01 02 03

2025

Job
Skills
Report
Skill and learning trends for
employees, students, and
job seekers

Job Skills Report 2025 | Introduction 1

01 02 03

Table of contents

Foreword 3

01 02 03
Introduction 4 Fastest-growing Appendix 31
The value of prioritizing workforce skills 5 job skills for 2025 9 Regional data: The fastest-growing
job skills for 2025 32
How to read this report 6 Fastest-growing AI skills 10
Technical appendix: Methodology 35
Executive summary 7 GenAI content on Coursera 14
Endnotes 37
Fastest-growing business skills 15

Learning in non-English languages 20

Fastest-growing data science skills 21

Fastest-growing tech skills 25

Grow cybersecurity skills with

Coursera Professional Certificates 29

Conclusion: Defining the path to

workforce readiness in 2025 30

Job Skills Report 2025 | Table of contents 2

01 02 03

Foreword

The state of job This year’s report reveals that the global learning experiences at scale. Employees,
workforce is embracing GenAI at an incredible students, and job seekers have engaged with
skills in 2025 pace. GenAI is now the fastest-growing skill Coursera Coach, an AI-powered guide, over six
among our enterprise learners—including million times in the past year to deepen their
I’m delighted to present Coursera’s fourth annual
employees, students, and job seekers—with understanding and practice new skills through
Job Skills Report, a look at the critical skills that
course enrollments surging by 866% year-over- interactive exercises.
individuals and institutions will prioritize in
year. More than half (54%) of GenAI course
2025. Drawing on insights from over five million The changes brought on by GenAI demand a
enrollments are from learners in India, Colombia,
enterprise learners and 7,000+ institutional new pace of learning, and we must rise to the
and Mexico, signaling what might be a shift in the
customers, this report provides a data-driven challenge together. Let this report serve as a
globalization of talent in emerging markets.
analysis of the trends shaping the future of guide to understanding the skills needed to
learning and work. The top-ranking skills across business, data thrive in the year ahead, uniting us in our shared
science, and technology also include risk mission to ensure everyone can learn, adapt,
As we enter 2025, generative AI (GenAI) will
management, cybersecurity, and data ethics, and succeed.
continue to transform jobs and industries across
highlighting the critical need to use AI in a
the globe. AI has the potential to unlock $15.7 Jeff Maggioncalda
responsible and collective way. As cyberattacks
trillion in global economic value by 2030,1 but CEO, Coursera
grow more frequent and sophisticated, 2
these gains will depend on our ability to equip
these skills will become indispensable across
people with the skills needed to harness its
industries and technical job roles.
power. To realize this potential, businesses,
higher education institutions, and governments The rise of GenAI also presents unprecedented
must work together to accelerate the rate of opportunities to enhance and personalize
workforce upskilling and reskilling.

Job Skills Report 2025 | Foreword 3

01 02 03

01

Introduction

Job Skills Report 2025 | Introduction 4

01 02 03

The value of prioritizing workforce skills

The fastest-growing job skills highlighted in Businesses Higher education institutions Governments
this report help institutions align their learning Develop comprehensive learning programs that Deliver industry-aligned curricula that Build comprehensive skills development
programs with the workforce’s skill priorities. engage, retain, and develop employees so their attracts and retains students, improving their programs that equip job seekers with skills
By understanding and addressing these trends, organization can thrive. employability and job prospects. critical to employment and economic growth.
institutions can enable career success for
employees, students, and job seekers, while
simultaneously driving retention, readiness,
and overall impact in an ever-changing world. The AI revolution is not on the horizon, it is Our goal is to bridge the gap between To build a resilient economy, we needed
already here. Its impact will be as profound theory and practice. We’re dedicated to to equip citizens with skills for the
as the Industrial Revolution or the Digital nurturing self-driven learners who can digital age. It wasn’t about weathering
Revolution. Your organization must embrace apply their knowledge to real-world the storm, but reimagining Barbados’
this transformation or risk being left challenges. By providing hands-on future in a quickly changing economy.
behind. AI literacy and fundamentals are of experiences, industry collaborations, We saw this as an opportunity to retool
immediate urgency. As a leader, you must and research opportunities, we equip our our workforce, revamping ourselves for
address that while providing familiarity with students to become innovative problem- the global marketplace.3
GenAI tools and their use cases. solvers and leaders in their chosen fields.

