The 7 Core Professional Skills You Will Need for Jobs in Future

It’s no surprise that the top professional skill identified by employers is an understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. No matter which sector you work in, you’ll likely need to know how to use AI particularly in some form. “In the top 10 industries, over 90% of respondents expect this skill to increase in use,” the WEF report states.

“AI and big data are very skill short, therefore organizations are prioritizing in-demand talent who are technically skilled enough to make an instant impact,” says Tanya Forrest, deputy head of careers education and coaching at Lancaster University Management School.

How can you develop your AI and big data expertise? Tanya feels that learning in an academic environment is essential to understanding the nuances of these areas.

“Studying new courses in AI and finance or management are fantastic ways to develop technical skills under sector-leading academics and also offer opportunities to develop behavioral skills. Ensuring budding AI professionals are in an environment that allows them to balance academic study with professional development is important, as we know employers need a balance of skills,” she says.

Networks and cybersecurity are another growing professional skill area that are expected to continue being highly sought after by employers over the next five years.

“Networks and cybersecurity are crucial for protecting data, ensuring compliance, and preventing cyber threats,” says David López, associate dean of the Full-Time MBA program at Esade Business School.

“Cybersecurity threats have increased by 600% since the pandemic, costing businesses over $10 trillion annually. Organizations must secure their information and infrastructure, making this skill indispensable across industries. With regulatory frameworks tightening, companies need professionals who can navigate cyber risk management and compliance,” he explains.

To upskill in this area, you could begin by seeking internal training within your company to develop the skills to identify the cyber risks in your industry. If you’re at business school currently or are considering applying, look at cybersecurity modules within digital transformation courses to arm yourself with the tools and knowledge to lead digital security governance, David advises.

3. Technological Literacy

As technology continues to develop and new innovations are incorporated into the workplace, technological literacy is expected to grow in demand among employers. 

“Technological literacy enables professionals to adapt to technologies like AI, automation, blockchain, and Internet of things (IoT). As businesses increasingly integrate digital solutions, this skill becomes crucial for continuous adaptation and innovation,” David explains.

“Professionals will need to apply technological literacy in fields such as digital marketing, e-commerce, fintech, and manufacturing,” he adds.

To grow your skills in tech literacy, David recommends pursuing courses on emerging technologies and taking part in initiatives such as AI bootcamps. At business school, you can gain access to resources through innovation hubs, such as Rambla of Innovation—a startup ecosystem at Esade which connects the school’s learning and research with the business community, public administrations, and social enterprises.

While technical skills are unsurprisingly a key growth area among employers, the WEF report also highlights that creative thinking will be a strongly sought after professional skill among employers over the next five years.

“Businesses are looking for people who are technically skilled but who are also able to offer an

‘out the box’ perspective and creative solutions to difficult problems,” says Tanya from Lancaster University. “This doesn’t mean they expect the individual to have a creative background in the literal sense, but rather to cut through barriers by coming up with ideas and suggestions they may not have trialed before.”

What’s great about creative thinking is that it’s a skill you can learn, develop, and implement, and this doesn’t have to take place inside a classroom.

“Listening to podcasts, networking, attending training courses, and working closely with colleagues will help you form new ideas and creative solutions to problems. Just as the ability to think critically requires practice, thinking creatively is a skill that only develops when regularly applied,” explains Tanya.

5. Resilience, Flexibility and Agility 

Other soft skills likely to be important for success in the near future are resilience, flexibility, and agility. These are expected to only become more crucial as the world continues to rapidly change.

“Organizations are facing constant demands and new challenges including ever-changing political issues, shifts in market demands, and advances in technology. Resilient employees are able to adapt quickly and efficiently to the ever-changing demands, making them highly valuable employees,” says Tanya. 

Surviving through periods of rapid, disruptive change is the best way to develop resilience and agility. However, Tanya also recommends some self-development tactics to help build your adaptability. 

“Recognizing stress triggers and developing ways to stay calm and focused under pressure is vital. Additionally, developing a growth mindset is essential for building resilience—embrace challenges and view your mistakes as opportunities for learning to build self-improvement, reflect on your personal growth and seek constructive feedback to build the ability to learn from setbacks rather than fear failure,” she advises.

If you’ve never considered curiosity as a professional skill, you might be surprised to see it ranks so highly as one of the most desirable skills among employers.

“Curiosity and lifelong learning are essential for keeping professionals relevant in fast-changing industries. These skills ensure that individuals stay competitive, adaptable, and prepared for new challenges,” David explains.

“Harvard Business Review found that 54% of top-performing CEOs dedicate time to continuous learning. The most successful professionals stay ahead by constantly adapting,” he adds.