Estimated reading time: 17 minutes
Imagine a world where almost 40% of your current skills are outdated by 2030.
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), this can become our reality if we don’t evolve our skill set to align with the fastest growing skills for ever-changing job market.
It’s the beginning of the year. If you’re one to set intentions or goals for yourself during this time of the year or if you’re in the process of doing so, which skills (personal or professional) are you looking to acquire or continue to develop in 2025?
In this article, I’ll share the following:
- A brief overview of the World Economic Forum (WEF)
- The top 10 fastest growing skills found in WEF’s recently released Future of Jobs Report 2025
- A brief explanation of each skill
- Suggested ways to develop each skills
- Top 5 industries where the skill is increasing in importance
- Resources I know of to develop each skill
- The importance of understanding these emerging skills
I’m sharing this information with you in hopes that it sparks your curiosity about how and where your skills align with the expected fastest growing skills by 2030. Also, let you know the skills global employers are looking for their employees to possess. I know when you’re looking for a job, it can be difficult to truly know the skills employers value. This list of the top 10 fastest growing skills gives you that insight.
If you’re unaware of the WEF…
The World Economic Forum (WEF) it is known as prestigious international organization that brings together business, political, academic, and other leaders to discuss and shape global economic policies.
What’s truly important to recognize is that they shape global economic policies. So, it would behoove us to be aware of the information they publish.
WEF is known for their annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, where they address pressing global challenges, including workforce development and emerging technologies. One of their recent contribution is the bi-annual Future of Jobs Report, which provides critical insights into labor market trends, skills demand, and the impact of automation, helping you as a professionals understand the evolving job landscape.
The Future of Jobs Report is a survey of 1,000 global employers – representing more than 14 million workers across 22 industry clusters and 55 economies. It also includes research and data from collaborators and partners such as ADP, Coursera, Indeed, and LinkedIn, whose information complements and strengthens the survey findings. Because it’s not just from employer point of view, but includes insights from employees and even you as a professional. For example, if you completed an AI course on Coursera, you contributed to the findings of this report.
Being aware of the WEF’s findings, offers valuable guidance for navigating your career growth and insight into how your skills align to the needs of the rapidly changing economy.
Top 10 Fastest Growing Skills
Let’s get into what the top 10 fastest growing skills are to see where there’s alignment with what you have planned to learn and where your skill set is already aligned. I’m sure many of you have most of these skills. I mean as a Knowledgeable Generalist you are a life-long learner. lol. These skills are categorized as cognitive skills, self-efficacy, working with others, management skills, technology skills, and ethics. Most of those are soft skills that aren’t specific to anyone job role or industry. Signaling theses skills are transferable skills and desired to be inherent to a professional’s skill set.
As I started to write the following sections, I realized that every skill will have for “how to develop this skill” the same three steps 1) research the skill, 2) educate yourself on the skill, then 3) practice the skill. With the optional obtaining a certification. So, I’m just gonna say it here and not repeat them below. I’ll just share some specific aspects of the skills you can consider learning.
Quick aside, when I wrote out the three steps above, I realized that it created a fitting acronym – R.E.P.
R – Research the skill
E – Educate yourself on the skill
P – Practice the skill
Then, I can say that you need to put in the REPs to develop any skills, where REPs is short for repetition. It does take intentional repetition to develop a skill. That’s funny and ironic to me. Alright, to the first fastest growing skill… AI and big data.
Skill #1 – AI and big data
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data?
It involves analyzing large amounts of data to derive insights and develop intelligent systems. We’re hearing the development of AI and different AI tools every day. I’ve been hearing about big data since maybe 2015 ish. When you think about how much data we personally put on the internet, all the sensors on hardware collecting data, and how many “smart” devices exists in the world you can image there’s a need to make sense of the “big data” collected.
How to develop AI and Big Data skills?
I’ll say start with the basics of understanding the functionality and purpose of AI and big data. Computer programming languages such as Python or R are commonly used within these two skills, and learning them can help you build a foundation in data manipulation and machine learning. For AI specifically, researching Prompt Engineering will teach you the language of the Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Runway, Midjourney, etc. Have you interacted with ChatGPT? Then you’re already practicing Prompt Engineering! Regarding big data, data analysis aka statistics interpretation and database management are important foundational skills to familiarize yourself. The how to collect the data or where the data comes from = data analysis. And the how to organize, store, and retrieve the data = database management.
Top 5 industries where AI and Big Data is increasing in importance
- Automotive and aerospace
- Telecommunications
- Professional Services
- Information and technology services
- Insurance and pensions management
Resources:
- Microsoft Research YouTube channel
- Keeps you informed of industry developments. I chose Microsoft because they’re still the main enterprise software provider and is ChatGPT maker’s Open AI’s largest investor.