Dr. Allyson Leacock

Mark A. Lane, PhD Dr. Kuldeep Sharma Executive Director for the National
Strategy & Innovation Engineer, Cisco Director of Industry Alliances, Chitkara University Transformation Initiative (NTI), Barbados

Job Skills Report 2025 | Introduction 5

01 02 03

How to read this report

The Job Skills Report 2025 identifies this year’s fastest-growing

skills, drawing on data from five million learners accessing Coursera Coursera original research
through more than 7,000 institutions, including businesses, higher
education institutions, and governments.* Each year, we surface insights based on millions of data points from Coursera
learners to create in-depth resources that offer insights into the evolving How we define the
These learners provide a strong basis for identifying key skill trends
in different categories, and across our wider base of over 162 million
skills landscape. Recent resources include: fastest-growing skills
learners. “Enterprise” learners include employee learners engaging • The Industry Skills Brief 2025 identifies priority skills and roles across five The fastest-growing skills of 2025
with Coursera through their company or public-sector government key industries: Energy, financial services, professional services, retail are identified through a comparative
agency; student learners accessing Coursera through their and consumer, and technology. evaluation of Coursera enterprise
university; and job seekers pursuing learning on Coursera through learner enrollments throughout
• The Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2024 confirms that job skills are
the support of their government. 2024. Out of 1,000+ granular skills
a top priority and that industry micro-credentials aligned to career
cataloged in the Coursera taxonomy,
This year’s report not only highlights the fastest-growing skills in AI, outcomes are key to driving employability.
the fastest-growing skills are those
business, data science, and tech, but thoroughly explores high- • The Advancing Academic Integrity in Online Learning report explores that have seen the biggest increase
demand areas like GenAI and cybersecurity—reflecting the growing how higher education institutions can uphold their standards using in their overall enrollment ranking
number of job roles related to these skills. Coursera’s GenAI tools. in this period and are expected
• The Global Skills Report 2024 benchmarks the skills proficiency of to continue to grow or maintain
We trust these insights will be a practical resource for identifying
regional populations, helping institutions understand which job skills popularity in 2025.
and developing impactful skills for today’s workforce.
they should prioritize.
*Unless otherwise cited, all skills data featured in the report is based
on Coursera data. See the Methodology section for more details.

Job Skills Report 2025 | Introduction 6

01 02 03

Executive summary
An overview of key trends featured in this report

1 Demand for GenAI skills

accelerated 866% year-over-
year as enterprise learners equip
Seventy-three percent of employers are using
GenAI, with 62% stating that candidates
and employees should have at least some
2 AI skills like computer vision,
PyTorch, and machine learning
(ML) doubled in enrollments year-
3 Data ethics skills are a growing
priority for employees and
students, more so than job seekers.
familiarity with it.4 There’s an immediate need
themselves with the AI capabilities for professionals to pursue these skills to
over-year, mirroring market demand Data ethics is among the fastest-growing skills
needed to succeed at work. improve their job readiness—especially as 22% as AI and ML Specialists roles are on Coursera for employees and students, driven
Coursera experienced a 1,100%, 500%, and of recruiting professionals have updated job expected to grow by 40% over the by the need to responsibly manage and analyze
customer data. Despite the importance, there’s
1,600% spike in GenAI course enrollments among descriptions to reflect the usage of GenAI in the next four years.
employees, students, and job seekers over the role.5 At the same time, a Deloitte survey found less interest among job seekers, even though
Research estimates that AI could add $15.7 trillion
past year, respectively. There’s a distinct wave that although Gen Z—who make up a significant 60% of data leaders identify data governance as
in global economic value by 2030.7 Learners have
of job-ready talent from Colombia, India, and portion of today’s students—expresses some a primary concern.9 A Deloitte survey found that
taken substantial strides to upskill and reskill
uncertainty around AI, they’re eager to learn 78% of organizations prioritize “safe and secure”
Mexico, as 54% of enrollments came from these themselves through courses like Introduction
more to align with the future of work.6 AI use as a top ethical principle, marking a 37%
countries. The globalization of GenAI skills to Neural Networks and PyTorch from IBM increase from last year. As the demand for roles
highlights the growing need among learners to and Computer Vision Basics from University like Information Security Analysts continues to
develop the right skills employers are looking at Buffalo. While employees are utilizing their grow,10 job seekers who upskill in data ethics
for. During this time, over 400 unique GenAI organizations’ skill programs to increase their and governance will position themselves more
courses were launched on Coursera, including value, students feel the most urgency, with nearly competitively for future employment.
Introduction to Generative AI from Google 70% of graduates advocating for foundational
Cloud and Generative AI for Everyone from GenAI training in their courses.8 This marks a key
DeepLearning.AI. opportunity for higher education institutions
to expand learning programs that meet rising
demand for AI skills.

