Ways to stay relevant at work when AI keeps changing the rules
AI is changing the workplace — fast. Even top performers could get left behind if they don’t keep up. That might mean learning new AI tools, developing different skill sets or even pivoting to a new role altogether. No matter your industry, adaptability is becoming just as important as experience.
According to LinkedIn's 2025 Work Change Report, 70% of the skills used in today's jobs are projected to evolve by 2030, with AI playing a significant role in this shift. Staying relevant isn't just about working harder; it's about adapting smarter.
Here are five practical ways to stay ahead in an AI-driven job market — from reskilling and upskilling to rethinking your career strategy.
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Upskill with intention
One of the most effective ways to stay relevant in an AI-driven job market is through upskilling, or expanding your current skill set to meet new demands. But it’s not just about adding more tools to your belt; it’s about choosing the right ones.
For instance, an engineer who already analyzes data may upskill by learning Python, a programming language. or new machine learning platforms.
“In the last decade, a lot of the engineers who came into the workforce didn't know Python, but they had the basic skills to learn Python,” says career expert and author of “Navigate Your Career: Strategies for Success in New Roles and Promotions,” Dr. Shveta Miglani. That foundation made upskilling easier and more impactful, she explains.
The payoff is clear: A 2025 analysis by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found that workers who acquire middle-skill training (more training than a high school diploma but less than a bachelor's degree) — particularly in high-demand sectors like STEM, management and protective services — earn up to 38% more.
The takeaway: Upskilling is no longer optional. It's a strategic investment in staying employable. Start by identifying the skills that are emerging in your field and seek out short courses, certifications or internal training opportunities to close the gap before it grows.
Reskill to stay relevant
While upskilling helps you grow within your current role, reskilling prepares you to move into a new role — either within your current industry or in a different one — as job demands evolve. In an AI-disrupted job market, that might be the smartest move of all.
“Reskilling is when you have a group of people and their job is changing,” explains Dr. Miglani.
This isn’t just hypothetical; it’s already happening. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs Report, 60% of workers will require training by 2027 to keep pace with evolving job demands, but only half of employees currently have access to adequate training opportunities.
In early 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor announced nearly $200 million in grants to expand Registered Apprenticeship programs in fields like clean energy, IT, healthcare and advanced manufacturing. In 2025, a new executive order followed, aiming to further expand apprenticeship and training programs by streamlining federal workforce development efforts and encouraging broader industry participation.
Employers are also investing in workforce transformation. Take manufacturing, for example. As automation increases, companies don’t necessarily want to lose longtime employees who hold valuable institutional knowledge and relationships.
“They’ll put them in an expedited two-to-three-month program that reskills them and makes their job descriptions different,” Dr. Miglani says.
The result? A company might eliminate the title of “manual manufacturing engineer” and create a new one: “AI manufacturing engineer.”
The takeaway: If your current job is shifting, reskilling is a key way to future-proof your career and avoid being left behind. Dr. Miglani recommends checking in with your manager or team leaders to understand which roles are evolving, what skills are needed next and how you can get ahead of the curve.
Use accessible (and affordable) learning tools
One of the most effective and affordable ways to stay competitive and current in today’s workplace is to tap into learning tools built for emerging technologies. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Coursera and Udacity offer pay-as-you-go courses that make AI tools more accessible.
“Many courses on these platforms are created in partnership with top universities or industry leaders, so listing them on your resume can show initiative and readiness for your next role,” Miglani says.
In addition to external resources, many employers also offer internal tools. Some employer platforms, such as Workday and SuccessFactors, include AI-driven features that track skills, recommend training and highlight employee contributions. These tools help employers align workforce development with business goals.
The takeaway: Affordable online courses and AI-powered workplace tools make it easier than ever to build in-demand skills and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.
Get a mentor
Mentoring is another valuable (and often free) way to grow, especially when you’re navigating how AI may reshape your role.
“Mentoring is something that I truly value. It’s a chance to talk to someone who’s been there whether they’re in your organization, in your industry, or even, in different countries,” Miglani says.
The takeaway: Mentors can help you make sense of shifting expectations, recommend learning paths and offer advice on adapting your role as AI becomes more integrated.
Embrace a growth mindset
Staying relevant with AI in the workplace also means adopting the right mindset. As Miglani says, “Once you say, ‘Oh, I’ve been there, done that,’ then you’re closing a door on yourself.”
Whether you're upskilling, reskilling or seeking guidance, a growth mindset helps you learn, adapt and stay ahead of AI-driven workplace changes.
By embracing growth, you ensure your skills stay aligned with both your company’s evolving needs and the future of work itself. In a world reshaped by AI, curiosity, continuous learning and adaptability are your best career insurance.
What is Paste BN Top Workplaces 2025?
If you're looking for a job where you can upskill, we can help. Each year, Paste BN Top Workplaces, a collaboration between Energage and Paste BN, ranks organizations across the U.S. that excel at creating a positive work environment for their employees. Employee feedback determines the winners.
In 2025, over 1,500 companies earned recognition as top workplaces. Check out our overall U.S. rankings. You can also gain insights into top-ranked regional employers by checking out the links below.
This story has been updated with additional information about Top Workplaces nominations.