- NVIDIA Developer YouTube channel
- Keeps you informed of industry developments. NVIDIA is the AI industry main semiconductor (AI chip) maker, so they have a strong influence on the development of the AI and Data Center industries.
- AI For Everyone Coursera course
- Introduction to Big Data Coursera course
- The AI Warehouse – Complier website of AI tools
Skill #2 – Networks and cybersecurity
What is Networks and cybersecurity?
These skills are about protecting computer networks and systems from threats and unauthorized access. Given all the cyber-attacks in the recent years and ongoing, these skills will continue to grow in their importance. Side note: did y’all read about the telecommunication companies’ networks getting hacked?
How to develop networks and cybersecurity skills?
Understanding network architecture, protocols (such as TCP/IP), and how different devices communicate within a network is essential for effective cybersecurity practices. Becoming familiar with important security concepts such as confidentiality, integrity, encryption methods, and intrusion detection systems are key for protecting information. Learning risk assessment and management is fundamental because it’s important to be able to identify, assess, and prioritize security risks. Not all risks are created equal nor do they require the same mitigations.
Top 5 industries where Networks and cybersecurity is increasing in importance
- Financial services and capital markets
- Insurance and pensions management
- Energy technology and utilities
- Medical and healthcare services
- Automotive and aerospace
Resources:
- Introduction to Cyber Security Future Learn course
- CompTIA Security+ certification website
- CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide
- Cisco CCNA certification website
Skill #3 – Technological literacy
What is technological literacy?
The ability to effectively use, manage, and understand technology and digital tools. This article written by John Terra has an interesting breakdown of technological literacy, the differences between it, information literacy, and media literacy. The article also discusses the pitfalls of technology literacy: over-reliance, misinformation, and privacy concerns. The last pitfall, privacy concerns, relates to the previous fastest growing skill, cybersecurity.
How to develop technological literacy?
Continuous education, awareness of trends, being willing to try the latest tech products are the main ways that come to my mind for developing this skill. This feels like an ongoing skill we all should continuously develop. With this skill, I think it’ll be important to follow what interests you and impacts your daily life. Because for me, the idea of keeping up with all the tech trends and products feels overwhelming and would lead to inaction.
Top 5 industries where technological literacy is increasing in importance
- Automotive and aerospace
- Financial services and capital markets
- Medical and healthcare services
- Insurance and pensions management
- Supply chain and transportation
Resources:
- The Verge YouTube channel
- I enjoy the product and tech news reviews they provide. It helps me to know what’s going on in areas I’m not necessarily interested in.
- “The Future Is Faster Than You Think” by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler – Amazon link
- They discuss the development of AI, robotics, virtual reality, digital biology, sensors, 3D printing, blockchain technology, quantum computing, and global gigabit network over the past decade and how those technologies will disrupt various industries and society.
Skill #4 – Creative thinking
What is creative thinking?
Alright, so this is a skill I’m more familiar with. lol.
I feel like this skill is inherent to everyone! What was the last thing you created?
It involves generating new ideas and approaches to solve problems and innovate. I think the thing to note about this skill is for us not to minimize our ideas. We have a tendency to dismiss our creative ideas when they feel like “common sense” or logical. Remember this, what’s common to you may not be common to someone else.
How to develop creative thinking?
Simply to put it, be curious. Explore diverse perspective and unfamiliar topics. Learn about those topics that pique your interest. Creating mind maps can help you see the connection between seemingly unrelated topics to form new ideas and approaches.
Top 5 industries where creative thinking is increasing in importance
- Insurance and pensions management
- Education and training
- Medical and healthcare services
- Advanced manufacturing
- Telecommunications
Resources:
- “Applied Creativity: Your Guide to Revolutionary Thinking and the Six Skills to Unlock Your Creative Potential” by Christopher S. Sellers Amazon link
- As an Engineer this book spoke about creativity in a practical way that resonated with me. For those who don’t consider themselves as creative, please check out this book.
- “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron – Penguin Random House link
- This book helped me tap into and own my creativity more.
- Not invented here: cross-industry innovation by Marc Heleven, Ramon Vullings – Amazon link
- This book was gifted to me by a mentor. It’s a small book that’s an easy read to understand how to innovate and the ways other companies innovated in the past.
Skill #5 – Resilience, flexibility agility
What is resilience, flexibility & agility?
The ability to adapt to change, recover from setbacks, and remain open to new ideas.
How to develop resilience, flexibility & agility?
