LinkedIn Poll: The #1 Career Growth Priority in 2025 Might Not Be What You Think!

In the fast-evolving corporate world, career growth no longer depends solely on experience. With the ever-changing job market, the priorities of individuals, especially young minds, do not always revolve around a 9-5 job. They prioritise upskilling, building strong professional connections, and upgrading their qualifications to stay current with industry trends. According to Economic Times (2025), most hiring managers actively seek individuals who can demonstrate a commitment to career growth. Certifications, online courses, project work, and participation in industry-relevant initiatives such as internships and workshops play a key role in this career growth landscape.

To gain deeper insights into young minds and what professionals are prioritising in 2025, we at LearningRoutes conducted a LinkedIn Poll. Its objective is to explore what today’s youth prioritise for career growth. And here it is:

The Question: “What is your top priority for career growth in 2025?”

Option 1: Pursuing a Certification

Option 2: Expanding My Network

Option 3: Learning New Technical Skills

Option 4: Improving Soft Skills

The results were fascinating:

Learning New Technical Skills: 47%

It is no surprise that the majority of people choose to learn new technical skills. With AI for the future, data science in demand and cybersecurity as a necessity, building and sharpening technical skills is the perfect way for future-oriented career growth.

Here is why it matters in 2025:

92% of jobs globally require some kind of digital literacy. Roles that did not exist a few years ago, such as UX writer and sustainability analyst, are now in high demand. Having technical proficiency is no longer limited to software developers or IT system analysts. It is integral to every department, from finance and marketing to HR and operations.

Here is How You Can Improve:

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  Enrol in short-term specialised courses that offer training.
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  Participate in bootcamps, hackathons, and technical workshops.
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  Beyond Coding: Master Google Workspace, MS Office, and AI tools.

Also Check:

• Free Online Courses by IIT Madras
• Top AI and Machine Learning Certifications For Career Growth

Expanding My Network: 28%

“Your network is your net worth”. And the LinkedIn Poll has proved it, with 28% of individuals choosing to expand their network for career growth.

Here is why it matters in 2025:

According to Novoresume (2025), 85% of the vacancies in the job sector are filled by job referrals. 24% of individuals discover job opportunities through their professional network. Having a broad professional network helps you in personal and career development.

Here is How You Can Improve:

• ✅
  Actively participate in LinkedIn communities and feeds.
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  Reach out to professionals about your requirements; meet them in person for a better impact.
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  Join more professional events, workshops, and seminars in your domain.

Pursuing a Certification: 14%

Even though 14% decided to pursue certificates for career growth. Do not just slack off yet. Certification courses are often training-oriented and specialised programmes. They provide updated knowledge and skills to stay relevant in the current job market.

Here is why it matters in 2025:

92% of employers in India believe that professional certificates strengthen a candidate’s resume, says an Economic Times report. Accredited certificates hold value and recognition among employers. Available in various niches, they ensure knowledge, practical exposure, and real-world applications.

Here is How You Can Improve:

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  Depending on your niche, you can enrol in specialised certificates on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX.
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  Certificates from professional organisations such as Google, IBM, or Harvard often hold value among employers.
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  You can try free certification courses in your desired domain to ensure the course content and value.

Improving Soft Skills: 12%

With 12% of candidates giving importance to soft skills, the option for career growth is found to be underrated 一 but not among employers. Did you know, over 75% of employers face difficulty in finding the right blend of technical and soft skills?

Here is why it matters in 2025:

A report from LinkedIn Global Talent Trends indicated that 92% of professionals place equal or more importance on soft skills than hard skills. This includes effective communication, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership qualities. They contribute to enhancing the overall performance of an organisation as a team.

Here is How You Can Improve:

• ✅
  Participate more in group or team-based projects.
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  Enhance workplace vocabulary, including technical terms for effective communication.
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  Collaborate with more professionals to develop more employability and organisational skills.

The Final Takeaway

Career growth in 2025 no longer follows a single path. Whether it’s mastering technical skills, building strong networks, or earning certifications, the most successful professionals are those who stay proactive, curious, and adaptable. The results of the LinkedIn Poll highlighted an explicit shift among professionals who are investing in skills to remain relevant to industry trends. While technical proficiency led the poll, the importance of professional networking, certifications, and soft skills cannot be denied. Every priority plays a distinct role. The right priority is the one that fits your career objectives, industry, and vision.