(BPT) - By Shantanu Bose, DeVry University's Provost and Chief Academic Officer
In today's rapidly shifting economic landscape, uncertainty is the only constant. To thrive amid change, it's increasingly important to identify and master the skills that will lead to success. While it may seem obvious that skills-based learning is critical for career growth, workers who differentiate themselves understand that professional development is less about knowing a little about everything and more about knowing something extremely well.
Employers and workers agree learning is valuable
A recent report from DeVry University and Reputation Leaders surveyed more than 1,500 workers and 500 hiring decision-makers to explore how education and upskilling are shaping today's workforce. According to DeVry's research:
- 71% of workers and 81% of employers believe in the value of investing in education
- 86% of employers emphasize the importance of staying current with industry developments
But who is responsible for ensuring lifelong learning in the workplace?
While employers and workers agree on the value of education, their views diverge when it comes to upskilling.
- Less than half (45%) of workers report access to employer-provided reskilling, a decrease from 61% in 2024. However, 75% of employers believe they are doing enough to keep workers' skills resilient in today's economy.
- Nearly one-third of workers believe that employers are falling short when it comes to keeping skills relevant for the future. In contrast, 90% of employers say that they provide upskilling or tuition benefits to at least a few workers, a slight increase from 87% in 2024. Many employers express concerns that workers are not taking advantage of these available resources.
The reality is that both sides are left in a state of restless dissonance where workers and employers are quietly pointing fingers. Rather than assigning blame, DeVry's report emphasizes the importance of unity in preparing for an uncertain future. By addressing the silent standoff between workers and employers, we can build workforce resiliency and accelerate competitive productivity. This process begins with open dialogue, clear direction and a shared commitment to lifelong learning.
Progress starts with partnership
Both workers and employers are responsible for taking proactive steps toward a more aligned and rewarding collaboration. Drawing from the key insights in DeVry's report, here are actionable ways to progress together:
- Set clear career goals and engage in constructive feedback to align personal growth with organizational priorities
- Create visible career pathways and cultivate a sense of ownership to drive motivation and retention
- Foster open, ongoing dialogue to build trust and align aspirations across the workforce
- Prioritize durable skills development, such as empathy, communication and adaptability, that are essential for navigating change
- Equip workers with durable, future-ready skills in areas like technology and AI
To stay future-ready, cultivate these habits:
- Be ready to adapt to new skill sets
- Continuously look ahead to anticipate what's next
- Frame everything as a learning opportunity
- Build your resilience through preparedness
So, what does lifelong learning look like in practice?
For professionals like Terance Clement, Manager National Sales Strategy at Comcast NBCUniversal and DeVry Alum, lifelong learning is a career imperative.
"Learning isn't just about acquiring new skills; it's about staying relevant as well," he explained. "Staying curious and committed to learning has been pivotal to my moves across the company."
Terance's real-world experiences of navigating the workforce, earning his bachelor's degree and continuing to grow his career exemplify a commitment to growth through education. Lifelong learning isn't a one-time event; instead, it's a continuous commitment to growth, adaptability and relevance.
For almost 95 years, DeVry has empowered students with future-ready skills, building the foundation for a higher education experience where societal change is infused into all its courses and hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. By going beyond traditional degree programs to offer alternative, flexible learning opportunities that cater to a diverse range of learners, the university supports learners at any stage in their academic journey and prepares them for thriving careers in an always evolving talent economy.
In a world shaped by rapid technological change and shifting economic forces, staying curious and committed to learning is the most powerful way to stay prepared. Read DeVry's full report, Bridging the gap: Overcoming a silent standoff in America's talent economy, to get ahead.