Embrace challenges, practice mindfulness and introspection, and adopt a growth mindset. I see these as life skills rather than solely professional skills to develop. Change is constantly and consistently occurring. Therefore, having the ability to be flexible is necessary. Now, there are some things such as your morals and values you’ll need to be firm in. You’ll need to decide what those are, so if you’re face with a situation that requires flexibility you know how to move without compromising who you are.
Top 5 industries where resilience, flexibility & agility is increasing in importance
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing
- Telecommunications
- Information and technology services
- Production of consumer goods
- Insurance and pensions management
Resources:
- The power of vulnerability | Brené Brown | TED
- This video talk about an underlying skill, I believe, that supports the development of resilience, flexibility, and agility – vulnerability.
- Breathe With Sandy YouTube channel
- Breathwork exercises has helped me cope with life’s constant and consistent changes
Skill #6 – Curiosity and lifelong learning
What is curiosity and lifelong learning?
An eagerness to explore new topics and continuously improve your knowledge and skills.
How to develop curiosity and lifelong learning?
I’m not gonna hold you, when I read this skill, I thought this should be the overarching skill and the rest of them should fall within it. As I mentioned with the previous skill, I feel like this is a life skill. It is categorized as self-efficacy skills, which is fitting. I feel as if curiosity is the mechanism that leads to learning. Also, that lifelong learning is realizing that you can never learn everything there is to know, but it could be fun to try, lol.
What are you curious about?
Top 5 industries where curiosity and lifelong learning is increasing in importance
- Education and training
- Insurance and pensions management
- Telecommunications
- Real estate
- Information and technology services
Resources:
- “The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer” by Steven Kotler Amazon link
- This author presents a unique process to acquire knowledge. I like it because it’s presented through the lens of science which grounds the pursuit of curiosity and knowledge in practicality.
- Big Think YouTube channel
- I like that they have a wide variety of topics that are presented by experts in short-ish videos.
Skill #7 – Leadership and social influence
What is leadership and social influence?
Leadership is the ability to guide, inspire, motivate those around you toward achieving a common goal. Social influence to formally explain it, is the capability to impact the beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors of others through communication and interpersonal dynamics. Informally, when I think of social influence I think about the job of a social media influencer. There’s an opportunity to learn a lot about the skills social media influences leverage to be successful. Communication and interpersonal dynamics seem to be the main two.
How to develop leadership and social influence?
For both skills, developing effective, empathic, and authentic communication and building relationships are essential. Finding a mentor who embodies the leadership qualities can provide a sounding board for you as you take on leadership responsibilities. They can provide you with guidance and support along your leadership journey. Also, developing the previous four skills (curiosity and lifelong learning, resilience flexibility and agility, creative thinking, and technology literacy) will positively contribute to these skills.
Top 5 industries where leadership and social influence is increasing in importance
- Automotive and aerospace
- Telecommunications
- Education and training
- Information and technology services
- Medical and healthcare services
Resources:
- The art of 21st-century leadership: From succession planning to building a leadership factory McKinsey article
- This article discusses the personal attributes leaders need to lead in the uncertain environment we’re in today. Spoiler alert: the article mentions 2.5 of the 10 skills listed here. The 0.5 is for the stewardship skill listed in the article and here it’s more specific to environmental stewardship.
- Harvard Business Review (HBR) website
- Reading though the case studies are so informative and lets me know how best practices and ideas work or not in the real world.
Skill #8 – Talent management
What is talent management?
Understanding the process to attract, develop, and retain skilled employee. Working with others to create a supportive organizational culture that fosters employee engagement and growth and identifying workforce needs. I’m not intimately familiar with this skill, but it seems like supporting employees throughout their experience working at a company.
How to develop talent management?
Study human resources practices, volunteer to be a recruiter for your company or college, network with professionals with this skill within and outside of your industry.
Top 5 industries where talent management is increasing in importance
- Infrastructure
- Automotive and aerospace
- Mining and metals
- Chemical and advanced materials
- Supply chain and transportation
Resources:
- Gartner for Human Resources Leaders website
- SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) website
- The Talent Management Handbook, Second Edition: Creating a Sustainable Competitive Advantage by Selecting, Developing, and Promoting the Best People 2nd Edition by Lance Berger, Dorothy Berger Amazon Link
Skill #9 – Analytical thinking
What is analytical thinking?
This is one of those life skills and will help with technological literacy and big data. The ability to systematically evaluate information, identify patterns, draw logical conclusions. This skill is essential for decision making, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.
How to develop analytical thinking?
