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Continuing Education

Skills Over Degrees: How Lifelong Learning Is Redefining Career Success

Tufts University By Tufts University
3 min read
Oct 31, 2025

Table of Contents

Key Insights

  • Employers are prioritizing skills over degrees, creating new pathways for professionals to demonstrate value and advance their careers.
  • Lifelong learning has become essential as technology and AI reshape the global workforce, demanding continuous skill development.
  • Tufts University College empowers learners at every stage, from high school to retirement, to gain practical, industry-relevant experience through flexible programs.

A growing number of employers are rethinking what truly matters when hiring, and it’s no longer just about degrees. 

According to LinkedIn News, less than half of U.S. senior leaders now view a college degree as essential for career advancement. Instead, the focus has shifted to what professionals can do — their skills, adaptability, and ability to deliver results in a fast-changing workplace.

At Tufts University College, we’ve long understood that meaningful learning doesn’t stop with a diploma. It continues throughout life, evolving alongside industries, technologies, and personal goals. That’s why our programs are designed to help learners of every age and stage strengthen the skills that open doors, whether you’re preparing for college, advancing your career, or seeking new intellectual challenges.

A Changing Mindset: The Rise of Skills-First Hiring

The traditional career path (earn a degree, then find a job) is no longer the only route to success. LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Survey found that nearly one in five job postings in the U.S. no longer list a college degree as a requirement. Instead, employers are emphasizing hands-on experience and real-world skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving — competencies that often develop through flexible learning and applied practice.

This shift benefits both job seekers and organizations. Companies that hire based on skills rather than credentials are more likely to make strong matches, retain high performers, and build more inclusive workforces. For professionals, it means there are now more ways to demonstrate value through portfolios, certifications, and continued education that reflect curiosity and initiative.

Why Lifelong Learning Matters More Than Ever

The LinkedIn report also highlights how the rise of AI and automation is reshaping the workforce. The World Economic Forum estimates that 59% of the global workforce will need training by 2030 to keep pace with technology’s rapid evolution. That means lifelong learning is no longer optional. It’s essential.

At Tufts University College, we see this as an opportunity. Our Professional and Continuing Education offerings help working professionals and adult learners build the skills employers need most today — from data analytics and digital transformation to leadership and communication.

Flexible formats make it possible to learn on your schedule:

  • Professional certificates and other industry-aligned credentials offer practical, focused learning you can apply immediately.
  • Online and hybrid options make it easier to balance education with work and life commitments.
  • Faculty and industry-expert instructors ensure every course reflects current trends and real-world applications.

These programs aren’t just about adding a credential to your résumé. They’re about expanding your capacity to think critically, collaborate effectively, and adapt confidently, the very qualities defining the modern workforce.

Skill-Building for Every Stage of Life

Tufts University College offers learning pathways that align with how people actually grow:

Each of these pathways reflects Tufts’ mission: expanding access to high-quality education beyond the traditional degree path. Whether you’re learning to strengthen your résumé, start a new career, or simply follow your curiosity, you’ll find programs designed for the way you live and learn today.

Turning Learning into Opportunity

The move toward skills-first hiring isn’t an excuse to “do less.” It’s an invitation to learn differently. Professionals who invest in their own growth — who stay curious, build networks, and seek out new learning opportunities — are better positioned to adapt, compete, and thrive.

Tufts University College provides accessible, high-impact learning experiences that help you stay ahead of change and connect to a community of learners and experts. 

Explore how our programs, courses, and offerings can help you build the skills that matter most:

For more insights on the skills-first hiring movement, read the full LinkedIn News article.
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