice of online skill. By the end of your IT, you could be earning money, building a portfolio, or even landing remote gigs abroad. This article walks you through the best online skills to learn during your polytechnic IT period—and how to get started.

Here’s the hard truth: many IT placements don’t teach anything valuable. Some students end up making tea, running errands, or sitting idle in offices that don’t relate to their field. But that doesn’t have to be your story. By learning a digital skill during IT, you can:

Build a portfolio to show future employers
Start earning even before graduation
Avoid wasting 6 months doing nothing
Discover new career paths beyond your course of study
Stand out during NYSC applications or job interviews

You don’t need to abandon your IT place. Just use your free time wisely.

Best Online Skills to Learn During Polytechnic IT

1. Graphic Design

This is one of the fastest-growing freelance skills in Nigeria. From social media flyers to brand logos, the demand is huge. Tools to learn:

Canva (Beginner-friendly)
Adobe Photoshop
CorelDRAW

Platforms to learn:

YouTube (free tutorials)
Coursera
Udemy
Skillshare
Side hustle community courses

In less than 3 months, you can start designing posters for churches, small businesses, and campus events—and get paid for it.

2. Web Design and Development

Every business wants an online presence, and websites are the foundation. If you can design a simple business website or blog, you’ll never run out of clients.

Start with:

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (freeCodeCamp.org)
WordPress website building
Elementor (drag-and-drop builder)

You can specialize in frontend, backend, or full-stack development as you grow.

3. Digital Marketing

This is a must-learn skill for business-minded students. It includes:

Social media marketing
Email marketing
Facebook and Google Ads
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Content creation

Learn from:

Google Digital Garage (100% free)
HubSpot Academy
Coursera (with financial aid)

You can work as a freelancer, marketer, or consultant for brands—locally and abroad.

4. Video Editing

Short-form videos dominate social media, and brands pay editors to make catchy content. Start with:

CapCut (mobile editing app)
Adobe Premiere Pro (professional use)
Filmora or InShot

Jobs in this space include YouTube editors, event video editors, and content creators. With the right editing skill, you can charge ₦5,000–₦20,000 per video project.

ALSO READ: Online Business Ideas That Require No Investment

5. UI/UX Design

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design are essential in app and website creation. It’s one of the most in-demand tech skills worldwide. Learn how to design wireframes, mockups, and app layouts using:

Figma
Adobe XD
Sketch (for Mac users)

Courses are available on:

Coursera
YouTube
Google UX Design Certificate

You don’t need to code to become a UI/UX designer—just creativity and consistency.

6. Content Writing

Writing pays—especially if you’re good with words. Learn how to create blog posts, product descriptions, scripts, and email campaigns. Learn from:

SmartBlogger
Medium
HubSpot
Neil Patel blog

Once you’re confident, register on Fiverr or Upwork and offer your services.

7. Animation and Motion Graphics

Animation is hot right now—especially explainer videos, whiteboard animation, and logo motion. Tools to start:

Adobe After Effects
Vyond
Doodly
Toonly
Canva animation tools

You can make money creating short animations for brands, YouTube, or educational platforms.

8. Affiliate Marketing

This isn’t just a buzzword. You can earn commission promoting digital products like courses, ebooks, or tools—even while you sleep. Learn how to:

Find products to promote (via Expertnaire, Stakecut, or Digistem)
Drive traffic using Instagram, WhatsApp TV, or TikTok
Convert followers into buyers using content and links

You don’t need capital—just the skill of content marketing and persuasion.

ALSO READ: Digital Skills Every Polytechnic Student Should Learn

9. Online Tutoring

If you’re good in any subject—maths, physics, web design—you can earn by teaching it. Record your tutorials using your phone, upload on YouTube, or run private WhatsApp classes. Alternatively, register on platforms like:

Tuteria
Prepclass
Superprof

You can teach junior students, secondary school pupils, or beginners online.

10. Data Analysis

If you’re a stats, business, or science student, data analysis is a high-income field. Learn:

Microsoft Excel
Power BI
Google Data Studio
SQL
Python (for data science)

Free tutorials exist on YouTube, and courses are available on Coursera or Udemy. With these skills, you can freelance for companies, NGOs, or even carry out academic research.

ALSO READ: How to Create Viral Content for YouTube and Earn in Nigeria

How to Start Learning

Pick one skill – Don’t try to learn everything at once. Focus.
Set a learning schedule – Use weekends, evenings, or breaks between IT tasks.
Use free resources first – YouTube and blogs have everything you need at beginner level.
Apply what you learn – Start small projects, offer free work to friends, then upgrade to paid gigs.
Build a portfolio – Save your designs, links, or projects to show future clients or employers.