Job Skills Report 2025 | Introduction 7

01 02 03

4 Risk management and

cybersecurity skills surge into
the fastest-growing skills list, as
5 Business skills like human
resources (HR) technology and
sustainability are some of the fastest-
Fastest-growing skills overall
Rank Domain Skill Definition
businesses respond to a 75% increase growing among students. 1 AI GenAI Use AI to generate text, images, and more.
in cyberattacks in Q3 2024.11 These human skills are essential, as 84% of 2 Business Human resources (HR) technology Use tech to manage people and HR tasks.
With 93% of organizations experiencing two or managers believe new employees must possess
3 Business Risk mitigation & control Identify and reduce risks to your business.
more identity-related breaches in the past year,12 and demonstrate the ability to communicate
demand for risk management and cybersecurity in a professional manner and articulate their 4 Business Assertiveness Communicate your needs clearly
skills is skyrocketing. Additionally, nearly 90% ideas. Students show less interest in human and respectfully.
of information technology (IT) decision-makers skills than employees and job seekers. Relatedly, 5 Tech Threat management & modeling Identify and neutralize software threats.
say that GenAI will create an incredible amount 71% of Gen Z workers find it difficult to speak up
6 Tech Incident management & response Manage and resolve IT incidents.
of data that’ll need to be protected, but only and contribute in meetings.15 Instead, student
65% are backing up as little as half of that data.13 learners are prioritizing sustainability skills like 7 Business Stakeholder communications Communicate effectively with those who have
Learners are enrolling in six of the top 10 fastest- waste management and business continuity an interest in your project or organization.
growing tech skills to address this need. Coupled planning, with over half of Gen Z expressing 8 Tech Security information & Use SIEM to strengthen your security posture.
with a nearly five-million-person shortage of concern about the effects of climate change.16 event management (SIEM)
cyber professionals globally,14 developing risk These findings indicate that younger student
9 Business Business communication Communicate clearly and effectively at work.
management and cybersecurity skills allows learners cannot afford to ignore these essential
learners to position themselves as invaluable human skills, as they seek to build a balanced 10 Tech Network planning & design Design and build reliable computer networks.
assets in a highly volatile period. skills profile for workplace success.

Job Skills Report 2025 | Introduction 8

01 02 03

02

Fastest-growing
job skills for 2025

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing

Introduction job skills for 2025 9
01 02 03

Fastest-growing AI skills

Rank Skill Definition

1 GenAI Use AI to generate text, images, and more.

There is a huge cloud skills gap with millions of
2 Artificial neural networks Build computer systems that learn like human brains do.
jobs unfilled. AI, big data, and cloud skills are
3 Computer vision Teach computers to “see” and understand images.
critical, but the biggest change is coming in
4 PyTorch (machine learning library) Use this tool to build powerful AI applications.
the tools we use for our roles. Advancing AI-
5 Machine learning Teach computers to learn from data.
powered tools, and not just generative AI, will
6 Applied machine learning Use machine learning to solve real problems.
make our work more innovative and creative.
7 Deep learning Build advanced AI systems for complex tasks.
Staying ahead of the curve by learning and
8 Supervised learning Train AI using labeled examples.
using these tools, whether to boost your current
9 Reinforcement learning Train AI through trial and error.
role or help you grow into a new one, is where
10 Machine learning operations (MLOps) Manage and deploy machine learning systems effectively.
we all need to be focused.17

