How Upskilling Can Boost Career Growth in 2025

The evolution of career development and advancement isn’t slowing down any time soon. As we move into 2025, upskilling will continue to show its worth as a critical strategy for boosting career growth for your employees and helping them achieve professional success.  

In this blog, we’ll explore how upskilling can enhance career growth for your staff, highlight success stories of individuals who have leveraged continuous learning to advance their careers and emphasize the long-term benefits of continuous education. 

The Importance of Upskilling for Employees and Employers in 2025 

When it comes to utilizing upskilling to excel career growth, research shows both employees and employers are ready to keep the momentum going. 

Research we conducted in partnership with Morning Consult showed that: 

• Two out of three employees think they need to develop skills in the next three years to advance professionally
• Over 80% of employers link promotions and advancements over recent years to the company’s education-as-a-benefit program
• Over 50% of employers plan to invest somewhat or much more into the development of their current employees 

To summarize: employees recognize the need to advance their skills, employers are providing career advancement to those who invest in upskilling and will be providing further support for upskilling initiatives over the coming years.  

To illustrate the impact of upskilling on career growth, let’s look at a few compelling success stories from individuals who’ve harnessed the power of continuous learning to propel their careers forward. 

Success Stories: Upskilling in Action 

Abi Cotter, Engineering Manager 

Abi expanded her skill set in the realm of allyship and inclusion. She said that learning—from technical skills and beyond—pushes us to pursue continuous growth and challenges ourselves. Being a learner also creates a growth mindset, helping her to overcome life’s hurdles. 

Abi also took a leadership course, which helped her move from a developer into her role as engineering manager.

Chase Banger, Integrated Marketing Manager 

Chase helped advance his career by diving deeper in the realm of digital marketing. He expanded his marketing knowledge, which allowed him to apply it in new and different ways. 

Li Deng, Software Developer 

Li decided to upskill in the area of user experience design. Her advice for applying learning toward career growth? While taking a course or program, actively think of ways you can apply what you’re learning in your professional and personal life. 

The Long-Term Company Benefits of Upskilling 

Continuous learning through upskilling offers numerous long-term benefits that contribute to sustained career growth and development. Invest in your employees shows your organization’s commitment to their growth, which in turn can lead to more engaged staff and boosted retention. 

Here are a few ways upskilling your employees can influence engagement and retention: 

Internal Mobility and Career Resilience 

Continuous upskilling ensures that your employees’ skills remain relevant in an ever-changing job market. By staying current with industry trends and acquiring new competencies, your employees foster a growth mindset that encourages exploration of new career paths and roles with your business. 

Having a database of curated educational content that is updated regularly to meet emerging skills needs helps your staff be able to adapt to new technologies, processes and job requirements. This makes your business more versatile and better equipped to handle evolving workforce skills.  

Individuals who engage with this educational content are more likely to maintain career resilience. Your staff will be able to adapt to shifts in industry demands and job roles, reducing the risk of career stagnation. 

Increased Earning Potential and Career Advancement 

Upskilling often leads to higher earning potential—something 64% of employees surveyed by Morning Consult listed as a motivator to take additional skills training. Individuals with advanced skills and certifications are in high demand, meaning more skilled workers within your org to help meet growing demands. 

The second most popular motivator for employees taking additional skills training—44% of them—was career advancement. Taking the right upskilling programing can enhance your employees’ skills and qualifications, opening doors to higher-level positions and leadership roles—and encouraging more engaged, loyal employees. 

Start 2025 With Empowered Career Growth Through Upskilling 

Upskilling is a powerful strategy for boosting career growth and achieving professional advancement for your staff in 2025. By engaging in continuous learning, individuals can build career resilience and increase retention while also being shown their value through increased earning potential and career advancement. 

As your business navigates upskilling in 2025, consider the long-term benefits of ongoing education and to stay ahead in the ever-evolving job market and unlock new opportunities for employee career growth.