As the new year approaches, many professionals are examining ways to enhance their career prospects in a rapidly evolving job market. Among the strategies highlighted by experts, boosting artificial intelligence (AI) skills, volunteering, and engaging in side hustles are three prominent avenues for personal and professional growth that workers should consider as they navigate their careers in 2025.
Lisa Walker, a managing partner at executive search firm DHR Global, addressed the shift in the responsibility for career development in a discussion with Business Insider. She noted that workers in the current landscape must take a more proactive approach, stating, “You have to be vigilant about managing your own career.” This change in mentality comes as many find themselves in an environment where they are expected to take charge of their professional journeys.
Sean Barry, the vice president of talent acquisition at Allstate, emphasized the importance of advancing AI competencies. Given that AI is increasingly fundamental to various industries, Barry highlighted the necessity of developing relevant skills, such as crafting effective prompts for generative AI. He remarked, “That is not a skill that anybody talked about two years ago, and it’s critically important now,” underscoring the notion that proficiency in AI tools could provide a competitive edge in the labour market. To acquire these skills, he recommended utilising AI technologies, like chatbots, which can aid in familiarising oneself with emerging tools.
Kiki Leutner, co-founder of SeeTalent.ai, elaborated on how AI is transforming the hiring process. Traditionally, assessment tasks were reserved for high-level positions due to cost considerations; however, the capabilities of generative AI enable broader testing across various roles, capturing insights that were previously difficult to measure. Leutner’s views point to a future where soft skills, which many employers indicate are lacking, are more effectively assessed in potential hires.
Beyond technical skills, the practice of volunteering is increasingly being recognised as beneficial for professional development. Leila Saad, CEO of Common Impact, referred to a study from the University of Oxford that indicated volunteering might enhance worker well-being more than other methods of career improvement. Saad noted that using personal skills to help nonprofits, which often face resource shortages, provides dual benefits to both the employees and the organisations alike. “It feels good to give back skills you’ve honed over your entire career,” she said, suggesting increased job satisfaction and personal fulfillment can arise from such efforts.
Similarly, Jennifer Schielke, CEO of Summit Group Solutions, highlighted the potential of volunteering to provide perspective, particularly for those dealing with job loss. "If you have time to volunteer, go do it," Schielke advised, suggesting that volunteering could offer individuals a sense of purpose while aiding others.
The trend of side hustles has also gained traction, with many individuals exploring additional avenues to supplement their income or experience diversified work situations. Daniel Zhao, lead economist at Glassdoor, noted a significant rise in side gigs, particularly among younger demographics. His research indicated that 39% of US adults reported having a side job as of February, with even higher percentages among millennials and Gen Z. Zhao commented on the increase in entrepreneurship, stating, “Workers are much more willing to experiment nowadays,” accentuating the embrace of new business ideas that arose during and post-pandemic.
Moreover, Zhao mentioned a surge in new business applications, revealing a 47% increase from 2019, which he believes could energise the economy over the long term. He pointed out that entrepreneurial ventures not only serve as a supplementary income source but also foster innovation and fresh perspectives within the market.
As the employment landscape continues to change, the integration of AI, volunteering, and entrepreneurial pursuits stands out as a vital framework for professionals seeking to enhance their skill sets and expand their career opportunities in the years to come. The emphasis is on adaptability and informed engagement with these emerging trends to effectively navigate the future of work.
Source: Noah Wire Services