Jenni Troutman
Director, Products and Services, AWS Training and Certification

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 10

01 02 03

Fastest-growing AI skills by learner

Employees Students Job seekers

Coursera’s enterprise learners 1. GenAI 1. GenAI 1. GenAI
include employees accessing 2. Computer vision 2. Computer vision 2. Applied machine learning
courses through their companies 3. PyTorch (machine 3. Applied machine learning 3. PyTorch (machine
or public sector government learning library) learning library)
4. Machine learning
agencies; students engaging via
4. Machine learning 5. Artificial neural networks 4. Computer vision
their universities; and job seekers
5. Applied machine learning 6. Supervised learning 5. Reinforcement learning
accessing Coursera through the
support of their government, 6. Deep learning 7. Feature engineering 6. Machine learning
collectively providing insights into 7. Artificial neural networks 8. Deep learning 7. Deep learning
emerging skill trends. 8. Machine learning 9. Reinforcement learning 8. Supervised learning
operations (MLOps) 9. Artificial neural networks
10. Machine learning
9. Reinforcement learning operations (MLOps) 10. Machine learning
10. Supervised learning operations (MLOps)

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 11

01 02 03

Insights: Fastest-growing AI skills

1. GenAI skills are the fastest-growing Equally, it’s critical to address gender disparities While it’s encouraging to see
skills among learners who are within the AI workforce. While more women
Comparing learner trends are learning on Coursera overall (up 3% year-
so many individuals embracing
working to keep up with shifting
Employees are honing advanced
over-year), only 28% of Coursera’s GenAI course GenAI skills, we must bridge the
employer needs.
AI skills like computer vision and
enrollments are from women.19 Similarly, only gender gap in this rapidly growing
GenAI is the fastest-growing skill, as Coursera 22% of AI professionals are women, 20 leading to
PyTorch, which enable them to tackle
saw an 866% year-over-year enrollment increase biases in these models due to a lack of diverse
field. We need diverse voices
complex technical challenges and
contribute to AI-driven innovation.
across enterprise learners. Among employees, perspectives in building them. Resolving these to shape how these machine
students, and job seekers, this meant a 1,100%, disparities is essential for creating robust, learning systems are designed,
Students are prioritizing skills 500%, and 1,600% increase in course enrollment inclusive frameworks. Encouraging women to
such as supervised learning and for each group, respectively. Some of the most pursue AI skills through educational initiatives
deployed, and used ethically and
feature engineering, reflecting a popular courses across learners were Prompt and workplace policies is crucial to building responsibly. Organizations must
focus on building a deep theoretical Engineering for ChatGPT from Vanderbilt a diverse talent pool, capable of generating prioritize diverse hiring practices,
understanding of AI to improve their University and Introduction to Generative AI work that’s more inclusive as well as potentially
future career readiness. from Google Cloud. increasing global gross domestic product
ensuring women have a seat
by 20%.21 at the table to influence these
Job seekers are emphasizing While AI and big data rank as the 15th most
essential skills for mass employment today,
powerful technologies.
hands-on skills like applied machine 2. Diverse AI skills drive productivity,
learning and reinforcement learning, they’re projected to become the third-highest
innovation, and career readiness Merve Hickok
showing their intent to meet priority for corporate training by 2027.18 This
across learner groups. President & Policy Director, Center
immediate job market needs. shift emphasizes the importance of GenAI
for AI and Digital Policy and Lecturer,
skills both for student career development and As organizations increasingly adopt AI-
University of Michigan
employee competitiveness. driven solutions, different learner groups on
Coursera are cultivating unique AI skills to

