Are you taking advantage of today to achieve your career goals for tomorrow? In 2025, the workplace landscape has transformed dramatically—with AI reshaping job requirements, hybrid work models becoming the norm, and 39% of workers' core skills needing updates by 2030. Many professionals don't realize they have access to powerful resources to advance their careers right now.
If you want career growth, you need a strategic plan. Where you are today reflects the effort and purpose you've invested in the past. The question is: how will you achieve greater growth going forward? Here are 10 strategies to help you take your career to the next level in today's rapidly evolving workplace.
1. Develop AI Literacy and Skills
Professionals are now more than twice as likely to acquire AI skills compared to 2018, making AI literacy one of the most critical differentiators in today's job market. Even occupations traditionally less associated with technology—including recruiters, marketers, and healthcare professionals—are now seven times more likely to acquire AI skills than just six years ago.
To be clear, you don't need to become a programmer to benefit from AI. Rather, focus on understanding how AI tools can enhance your specific role. Prompt engineering—the ability to craft clear, effective instructions for AI tools like ChatGPT—enables employees to generate more accurate and useful outputs across a range of tasks in various industries. Learn to work alongside AI as a collaborator that amplifies your capabilities rather than replaces them.
Generalized professional skills (critical thinking and problem solving) as well as human skills (initiative, leadership, and communication) are emerging alongside the growth of AI. Of course, the most successful professionals will combine technical proficiency with uniquely human abilities that AI cannot replicate.
2. Embrace Continuous Learning as a Lifestyle
By 2030, 39% of existing skill sets will be transformed or become outdated, making continuous learning absolutely essential.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella lives by a "learn-it-all" philosophy, meaning someone with less innate talent but a commitment to learning will ultimately outperform someone with more natural ability who stops growing.
Considering this, set aside dedicated time each week for professional development. This might include:
- Industry-specific podcasts
- Online courses
- Professional certifications
- Staying up-to-date with trends in your field
The key is making learning part of your routine rather than a one-time event. Subscribe to industry newsletters, join professional communities, and commit to learning something new related to your field every week.
Moreover, certifications and micro-credentials can add a competitive edge to your degree, providing specialized knowledge that sets you apart.
3. Master Remote and Hybrid Work Excellence
In Q3 2025, 24% of new job postings were hybrid and 12% were fully remote, making remote work proficiency increasingly valuable. Hybrid work has increased year over year, with 73% of workers reporting their companies haven't changed their remote or hybrid policies in the past year.
To excel in this environment, develop strong virtual communication skills, learn to manage your time effectively across different settings, and become proficient with collaboration tools, like Slack or Microsoft Teams. Among employees who have weekly check-ins and clear performance expectations, 65% report feeling more productive and less isolated in remote settings.
If you work in a hybrid model, 85% of high performers believe office time helps their career advancement. Be intentional about how you use your in-office time to maximize these unique benefits!
4. Find Your Purpose and Align Your Work
This isn't just about your job title—it's about understanding what you're meant to accomplish and what drives you. It’s predicted that in 2026, employees will prioritize roles and career paths that better align with what matters most to them, including flexibility, purpose, autonomy, growth opportunities, and well-being.
Reflect on what led you to your field in the first place. Connect your innate skills and passions to your current role, and seek daily opportunities that fulfill that deeper purpose. When work aligns with one’s values, most find greater satisfaction and perform at a higher level.
Consider keeping a journal to track which tasks energize you and which drain you. This self-awareness helps you make strategic career decisions that leverage your natural strengths.
5. Build a Diverse Professional Network
While a strong work community is beneficial, surround yourself with individuals outside your immediate field who can help you grow. Strategic connections with professionals in complementary fields can expand your influence and opportunities.
In the remote work era, networking looks different. Some ideas:
- Engage with peers and leaders through professional webinars and virtual meetups
- Join online communities related to your industry
- Participate in LinkedIn discussions
- Attend virtual conferences
The goal is to build relationships with people who see the world from different perspectives, and can introduce you to new ideas and opportunities.
Remember: don’t limit networking to your industry. A marketing professional might gain valuable insights from an educator, while an engineer could benefit from connections with business strategists—and vice versa. Cross-functional relationships often spark the most innovative thinking.
