5 Skill Development Strategies to Consider for Career Growth

In today's competitive job market, the best way to stand out is by leading with your skills and letting them shine through on your resume and during interviews.

As we enter a new age of work in 2025, the type of skills you need to succeed in any industry is changing. Likewise, with employers placing greater emphasis on skills-based hiring, your level of proficiency in particular skill areas is also more important today than in the past.

It can be challenging to develop your skill set, that's true whether you're considering a career pivot or pursuing a promotion, but it can also be vital in securing new opportunities. That's why we're sharing five top skill development strategies to level up and fill your skills gap, with expert insights from leading MBA and business school career advisors.

What is Skill Development?

Skill development goes far beyond listing out what you can do on your resume or LinkedIn profile. Skill development is about continuously learning; adopting a curious mindset; and approaching situations at work, school, or in life more generally as opportunities to practice your abilities and achieve better outcomes.

And it's never been more important to upskill than in today's business world. "We are in an era of 'what got you here, won't get you there,'" explains David López associate dean of the Full-Time MBA at Esade Business School.

"Emerging technologies, shifting business models, and evolving consumer demands are reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. The professionals who succeed in the next decade will be those who commit to lifelong learning," he says.

Committing to lifelong learning means developing skills in areas that are coming to define how we work. That includes both technical 'hard' skills and those 'soft' skills that come with working alongside others.

"Advancing technical skills is now essential for job security—those who don't adapt will be left behind," says Tanya Forrest, deputy head of careers education and coaching at Lancaster University Management School.

"Automation and AI will impact jobs, so professionals must stay ahead to remain relevant. While technical skills are crucial, soft skills like collaboration, team building, and fostering trust in hybrid work cultures are equally important," she adds.

If the advent of cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and machine learning is making you anxious, there's no need to panic. According to the recent Future of Jobs report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), there's high demand from employers for skills in emerging technologies, as well as smart skills like creative thinking and resilience and agility. So, jobseekers who are quick to learn, develop, and master these skills will have a much higher chance of success.

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5 Key Skill Development Strategies

There are many ways to add to your arsenal of skills, no matter how you prefer to learn. To get started, try out some of these strategies to develop your skills and set yourself up for professional success.

1. Audit Your Skills to Identify Skills Gaps

Before you hit the books, it's important to first take the time to understand the skills you have already mastered—and crucially, what skills you might be missing.

Start by listing down which skills you practice every day, month, and quarter. Use sources like your resume, LinkedIn, performance reviews, employer feedback, recommendations, and testimonials from people you've worked with to pull out what your key strengths are (they may not be immediately obvious, even if you excel in them) and additional skills that might require more work.

Compare your skills list to job postings for desirable open positions, or frameworks for internal promotions. Read up on job market trends and rising skills from reports by organizations like the World Economic Forum and LinkedIn to learn what employers are looking out for.

Finally, make a targeted list of the skills where you feel you're lacking and identify ways to develop them.

2. Explore Online Learning and Certifications

Online short courses and professional certifications—available through platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, edX, Google Career Certificates, and Udacity—can help you learn technical and business skills while also gaining certifications in high-demand areas such as AI, data analytics, cybersecurity and leadership.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are an affordable (and sometimes free) option if you're seeking to learn a particular topic and desire a shorter time commitment. The flexibility of MOOCs allows you to upskill at your own pace and choose your learning pathway, plus the breadth of topics makes MOOCs a good option to develop your skills.

However, short-form online learning has its limitations. You won't find opportunities to apply your skills practically within the course, there typically isn't an outlet to network with your peers or instructor, and employers are unlikely to recognize the course as a credential unless you pair it with industry recognized certifications.

3. Pursue Higher Education

If you're committed to gaining deep knowledge in a particular area or transforming your career either in a new field or at a more advanced level, a higher education degree such as an MBA or business master's could be the right option for you.

MBA and business master's programs provide a structured, immersive learning experience with a strong academic foundation. Degree programs are highly valued by employers, recognized for the leadership, strategy, and cross-functional expertise they provide.

Studying at business school also means you'll gain networking opportunities with industry leaders, alumni, and recruiters, while also building connections with your fellow classmates.

Studying a generalist program such as an MBA demonstrates to employers that you have a broad business acumen and a skill set that can be applied across various tasks and problems. Meanwhile earning a degree in a relevant field signifies to employers that you have a deep level of knowledge in that area and you are strongly qualified to work for them. At business school you may also be able to study modules from other subjects to broaden your learning and you'll typically have access to dedicated careers support.

Before you decide to pursue higher education, consider the significant investment required in terms of time and finances. If you study full time, it may require you to take time out of your career or even relocate, while part time learning will mean having to balance your studies with your existing work and personal commitments.

4. Seek Mentorship and Expand Your Professional Network

Another way to grow your skills is by taking on a mentor within your industry who can provide specific guidance on your skill development and career growth.

With a seasoned expert in your field assisting you, a mentor can provide real world advice and access to resources, invest in your development, and share feedback and industry connections with you.

It can take time to find the right mentor and the process requires time commitment from both sides, as well as clear alignment on expectations from the outset. Formal mentoring programs through your university or workplace can help provide the necessary structure to maximize impact.

Networking is another great strategy to grow your skills. By connecting with others at industry events and participating in professional communities online—for example LinkedIn groups or alumni networks—you can meet important people in your industry, stay up to date on emerging trends and tools, and uncover new opportunities for career growth and professional development.

5. Learn on the Job

Lastly, your skills are best honed when they're practiced. By applying skills practically at work, through side projects or even volunteering, you can develop skills quickly and effectively.

Corporate training programs, a job rotation or secondment, and internal upskilling initiatives are valuable ways to pick up new skills or deep dive into a particular skill area. By learning new skills at work, your training is likely directly aligned with your job responsibilities and company needs, you could also gain sponsorship from your employer.

Depending on the training you opt for, however, the certification or subject area may not be transferable outside of your current remit or organization.

Whether you choose one of these skill development strategies or opt for a mixture, making a concerted effort to develop your skills can have a significant impact on your future career prospects.

Looking for opportunities to accelerate your career progression? Take our quiz to find out if staying where you are or pursuing new opportunities is your best path to success.