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 12

01 02 03

support their career goals and organizational

impact. Employees are focusing on advanced,
application-oriented skills like reinforcement
learning and MLOps, positioning themselves
Insights in action Teaching the building blocks
Recommended strategies for leveraging
to boost productivity and enhance business of GenAI is crucial. This entails
the data and insights from this report
outcomes. Nearly all executives (96%) view AI teaching not only the technical Coursera Coach gives
agents—autonomous programs that perform learners the support
complex tasks using data—as transformative
aspects, but also understanding
Businesses they need
assets over the next three years, 22 making these Create AI skill development initiatives to
how to use these tools effectively
Coursera Coach, an AI-powered
skills highly valuable in today’s job market. help employees boost productivity, enhance within specific domains, guide, is transforming how
Students prioritize foundational AI skills such
customer satisfaction, and drive economic gains. whether it’s in HR, writing and learners enhance and personalize
as supervised learning and feature engineering, Higher education institutions composition, or math.23 their upskilling and reskilling
aligning with a longer-term goal of technical experiences. Enterprise learners
Integrate AI tools into curricula to prepare
expertise that will serve them in diverse on Coursera can use the guide to
students for success in a changing job market.
future roles. Job seekers emphasize applied clarify complex concepts, prepare
machine learning to gain relevant, job-ready Governments for assessments, summarize key
competencies for high-demand roles like AI Invest in AI and automation training programs to points, and relate new knowledge to
Specialist and Computer Vision Engineer. Dr. Jules White
enhance the efficiency of public service delivery professional scenarios.
Director of the Initiative on the Future of
and ensure responsible technology deployment.
Learning and GenAI, Vanderbilt University Since its launch this year, 15 million
Learners questions have been asked through
Develop AI skills to improve employability, Coach, with nearly half coming from
productivity, and prepare for an automated enterprise learners—employees,
job landscape. students, and job seekers.

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 13

01 02 03

Coursera spotlight

GenAI content on Coursera

In 2024, more than 400 unique GenAI courses increasingly popular across all learner groups. Below are the top five most popular GenAI
were launched on Coursera, reflecting the These skills are essential for effectively using AI courses by learner, based on total year-over-
rising demand for skills in this transformative tools in diverse professional contexts, making year enrollments.
technology. Explore course insights and the most prompt engineering a critical competency for
popular courses across each enterprise learner. staying competitive in an increasingly AI-driven Employees Students Job seekers
job market.
Foundational AI courses Google AI Essentials
Introduction to Generative AI: Prompt
Generative AI Engineering Basics
catalyze learning Unlike students and job seekers,
Courses such as Google AI Essentials and employees are more focused on Generative AI
Google AI Essentials Google AI Essentials
for Everyone
Introduction to Generative AI from Google Cloud broader GenAI applications
are ranked highly among employees, students, Employees show more interest in courses like Introduction to Generative AI: Prompt Engineering
Generative AI Introduction and for ChatGPT
and job seekers, demonstrating a shared focus Generative AI for Everyone from DeepLearning. Applications
on building a solid foundation in GenAI concepts. AI and Generative AI with Large Language Generative Generative AI:
AI with Large Prompt Engineering Introduction and
Models from AWS and DeepLearning.AI,
Language Models for ChatGPT Applications
Prompt engineering skills are a must indicating a focus on understanding broad
GenAI capabilities. As 80% of the engineering Prompt Engineering Generative AI: Prompt Introduction to
With 22% of recruiting professionals updating
workforce will require GenAI upskilling by 2027, 25 for ChatGPT Engineering Basics Generative AI
job descriptions to reflect the use of GenAI, 24
employees must be well-versed in applying AI to
courses like Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT
drive productivity and innovation in their roles.
from Vanderbilt University and Generative
AI: Prompt Engineering Basics from IBM are

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 14

01 02 03

Fastest-growing business skills

Rank Skill Definition

1 Human resources (HR) technology Use tech to manage people and HR tasks.
HR tech is key to optimizing employee
2 Risk mitigation & control Identify and reduce risks to your business.
experiences, from talent acquisition to
3 Workplace technologies Use tools to improve business processes.
development. In a tight labor market, retention
4 Stakeholder communications Communicate effectively with those who have an interest in your project
or organization. is paramount, with a renewed focus on learning,
5 Workforce development Train and develop employees’ skills.
development, career pathing, total rewards,
6 Project Management Institute Manage projects effectively using proven PMI methods.
and culture. To succeed, organizations need
(PMI) methodology integrated technology and intuitive workflows
7 Human capital Develop and empower your workforce for success. that empower teams with valuable analytics.
8 Risk management Identify and mitigate potential threats proactively.

