Learn the top skills for career growth in 2025

The World Economic Forum released a list of the top 10 skills that employees need to adapt to technological advancements. 

Upskilling firm Lepaya divided these skills into four categories: problem-solving, self-management, working with others, and technology use and development.

READ: The top 10 AI careers for non-techies

Most don’t relate to artificial intelligence or other innovations, so they’re accessible even to non-technical people. 

This article will elaborate on these four skill categories so that you can advance your career this year!

The WEF’s top 10 skills of 2025

1. Problem-solving
   • Analytical thinking and innovation
   • Complex problem-solving
   • Critical thinking and analysis
   • Creativity, originality, and analysis
   • Reasoning, problem-solving, and ideation
2. Self-management
   • Active learning and learning strategies
   • Resilience, stress tolerance, and flexibility
3. Working with others
   • Leadership and social influence
4. Technology use and development
   • Technology use, monitoring, and control
   • Technology design and programming

1. Problem-solving

Lepaya says the following skills belong to the problem-solving categories:

• Analytical thinking and innovation
• Complex problem-solving
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Creativity, originality, and analysis
• Reasoning, problem-solving, and ideation

Problem-solving involves fixing issues that other people can’t. Consequently, it requires creativity, initiative, and originality.

Such a skill is important in the age of AI, which challenges companies to develop ingenious products and services with emerging technologies.

You may cultivate problem-solving skills with the following tips:

• Suggest possible solutions to your employer whenever you’re reporting on problems.
• Learn and accept new ideas to foster creativity.
• Ask questions whenever you’re unsure about a particular issue to form possible solutions.

2. Self-management

This category covers “resilience, stress tolerance, and flexibility” and “active learning and learning strategies.”

As the name suggests, self-management involves controlling your behaviors, thoughts, and emotions while working. 

Resilience and stress tolerance are important during times of uncertainty and sudden changes. 

These shifts could cause emotional and mental stress, but you must remain focused on the job. 

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On the other hand, active learning, learning strategies, and flexibility are necessary for career growth.

Self-control isn’t enough; you must go beyond and excel during turbulent times. Try these methods to learn self-management:

• Try learning new skills.
• Find the learning strategies that work best for you.
• Do not hesitate to work closely with your team.

3. Working with people

The WEF lists leadership and social influence as important career growth skills despite the age of AI.

It may sound contradictory, but this technological revolution requires organizations to focus on soft skills development.

Lepaya amidst routine tasks will become obsolete, but emotional intelligence, cooperation, communication skills, and leadership skills will become more important. 

The remote and hybrid work trend further emphasizes their significance. 

The UK National Careers Service recommends these methods for cultivating leadership and communication:

• Join a sports team, creative arts club, or public speaking organization like Toastmasters International.
• Take online courses, such as how to give work presentations.
• Organize your schedule with timetables.
• Resolve conflicts between friends and colleagues.
• Teach skills in your spare time or the workplace.

4. Technology use and development

The World Economic Forum says technology is expanding into more parts of daily life. 

Consequently, programming, data science, machine learning, and AI skills will become more in demand this year. 

Aside from these hard skills, you must understand the power of technology. Also, you need to know how to use and control it for career growth.

READ: The most important skills in the age of AI

Give your career a digital upgrade with these steps:

• Learn about the latest digital trends at Inquirer Tech and other sites.
• Find parts of your daily work routine that you can improve with better equipment and AI.
• Delegate some tasks to digital tools to boost your productivity.
• Discuss digital tools that you and your team could use to enhance your performance.