Why Upskilling is Essential for Career Growth in Today’s Digital Economy

In a rapidly evolving digital economy, upskilling has become essential for businesses that strive for innovation, as well as working professionals who want to become more skilled and valuable as their current job functions change. Automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and remote work are reshaping industries and job opportunities at a very fast pace, and keeping up with in-demand skills is vital. 

However, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, skills gap is the primary barrier businesses cite as hindering their growth. The report also mentioned that job disruption will equate to 22% of current jobs by 2030, with 170 million new roles set to be created and 92 million displaced. Nearly 40% of core skills required across different job functions are expected to change, and bridging the skills gap needs swift action as this could leave millions of professionals around the world at risk of losing their jobs and businesses slowing down growth. 

As more technological advancements take place, leaders and employees alike must think big. 

Upskilling: Narrowing the skills gap for economic growth 

More than just being equipped with essential skills such as active learning, resilience, time management, critical thinking, and data literacy, there is a growing need for advanced tech-related skills especially in AI, big data, and network and cybersecurity to name a few. 

A recent survey found that 96% of businesses across Southeast Asia plan to invest in upskilling, particularly in preparation for widespread AI adoption. 62 out of every 100 workers in Southeast Asia are expected to reskill and upskill by 2030, and hiring new employees who already have these emerging skills will become more prevalent. This investment is not only about survival and staying ahead of the competition; it is about enabling long-term growth.

The Philippines is no stranger to the growing demands in the modern workforce. The IT-BPM Association of the Philippines reports in their 2028 roadmap that the tech industry is expected to generate 150,000 application developer jobs that would need to be filled in the next six years. According to the Economist Impact survey, digital skills are pivotal. Advanced digital skills such as IT support, cybersecurity, and data analysis and visualization are crucial to the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, which is a major contributor to the Philippine economy. 

In order to meet these demands, educational institutions must step up to help increase employability and promote long-term success by offering quality education and flexible opportunities to upskill.

Supporting modern learners 

Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) is a digital-first, online college that offers college degrees in BS Information Technology. The fully online program has development-focused and business-focused specializations that give students more direction and develop skills that will give them the edge to stay valuable in the employee pool. The development-focused specialization includes Software Development and Network and Cybersecurity, while the business-focused specialization features Data Analytics, Marketing Technology, and Entrepreneurship Technology. 

Fully committing to a college degree helps with job security and paves the way to a brighter future, and an online degree opens more possibilities for working students and working professionals. But now there are more opportunities to learn and thrive that are equally accessible and flexible. 

Certification programs that align with global in-demand skills are also an ideal option for job seekers with no work experience, professionals who want to level up or shift careers, and working students and working professionals who want to stay ahead and relevant amidst a rapidly changing economy. 

This program can also be completed fully online at your own pace with the help of both learning coaches and peers. What makes it different is the added career development support that most other platforms don’t offer. After completing your certification, you’ll have the opportunity to consult with a dedicated Career Development Officer who can help you identify job opportunities aligned with your new skills. You’ll also receive guidance from an academic coach who can help you stay on track and understand the material better. At the same time, 24/7 AI support is available to answer questions or explain concepts on demand — so you get both real-time help and human insight when it matters most.

Courses such as Virtual Assistance, Social Media Marketing, Content Creation, Digital Marketing and E-commerce, and Data Analytics are just a few of the curated online offerings available. Students will have access to content from top organizations and universities around the world and will receive certificates from globally recognized institutions such as Google, Meta, IBM, and Adobe. 

MMDC's Certification Programs cost as low as P9,000 and may take 3 to 12 weeks to complete, depending on the selected certification program and the time students are able to set aside to complete their chosen course. 

Whether it be an online college degree or short courses, working students and working professionals are empowered to thrive in a space that is quickly shifting and changing. The future of work demands more than just experience; it requires adaptability and continuous learning for future-ready careers.

Upskilling, most especially for digital skills, is such a powerful tool that can drive individuals to succeed in any industry. Through innovative educational institutions, learners can gain the skills, credentials, and the confidence that they need on their terms and focus their efforts on career advancement one learning moment at a time. 

Develop the right skills, learn from top industry leaders, and build lasting confidence with modern, tech-driven education. Working students can thrive in the industries shaping tomorrow with MMDC. Experience it yourself and enroll now!

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