9 Microsoft PowerPoint Use this tool to create impactful presentations that inform and persuade.

10 Project portfolio management Centralize the management of multiple projects.

Mark Hanson
VP of Strategy, Lightcast

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 15

01 02 03

Fastest-growing business skills by learner

Employees Students Job seekers

Coursera’s enterprise learners 1. Risk mitigation & control 1. Human resources 1. Workplace technologies
include employees accessing 2. Stakeholder communications (HR) technology 2. Talent recruitment & strategies
courses through their companies 3. Workplace technologies 2. Waste minimization 3. Project Management Institute
or public sector government 3. Business continuity planning (PMI) methodology
4. Digital communications
agencies; students engaging via
5. Project Management Institute 4. Disaster recovery 4. Employee retention
their universities; and job seekers
(PMI) methodology 5. Microsoft PowerPoint & onboarding
accessing Coursera through the
6. Human capital 6. Report writing 5. Risk mitigation & control
support of their government,
collectively providing insights into 7. Workforce development 7. Talent recruitment 6. Active listening
emerging skill trends. 8. Compliance auditing & strategies 7. Compliance management
& reporting 8. Ethical standards & conduct 8. Project portfolio management
9. Risk management 9. Risk management 9. Trend analysis
10. Project management 10. Marketing 10. Human resources
office (PMO) (HR) technology

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 16

01 02 03

Insights: Fastest-growing business skills

1. Human resources technology skills demand expertise, ready to take advantage Equipping individuals with
are crucial for navigating the future of growing opportunities in HR and workforce
cybersecurity skills is crucial—
Comparing learner trends management fields.30
of work. these skills strengthen
Employees are prioritizing risk
Human resources (HR) technology skills like
mitigation & control, human capital,
Course recommendations organizational defenses against
human capital and workforce development rank
and workforce development to
as some of the fastest-growing in the business
Human Resource Management: HR attacks and empower people
for People Managers Specialization
bolster organizational resilience—
domain—highlighting the need for companies to with fulfilling careers. The Google
skills less frequently emphasized
invest in managing and developing their teams.
by students.
The Manager’s Toolkit: A Practical
Guide to Managing People at Work
Cybersecurity Professional
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a
nearly 10% increase in HR Specialist and Manager Certificate provides a direct path
Students are focusing on Leading: Human Resource

sustainability-related skills such roles over the next eight years.27 Companies are Management and to in-demand skills and promising
Leadership Specialization
taking steps by building HR, tech, and other skill
as waste minimization, business career opportunities in the field.
continuity planning, and disaster initiatives for their workforces.28 Additionally,
recovery. This emphasis positions government agencies can implement programs
for HR and workforce skills to support upskilling 2. Risk management skills are on the Amanda Brophy
them well to meet rising demand for
green jobs.26 and reskilling civil servants. rise amid growing cyber threats. Director, Grow with Google
Risk mitigation & control, along with broader
Job seekers prioritize workplace Companies are shifting from traditional
risk management skills, are some of the fastest-
technologies, talent recruitment, and information retrieval methods to using new
growing for job seekers and employees, driven
Project Management Institute (PMI) technologies like AI chatbots, requiring
by a surge in cyberattacks. In 2023 alone, there
methodology, seeking versatility for HR professionals to be proficient in
were over 2,300 breaches affecting more than
immediate employment. these technologies to effectively support
343 million people.31 The rise in cyber incidents
employees.29 By developing HR technology
has made organizations prioritize protection
skills, learners position themselves with in-

