How to Embrace Lifelong Learning as a Non-negotiable for Career Growth

• By Shantanu Bose, Ph.D.
• 04/01/26

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 Investing in Education Is Valuable

A study by 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.

The report, Bridging the gap: Overcoming a silent standoff in America's talent economy, found that 71% of workers and 81% of employers believe in the value of investing in education. In addition, the research uncovered that 86% of employers emphasize the importance of staying current with industry developments.

So, Who Is Responsible for Making Lifelong Learning a Reality?

While employers and workers agree on the value of education, their views diverge when it comes to upskilling. Workers report that access to upskilling and reskilling is in decline, yet 75% of employers believe they are doing enough to keep workers' skills resilient in today's economy.

Less than half (45%) of workers reported access to employer-provided reskilling, a decrease from 61% in 2024. Additionally, 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 are unable to recognize what they are missing because employers aren't illuminating clear pathways for workers to upskill toward a successful future. Rather than collaborating to address issues, each side is quietly pointing fingers. Until both sides break through this stalemate, real progress will slip further out of reach.

DeVry's research findings underscore the urgency needed to close the gap and why employing proactive learning strategies will help do so.

Progress Starts with Partnership

Preparing for an uncertain future requires collaboration between workers and employers, as both groups share the responsibility of taking proactive steps toward a more aligned and rewarding future. Learning from the key insights in DeVry's report, both sides can take action by setting clear career goals, engaging in meaningful feedback, as well as creating visible career pathways that foster ownership and motivation.

Open dialogue builds trust and helps align aspirations, while durable skills like empathy, communication and adaptability remain essential for navigating change. Equipping workers with durable, future-ready capabilities — especially in technology and AI — ensures long-term resilience.

On a day-to-day level, staying adaptable, anticipating what's next, viewing every experience as a learning opportunity, as well as preparing intentionally are all critical habits for lifelong learning and growth.

Building Your Own Learning Practice

Lifelong learning isn't a one-time event — it's a continuous commitment to growth, adaptability and relevance. At DeVry University, we're dedicated to helping learners build that commitment through flexible, career-focused education designed for today's evolving workforce. Whether it's through stackable credentials, hands-on learning experiences or programs aligned with industry demands, our goal is to prepare students not just for their next job — but for a lifetime of opportunity.

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.