A fun way to develop this skill is to solve puzzles. I like to play Connections on the NY Times game app. Analyzing case studies, practicing data analysis, and learning about critical thinking are additional ways to develop this skill.
Top 5 industries where analytical thinking is increasing in importance
- Education and training
- Supply chain and transportation
- Automotive and aerospace
- Telecommunications
- Production of consumer goods
Resources:
- “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman Amazon link
- NY Times Games app website
Skill #10 – Environmental stewardship
What is environmental stewardship?
I’m really unfamiliar with this skill, well, maybe not. I do recycle and enjoy volunteering at gardens. Any who. This skill is about responsible management and protection of the environment through sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and commitment to reducing your ecological footprint. This feels like a life skill as well, given we all only have one earth to live on.
How to develop environmental stewardship?
See what’s going on in your local community that you can engage in and learn from to practice sustainable living. From the professional side, courses and certifications would be beneficial. What do you do in your everyday life that already demonstrates environmental stewardship?
Top 5 industries where environmental stewardship is increasing in importance
- Oil and gas
- Chemical and advanced materials
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing
- Automotive and aerospace
- Mining and metals
Resources:
- “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer Goodreads link
- The Nature Conservancy website
Whew, y’all we made it through the list!
Below is the complete list of the skills. The full list of the industries where each skill is expecting each skill to grow in importance for their workforce from 2025 to 2030 is on pg. 39 and 40.
Why are we concerned about these skills?
To simply put it, because we love to learn new things. lol.
We’ve all experienced the disruptions and many “once in a lifetime” events over the last decade. Such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rising cost of living, geopolitical conflicts, the climate emergency, and recent economic downturns. Those unforeseen events bring to the forth the importance of leveraging foresight and collective action. Foresight meaning that you understand what’s going on in the present and thinking about the implications it has on the future. Also, having the ability to anticipate and prepare for the future based on what’s occurring in the present. There’s a great book I recently read that talks about future thinking as a leader, “Lead from the Future: How to Turn Visionary Thinking Into Breakthrough Growth” by Mark W. Johnson and Josh Suskewicz.
Quick aside, what I like about the book is that it introduced me to the concept of “future-back thinking” which aligns with my knowledge of systems thinking. Also, it demonstrated the difference between vision and strategy. Finally, I enjoyed reading how to apply the concepts as a leader, in business, and in other industries such as higher education.
Alright, back to this skills topic. Collective action. When we work together, we build momentum and illicit change. Predicting the future isn’t the goal, but to understand how the present is shaping the future.
Presently, in response to those disruptions I previously mentioned, there’s a rapid evolution of technological advancements impacting the job market. Page 5 of The Report mentions that “Advancements in technologies, particularly AI and information processing; robotics and automation; and energy generation, storage and distribution, are also expected to be transformative.” So, this focus on technology isn’t easing up anytime soon. Knowing the skills global employers need and people in general are working to acquire will help you stay informed about the world around you.
Also, knowing that these ten skills are what global employers are expecting to grow means that they will be providing their employees support to acquire and develop those skills. On pg. 6, “85% of employers surveyed plan to prioritize upskilling their workforce, with 70% of employers expecting to hire staff with new skills, 40% planning to reduce staff as their skills become less relevant, and 50% planning to transition staff from declining to growing roles.”
What that means for you is two things 1) to be on the lookout for employer sponsored training and development opportunities, especially those that are free to you and 2) when going through the hiring process emphasize the skills you already have or newly acquired.
To wrap up
Technology is steady evolving, we need to develop those related skills (AI and big data, networks and cybersecurity, and technological literacy). While continuing lifelong learning by following our curiosities and personal and professional interests.
As we did at the beginning of the article, let’s do the opposite. Image it’s 2030 and you’re living a life where you’re following your interests and developing skills that aligns with the needs of the world!
How would that feel?
If you’d like an accountability partner to help you achieve your goals or want to discuss how to go about developing new skills, please schedule a time for us to talk!
Also, let me know what you think about the flow of the article, the material, the tone, what you like, what you expected to read, but didn’t see. There’s much more I wanted to mention and share about my own experience developing skills, but it feels like this is a long read already and I didn’t want to make it longer. Oh! I guess I can write a follow-on article about how I plan on leveraging this information from the report. Options. I have options and we love options.
Please share your thoughts with me. I’m open to making improvements as needed.
Career Coaching Tip
At the end of each article, my aim and challenge to myself is to provide a career coaching tip no matter what the topic of the article is. This time I think the career tip is pretty clear, but I’ll state it anyways.
Follow your curiosities and interests….
“Satisfaction of one’s curiosity is one of the greatest sources of happiness in life.”
– Linus Pauling
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