For some time, students were learning skills they would not use in their professional lives in the future. Today, LinkedIn’s first Work Change Snapshot reveals that 10% of workers hired in 2024 are in roles that simply didn’t exist in 2000.

Roles such as Sustainability Manager, AI Engineer, Data Scientist, Social Media Manager and Customer Success Manager are on the rise, driven by new technologies and the growing focus on sustainability.

According to Karin Kimbrough, chief economist at LinkedIn, 70% of world leaders agree that the pace of change has never been faster. It’s not just leaders who are feeling the pressure; almost two-thirds of professionals worldwide say they feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of change in work and express the need for more support to stay on track.

The report captures the transformation of the workplace at a breakneck pace, with LinkedIn finding that 82% of business leaders in India say the demand for new roles, skills and technologies has never been greater.

As businesses adapt to rapid change, new job titles reflect industries evolving to address environmental challenges, advance digital innovation and remain competitive.

HOW IN-demand SKILLS HAVE EVOLVED

Over the past five years, the top skills people favor have almost entirely changed. Check out the list below:

AI PRIORITY AND OTHER CHANGES

Generative AI is making waves around the world, with seven in ten world leaders prioritize AI adoption by 2025.

As Ruchee Anand, Head of Talent Solutions at LinkedIn India, says: “Adopting AI is not just about keeping up; it’s about empowering teams, fostering innovation, and creating a resilient workforce ready to thrive.

Indian workers are also feeling the pressure: 69% of HR professionals say expectations are at an all-time high, And more than half view AI skills as essential to career advancement.

Beyond AI skills, the next five years will see another 50% of our professional skills evolve. Besides AI integration, the top three changes professionals are experiencing include successfully working remotely or from home and navigating multi-generational teams.

LINKEDIN’S AI INITIATIVES

To meet the demand for emerging skills, LinkedIn has rolled out new AI-powered tools, such as its Hiring Assistant and an AI-driven coaching feature.

LinkedIn Learning has also grown, now offering more than 1,000 AI-focused courses to help professionals keep pace with industry developments.

As roles in the workplace evolve, so do the skills needed to fill them. Traditional experience alone is no longer enough: today’s job market favors those who are willing to adapt, with an emphasis on technology, sustainability and adaptability.