6. Set and Exceed Clear Expectations
Skills-based hiring has become the dominant model, with employers increasingly focused on what you can actually do rather than just your credentials. Thus, aligned expectations are key to demonstrating your value.
Sit down with your manager and simply ask: "What are your expectations of my role?" While perhaps a bit intimidating, this question will give you clarity and demonstrate initiative. Use their expectations as a framework for how you work, creating a point on the horizon to aim toward.
Once you understand expectations, think of practical ways to exceed them. Document your achievements, quantify your impact, and proactively communicate your contributions. Especially in remote work environments, visibility matters—make sure your excellent work doesn't go unnoticed.
7. Expand Beyond Your Job Title
Find opportunities to volunteer for projects that align with your passions and stretch your abilities. You'll showcase your skills while learning through the process. Though tech-related roles are the fastest-growing jobs, growth opportunities exist across all functions.
There's value in being a specialist, but developing knowledge to speak into different aspects of your organization gives you credibility and comfort in meetings and conversations with colleagues. This broader perspective positions you for leadership roles down the line.
Look for cross-functional projects, offer to help with initiatives outside your department, or develop expertise in emerging areas relevant to your industry on a routine basis.
8. Cultivate Human Skills That AI Cannot Replace
As organizations grasp the full extent of what AI can do, they're also recognizing all that it can't do (read: tasks that require uniquely human abilities).
Focus on developing:
- Emotional intelligence and empathy
- Creative problem-solving that goes beyond pattern recognition
- Adaptability to navigate uncertainty
- Communication that builds trust and understanding
- Critical thinking to interpret AI-generated insights
While AI can generate data, human judgment is required to interpret and apply insights effectively. As AI leader Kai-Fu Lee puts it: "AI is great at optimizing, but AI cannot invent something new.” Innovating effectively is where human creativity comes in.
9. Prioritize Well-Being and Sustainable Performance
In 2025, 79% of remote professionals report lower stress, and 82% say their mental health is better with flexible work. However, career growth requires sustainable practices that support long-term performance.
Be sure to set boundaries between work and personal life, especially in remote settings where the lines can blur. Take breaks, maintain physical health through regular exercise, and protect time for relationships and activities that recharge you. Burnout doesn't serve your career.
Companies are recognizing that wellness impacts productivity and profitability, and in turn, are taking proactive steps to address burnout and improve work-life balance. Take advantage of the wellness programs your employer may offer, but also create your own support systems.
10. Seek Mentorship and Give It Back
Find a mentor whose career trajectory you admire. Most individuals love to share their experience and expertise. Plus, remote employees with a clear development plan and mentorship access are 2.4 times more likely to say they feel optimistic about their career trajectory.
Agree on clear expectations: How often will you meet? Will you prepare questions? A meetup once every quarter is a good target, as the experience shouldn't add stress for either party.
As you grow, also look for opportunities to mentor others. Teaching solidifies your own knowledge and builds leadership skills. Among employees who have weekly check-ins and clear performance expectations, 65% report feeling more productive, highlighting the value of regular developmental conversations.
The Bottom Line: Intentional Growth in a Transforming Workplace
While 92 million jobs may be displaced by AI and automation through 2030, 170 million new roles are expected to emerge—resulting in a net gain of 78 million jobs globally. This transformation presents an immense opportunity for those who strategically prepare.
Career success in 2026 requires:
- Proactive skill development, especially in AI and technology
- Adaptability to new work models and tools
- Strong human skills that complement rather than compete with AI
- Continuous learning as a lifestyle, not an event
- Strategic networking across disciplines and geographies
You've already worked hard to get where you are. Now is the time to invest in yourself with intention, aligning your growth with both where the workplace is heading and what brings you fulfillment.
Advance Your Career at PLNU
Point Loma Nazarene University offers programs designed to help working professionals grow their careers while balancing other commitments. Whether you're looking to complete your bachelor's degree through our Accelerated Undergraduate Programs or pursue graduate education, PLNU provides flexible learning options that fit your life.
Our programs emphasize not just academic knowledge but also the practical skills, ethical foundation, and holistic development that prepare you to thrive in today's complex workplace. Take the next step in your career journey—connect with a counselor to explore how PLNU can help you achieve your professional goals.