Go further with a “learn-it-all” mindset

Along your career journey, having a curious and open-minded attitude will serve you well. By being alert to new learning opportunities, you can develop new skills, evolve your goals based on new information, and make changes according to your own timeline. Exploring the unknown is a deeply human instinct and doesn’t have to mean an immediate (or dramatic) change, it just makes you better equipped for whatever life may bring. Get inspired and start broadening your professional horizons with: 

• Learning courses for today’s most in-demand skills
• A renewed focus on adaptability
• AI-powered networking assistance

Get the skills that will put you in demand

Amid AI’s continued influence on the world of work, there are certain skills that can help you stay in control of your career—whether you’re looking for success in your current role or an altogether new opportunity. According to a recent LinkedIn survey, 9 out of 10 global executives agree that soft skills are now more important than ever. Being able to communicate clearly, work empathetically, and collaborate effectively will be essential on your growth journey. 

LinkedIn just released the findings from our annual global inventory of the most in-demand skills for professionals, further solidifying the importance of these soft skills. As a resource for your continued curiosity, we’ve paired the top skills with free LinkedIn Learning courses, unlocked through May 31, 2024:

• Communication: connect and inspire teams in a hybrid workplace.

Learn more: Communication Skills for Modern Management with Jean Marie DiGiovanna

• Customer service: maintain a people-centered approach to relationships and trust.

Learn more: Customer Service Foundations with Jeff Toister. Get certified with this learning path: Zendesk Customer Service Professional Certificate.

• Leadership: empower people for organizational growth.

Learn more: Top 10 Rules for Highly Effective Leadership with Todd Dewett

• Project management: keep complex workloads organized. 

Learn more: Project Management Skills for Leaders with Dana Brownlee

• Management: transform employee engagement and bottom-line results.

Learn more: Coaching and Developing Employees with Lisa Gates

Explore the rest of the top 10 most in-demand skills and check out the accompanying courses with the full list here.

Embracing adaptability in 2024

If you clicked on any of those LinkedIn Learning links, you’re demonstrating the top skill of the moment: adaptability. In addition to identifying the most in-demand skills, we looked at those that grew most quickly in a defined six-month period from 2022 to 2023, and adaptability rose to the top of the list. 

"Adaptability is looking at everything that is changing in work and seeing where the opportunities are—for you and your career but also for the organization you work at," LinkedIn VP and Workforce Expert Aneesh Raman told Business Insider. "And that starts by being able to focus on what you bring to the table."

The pace of change in the world of work is only predicted to increase, and staying adaptable gives you an advantage in navigating job transitions, hybrid teamwork, and new technology like AI. Leading with curiosity and investing time in building new skills will help your teams stay composed in times of volatility and give you more agency in your career. Read Aneesh’s post here for more insights into becoming an adaptable “learn-it-all.” 

Jumpstart connections with AI-powered writing assistance

Somewhere out there, somebody has the job you want or is an expert in the skill you’re just learning. And while connection may be just one message away, we know that crafting that first message can feel daunting. Between the blinking cursor and your recipient’s long list of accomplishments, how do you craft a message that’s personal, engaging, and respectful? Now, LinkedIn Premium members can conquer the blank page with built-in messaging support. 

With a Premium subscription, users will be able to prompt an AI-powered messaging assistant to pull information from both the sender and recipient’s profiles, your current relationship, and your goal of connecting (such as to introduce yourself or ask about their previous work experience), to draft a message. From there, you can review the included details and fine tune the language with your personal voice before hitting “send.” Once you've gotten the conversation started, check out additional features to help you network smarter in the year ahead. 

What will you get curious about this year? 💭 Find more learning opportunities and expert insights by subscribing to In the Loop today.