How to future-proof your skills

By: Janice Mejías Avilés, Edited by: Gabriela Pérez Jordán

Last updated: June 3, 2025

With global economic risks on the rise, now is the time to prepare for potential changes in the workforce. One way to stay ahead is by strengthening the skills that employers value most during uncertain times.

Learn which skills can help protect your career, and discover how to build or sharpen them over time.

What are recession-proof job skills?

According to the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 Chief Economists Outlook report, 56% of economists expect global economic conditions to worsen this year.

That level of uncertainty can shift how companies hire, spend, and restructure. A weakened global economy also makes it more important to focus on the skills that hold value even during financial downturns.

Recession-proof skills tend to hold up well no matter what's happening in the economy. Communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and digital fluency are helpful across industries and roles. While no job is totally safe from disruption, strengthening key skills can help you adapt, stay competitive, or bounce back more quickly.

3 types of recession-proof skills and how to develop them

You may not need to start from scratch. For some, that might mean learning new tools or sharpening existing strengths. For others, it could involve stepping back and rethinking what kind of work they want to do.

Either way, building versatile skills that apply across fields can make it easier to adjust when the job market shifts.

Soft skills

Soft skills are the personal traits that shape how you interact with others: communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. They can be especially useful when the economy becomes unpredictable because they help you adjust, work well with others, and stay grounded when everything is uprooted.

According to WEF's 2025 Future of Jobs Report, employers are placing growing value on the following soft skills:

• Resilience, flexibility, and agility help you adapt to uncertainty and keep making progress, even under pressure.
• Leadership and social influence allow you to guide and motivate others, whether or not you hold a formal title.
• Empathy and active listening ensure you can understand different perspectives, manage conflict, and build trust with your team.

You don't have to wait for a formal training program to improve these skills. Try asking for feedback from coworkers, joining a mentorship group, or volunteering for projects where teamwork matters.

If you prefer something more structured, an online course could be a good option.

Transferable skills

These are the skills you can take with you from one role to another, across different industries, or even into a whole new career. When the job market is uncertain, transferable skills make you more adaptable and can open up more opportunities.

WEF's 2025 Future of Jobs Report highlights a few core skills expected to stay in demand, and they're all transferable across fields.

• Analytical thinking is considered the top core skill for 2025. It helps you break down problems and make thoughtful, strategic decisions.
• Creative thinking plays a significant role in addressing challenges, especially when dealing with limited resources or unpredictable situations.
• Curiosity and a habit of lifelong learning keep you up to speed as technology and industries shift.

You can build these strengths in practical ways, like joining cross-functional projects, asking thoughtful questions in meetings, or committing to a personal learning habit. For example, you could set a goal to enroll in one online course per quarter or regularly read industry reports.

Technology skills

As organizations continue to automate operations, technological skills are increasingly important, even in non-tech roles. A baseline of digital literacy is now expected across most industries.

Some of the most in-demand technology skills include:

• Artificial intelligence and data analysis
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud computing

You can build tech skills by working on real-world projects or enrolling in online programs relevant to your professional interests. In fast-moving fields like tech, continuous learning isn't just helpful, it's expected.

Other ways you can recession-proof your career

Consider these additional strategies to strengthen your career resilience during a recession:

1. Stay connected with your network

Nurturing personal connections may lead to new opportunities. Start with your closest friends, family, and former coworkers. Ask if they know of any leads or upcoming openings. If possible, attend in-person or virtual networking events through Meetup or Eventbrite.

Explore alternative professional communities, such as GitHub, Behance, Vimeo, Reddit, or Discord groups. These spaces can help you connect with alumni, industry peers, or potential collaborators.

2. Keep up with industry trends

Sectors respond differently to economic shifts, so context matters. Follow news and trends in your industry to see how a recession is forecasted to impact you. Learn new skills and refine your existing knowledge with continuous learning that supports relevant skill-building.

Balance industry trends with making your career work for you, not only to future-proof your job or to assure financial stability but also to find fulfillment in your new path.

3. Distinguish yourself with an advanced degree

Going back to school isn't always necessary, but in some cases, it can give you an edge. A master's degree, doctorate, or a short-term program like an executive education or a professional certificate can help you deepen your expertise or move into a different field.

If you're considering pursuing an advanced degree during a rough economy, it's worth weighing the costs carefully.