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Upskilling in 2025: Why Continuing Education Matters

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The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights a compelling reality — 78 million new jobs are expected by 2030, but only for those with the right skills. How can you prepare for the market ahead? What role can continuing education play?

Upskilling is at the heart of this shift, empowering you to adapt and thrive. By pursuing an advanced degree, you can broaden your knowledge, gain practical experience, and acquire the new skills needed to stand out in today’s competitive and demanding job market.

Discover how our fully online programs can equip you for the evolving market demands.

Why Upskilling Is the Key to 2025 and Beyond

According to insights from the World Economic Forum’s report, based on data from over 1,000 companies, the skills gap emerges as the most critical obstacle to business transformation. Nearly 40% of job skills are predicted to evolve significantly, with 63% of employers already identifying this as their primary challenge.

While technological expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, big data, and cybersecurity is set to grow rapidly, soft skills such as creative thinking, resilience, and agility remain equally critical. According to Euronews, “demonstrating a willingness to learn” has emerged as the most requested skill in the EU, appearing in over 26% of online job advertisements for transversal skills. Teamwork is another highly sought-after skill, further highlighting the importance of blending technical and interpersonal abilities.

At EDHEC, our programs are designed to evolve alongside market demands, ensuring participants are equipped to meet future challenges and become the leaders of tomorrow. Our teaching approach integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, empowering participants to translate their learning into real-world success.

The Most In-Demand Jobs Shaping the Future

As industries evolve, certain jobs are expected to see significant growth, driven by technological advancements and societal shifts. According to the World Economic Forum’s findings, roles in artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and machine learning are among the fastest-growing and most valuable professions in the coming years.

For professionals, investing in upskilling for data-driven and technology-focused roles can be especially beneficial. These fields are not only rapidly expanding but are also central to innovation and future economic growth. The role of online learning is at the centre of this career transition to fill this widespread skills gap and prepare participants for the job market transformation. At EDHEC, we offer dedicated courses on AI and machine learning, ensuring participants are prepared to meet market demands and address future challenges.

Innovation is at the core of EDHEC’s approach to online learning. Our cutting-edge platform leverages AI to enhance the educational experience while maintaining the highest standards of quality. This commitment to excellence was recently recognised with a Bronze award at the 2024 FOME Learning Design Awards, highlighting our holistic approach to addressing key challenges in online education. Through initiatives like the “Impact-ED Framework”, we ensure academic excellence, foster collaboration, and integrate AI seamlessly to benefit both students and faculty.

The Future of Jobs Report 2025 also highlighted the fastest-growing and declining roles, largely influenced by advancements in AI, robotics, and expanding digital accessibility.

Fastest growing and declining jobs by 2030The accompanying chart provides a clear visual of the fastest-growing and declining professions by 2030. It highlights the dominance of technology-driven roles such as big data specialists, AI and machine learning specialists, and software developers among the top-growing jobs. In contrast, traditional roles like postal service clerks and data entry clerks are on the decline, reflecting the impact of automation and digital transformation.
This contrast underscores the urgency of upskilling in high-demand areas like AI, data science, and cybersecurity to remain competitive in the evolving job market.

Top 10 Fastest Growing Skills by 2030

According to the World Economic Forum’s report, employers predict that 39% of essential job skills will undergo significant changes by 2030. Technological skills are expected to grow in importance faster than any other area in the next five years, with AI, big data, networks and cybersecurity, and technological literacy leading the way.

Here are the top 10 fastest-growing skills that will shape the future workforce:

  • AI and Big Data
  • Networks and Cybersecurity
  • Technology Literacy
  • Creative Thinking and Resilience
  • Flexibility and Agility
  • Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
  • Leadership and Social Influence
  • Talent Management
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Environmental Stewardship

top 10 growing skills by 2030

 

Continuous learning and upskilling are essential to thrive in this rapidly changing job market. Investing in education helps employees develop a unique blend of technical and soft skills, enabling them to succeed. It also benefits businesses by fostering innovation, enhancing adaptability, and ensuring long-term competitiveness in a dynamic environment.

The Role of Continuing Education in Meeting This Challenge

Upskilling is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for thriving in today’s rapidly evolving industries. EDHEC Online’s programs are uniquely designed to provide the knowledge and practical experience needed to excel in high-demand roles. With innovative and comprehensive courses that help participants gain the most in demand skills and acquire an update of knowledge.

Discover the program that aligns with your professional goals and aspirations. Below is an overview of how some of our programs can support your success (this is not an exhaustive list):

Innovative Online Programs for Your Career Growth:

Leadership, Negotiation, and Strategic Thinking

  • MBA: Build strong leadership, negotiation, and strategic thinking capabilities to drive impact in a global business environment.
  • Executive Master in Management: Enhance your leadership, decision-making, and management expertise to navigate complex organisational challenges.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Global Business and Management Skills

Digital Marketing and Innovation

Financial Expertise and Sustainable Growth

Explore Our Online Programs

student watching online lesson

 

Flexible Learning for Professionals

If you’re currently working and feel at risk to develop the skills to further grow your career and secure your future, you can continue working while pursuing an online program at EDHEC. Our fully online programs combine flexibility and practicality, making it easier for working professionals to balance their education with career and personal commitments. The hands-on learning approach ensures that new skills can be applied immediately to your professional life.

Alumni Perspective: The Value of Continuing Education

There’s no better way to understand the impact of continuing education than to hear directly from those who have experienced it. Our alumni share how EDHEC Online has helped them advance their skills and achieve their career aspirations.

Gustav Ekström, an Online MBA participant and Sales Manager at Vestas, says: “Pursuing the MBA at EDHEC will help me obtain the necessary leadership skills, think from a strategic point of view, and incorporate different leadership styles.”

Michael Favat, an alumnus of the Online MSc in Data Management and Business Analytics and Director of CRM & Global Marketing Operations at Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., shares: “This program provided me a strong update of knowledge and also a new set of skills in the data science field. And that will definitely influence my leadership and the value I can bring in my upcoming missions and objectives.”

These testimonials highlight the transformative power of EDHEC Online’s programs, enabling professionals to enhance their skills and make a greater impact in their industries.

Explore our testimonials

Start Today to Impact Tomorrow

The future of work is changing fast, and 2025 is the year to take charge of your career. Opportunities are growing, but so is the skills gap. Upskilling now will prepare you for tomorrow’s demands and help you stand out in a competitive market.

At EDHEC Online, we offer a highly regarded portfolio of programs, from MScs to MBAs, Executive Master’s, and beyond, designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to thrive.

 

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