How to reskill in times of uncertainty

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Key takeaways

• AI trends signal it's time to reskill, regardless of your industry or current role.
• Reskilling means switching tracks, not just learning more. It's uncomfortable, but necessary.
• Success depends on full commitment. Stick with it — even when it's hard or boring.

Why reskilling matters right now

Sometimes the signal is loud — a headline about layoffs in your industry or an AI model replacing another creative role. But sometimes it's quieter. You hear a new acronym in a meeting and have no idea what it means. Everyone seems to be using a tool you've never touched.

The job market is shifting fast, and most people can feel it. In a 2025 edX survey, 65% of U.S. workers said they're considering upskilling or reskilling due to economic pressure. Sixty-two percent said AI anxiety is making them consider upskilling or reskilling to stay relevant. However, only 4% are actively doing something about it.

"The early sign of reskilling is paying attention to the market," says Holly Lee, a certified career coach and former global recruiting leader for Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. "Right now, AI is the buzzword. If you're in tech or non-tech. It doesn't matter what industry. It's time."

Lee draws a quick distinction:

• Upskilling helps you go deeper into what you already do.
• Reskilling prepares you to do something else while leveraging your core expertise.

Neither is better than the other. But if you're asking what this moment calls for, the answer is probably reskilling.

Who needs to consider reskilling?

Recent grads with non-tech degrees

You studied psychology, communications, or another broad field, and now you're staring at job listings that expect fluency in tools you've never used. The market wants tech literacy, not just domain knowledge.

"No one has time or money to go back and get an engineering degree," says Lee. "But you can take a course, get certified, and gain the knowledge."

If you've just graduated, this is the perfect time to build your credentials while momentum is still on your side. Lee points to reskilling with certifications like AWS Cloud Solutions Architecture as a smart first step: low cost, rigorous, and versatile. Even if you're not in tech, showing you understand how digital infrastructure works can immediately set you apart.

You don't need full-time experience yet, just proof you're willing to learn. Volunteer for a nonprofit, take on a small freelance project, or start building a portfolio.

Career shifters from disrupted industries

You've built a career in a field now shaken by automation, AI, or post-pandemic shifts, and you know it's time to pivot. But where? And how, without starting from scratch?

Start by being strategic. Lee suggests asking yourself:

• What industry are you targeting?
• Who's going to read your résumé?
• What have you done and built that's transferable to a new sector?
• Which credentials could round out your skills?

"If you're in the tech industry, you can go into healthcare, manufacturing, or construction. They all use the same technology. If you can code and know systems design, you can do the same thing for other industries," says Lee.

Don't fake titles to look relevant or catch the attention of a recruiter; it can backfire. Instead, draw clear lines between what you've done and what that new industry needs.

If you're already employed, ask to do more. Volunteer for stretch projects. "You should never be comfortable," Lee says. "If you are, you're going to fall behind. Be uncomfortable, try something new."

Mid-level professionals who've hit a ceiling

As a mid-level professional, you've mastered the day-to-day operations by now. You're good at your job, but promotions have passed you by lately, and growth feels stalled. Or maybe you're burned out.

"If you've hit a ceiling, it's probably because you're too comfortable," says Lee. "You need to snap out of it and try something different."

Here's how mid-level professionals can start to reskill, according to Lee:

• Explore roles in adjacent teams or industries to see what fits.
• Even if you're not ready to leave your job, go to interviews to understand what the market wants.
• If you're employed, rebuild your confidence by asking for more projects outside your usual lane. These opportunities lead to continuous learning.
• If you're burning out, dig deep to find out why. This will help you make smarter decisions in the future.

Once you find something that excites you, you don't need to be loud about it. Just show up, deliver, and let your work speak for itself. "When you stretch, people notice — and that's when doors start to open again," says Lee.

Seasoned managers feeling left behind

You've led teams and delivered results. But now, as AI and data-driven tools reshape decision-making, your experience feels a bit outdated.

"There's a reason some people stay after layoffs and are asked to do something different," says Lee. “It's because they have the appetite to learn and grow. Upper management recognized their work and their value."

Ask yourself: What have you really accomplished in the past year? What new skills have you built? If you're feeling left behind, that's often the reason.

For Lee, the next step is clear: Take on more. Reskilling with in-demand skills doesn't mean you have to learn to code, but you do need to understand the tech shaping your field. Building foundational AI literacy can earn the respect of your team and strengthen your leadership strategy.

Job-seekers returning from career breaks

You took time off. Maybe for caregiving, relocation, health, or burnout. Now you're ready to come back, but you're worried: Will the résumé gap hold you back? Are your skills outdated?

"There's something about a career break that just rubs people the wrong way. You don't have to explain the break," says Lee. "Just keep it professional. Say you took time off for family or travel, and move on."

Confidence is key. Before you left, what were you excited about? What did you build or lead? You can start reskilling from there.

Reconnect with your network and let people know you're returning. You may not land a job overnight, but the first step isn't explaining the gap. It's remembering your value. "Don't think taking a career break is a weakness," Lee says. "Don't forget who you are and how you got started. Get your confidence back."

Your next steps on edX

According to Lee, the most common mistake people make when trying to reskill is thinking they can do it without really committing.

You don't need to overhaul your life. But you do need a plan and the appropriate structure to stay on track. edX offers flexible courses and programs for every stage of your career, from foundational skills to executive training. Here's where to start: