By Amanda Wegner
If it feels difficult to keep up with the pace of change at work, you’re not alone. According to LinkedIn’s October 2024 Work Change Snapshot, 70% of executives agree that work is moving faster than ever. And, almost 50% of workers are worried they’ll be left behind.
“The pace of change in business has been significant, especially over the last five years,” says Tracy Mast, senior director of technology and people at the Center for Professional & Executive Development (CPED) at the Wisconsin School of Business. “If you’re not building new skills, you risk falling behind — not just in your current role, but in your ability to adapt to what’s next.”
Luckily, staying with the times and furthering your career doesn’t require another degree or a job change. Instead, pursuing coursework and certifications, and participating in webinars, workshops and skills accelerators can help you deepen your expertise and build skills that are critical and in demand for today’s modern workforce.
And what are those skills? According to LinkedIn’s Skills on the Rise 2025 Report, the five fastest-growing skills in the United States are:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) literacy
- Conflict mitigation
- Adaptability
- Process optimization
- Innovative thinking
Other skills in the report include public speaking, customer engagement and support, risk assessment and more.
This list reflects a growing demand for leadership and management skills. These skills are also seen in several of the top 10 “hot jobs” for South-Central Wisconsin, as identified by the Department of Workforce Development.
“There is a big demand for leadership management,” says Linda Nellen, professional and continuing education manager at Madison College. “Companies want to retain their talent and promote from within to keep that knowledge in the organization.”
Mast seconds that: “We continue to see that people are looking for not only hard skills, but soft skills around strategy, communication and leadership development. There is strong demand for programs that teach core leadership and management competencies.”
The CPED offers a variety of programs and certificates focused on developing leadership and management skills.
Separate from the CPED, UW-Madison’s Continuing Education division also offers a variety of courses and certificates to support the skills necessary for today’s modern workforce.
Madison College Continuing Education provides a leadership academy, various boot camps focused on in-demand skills and self-paced online courses. The college also offers lunch-and-learns on leadership topics in the fall and spring.
“It’s not an option to not pursue additional training and education anymore,” says Nellen. “Lifelong learning helps you keep your skills up, supports your current work, increases your value to employers and opens doors to new opportunities. All employees today should feel empowered to take ownership of their professional growth and remain agile in the changing job market.”
Importantly, as you gain new skills or complete certifications, update your social media, especially LinkedIn. If a program or certification offers a digital badge, post it to highlight your new skillset. As more employers look to skills-based hiring, showcasing your areas of expertise and professional development can boost your job search.
“Showcase those credentials on LinkedIn or your resume,” says Nellen. “Toot your own horn — let people know that you are committed to your learning and growth.”
TOP 10 “HOT JOBS” FOR SOUTH-CENTRAL WISCONSIN
- General and operations managers
- Accountants and auditors
- Software developers
- Sales representatives of services (not advertising, insurance, financial services or travel)
- Management analysts
- Postsecondary health specialties teachers
- Project management specialists
- Carpenters
- Human resources specialists
- Market research analysts and marketing specialists
Source: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
LEVEL UP YOUR LEARNING
Check out these options for continuing education and professional development opportunities.
- Center for Professional & Executive Development, Wisconsin School of Business
uwcped.org - LinkedIn Learning
linkedin.com/learning - Madison College Leadership and Professional Development
madisoncollege.edu/academics/professional-continuing-education/business - UW-Madison Continuing Education
continuingeducation.wisc.edu