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 17

01 02 03

strategies, leading to a need for professionals 3. Project management skills are 4. Students prioritize Students focusing on sustainability can leverage
who can effectively identify, assess, and foundational for navigating sustainability skills to meet the increased hiring rates associated with green
mitigate risks. Among employees who are more skills. Workers with at least one green skill have
complex work environments. growing market demand.
directly involved in safeguarding company a hiring rate 129% higher than the workforce
assets, risk-related skills are three of the top 10 Project management skills, especially those Students recognize the importance of average, and sustainability job hiring grew nearly
fastest‑growing. based on the Project Management Institute sustainability skills for the future as over half 40% in the past year.39 By acquiring sustainability
(PMI) methodology, are crucial in today’s work are extremely concerned about the impacts of skills, students can position themselves as
Despite being digital natives, students are environments. PMI methodology focuses climate change.36 Among the 10 fastest-growing leaders in one of the most important and
less focused on risk management due to less on skills like stakeholder communications, business skills for students, three are related rapidly-growing job sectors.
awareness of cybersecurity threats.32 To address conflict resolution, and adaptability—key for to sustainability: waste minimization, business
this, higher education institutions can encourage effective project delivery. PMI estimates that continuity planning, and disaster recovery. The Course recommendations
faculty to shift curricula to properly prepare 25 million new project management roles growth of these skills is aligned with job growth
students for this risk-focused workforce. The Sustainable Development
will be needed by 2030, creating a wealth of in the industry, with the World Economic Forum
Goals—A global, transdisciplinary
opportunities for learners to develop skills and ranking sustainability as the second fastest- vision for the future
The rising costs from cybercrime—projected to
secure employment.35 growing job role from 2023 to 2027.37
reach $10.5 trillion by 202533—further highlight Driving business towards the
the importance of having skilled individuals in Employees, students, and job seekers can However, there’s still a gap between the demand Sustainable Development Goals

risk management. Enterprises are taking steps take steps to meet this demand. Students can for green skills and the workforce’s ability to fill
and investing in roles like Risk Management pursue micro-credentials like the Google Project these roles. Job postings for “green” roles are Introduction to Sustainability

Specialists, which the World Economic Forum Management: Professional Certificate or engage growing almost twice as fast as the number of
projects as one of the fastest-growing jobs.34 in project-based learning to gain essential workers with the skills to fill them, and only one
project management skills. Job seekers can build in eight people currently have skills relevant
communication and project management skills to mitigating the climate crisis.38 This marks a
to position themselves as job-ready. Employees significant opportunity for all learners to stand
can upskill through programs that emphasize out in the job market.
similar skills, as well as areas like active listening
and feedback delivery.

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 18

01 02 03

Insights in action As AI transforms the way we Things are changing faster

Recommended strategies for leveraging
work, strong leadership is more than ever before, which means
the data and insights from this report
vital than ever. Deloitte is focused that our employees need to be
Businesses
on developing leaders who can reskilled now more than ever. If
Invest in risk management training to protect foster deep human connection we don’t have the people with the
against cybersecurity threats and build resilience and inspire their teams in our right skills, then we can’t grow
within the workforce.
increasingly tech-driven world. our business.40
Higher education institutions This is why we’re investing heavily
Bas Puts
Incorporate project management and HR in leadership development
technology skills into curricula to prepare Global Head of Learning and Skill
students for evolving job roles and market needs.
programs that prioritize empathy, Architecture, Siemens
resilience, and authenticity.
Governments
Align job-training programs to labor market
needs to increase employment and match Aruna Pawaskar
sustainability skills to workforce needs. Director, Deloitte India

Learners
Focus on gaining sustainability and HR skills to
increase employability and address pressing
market demands.

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 19

01 02 03

Coursera spotlight

Learning in non-English languages

Coursera uses machine learning to expand Ukrainian employees are taking partnered with Coursera to give students
Employees
access to translated content, encompassing advantage of upskilling programs access to content from 350+ global partners,
more than 4,600 courses and 55 Professional helping learners develop job skills and earn 1. Spanish
Ukrainian ranks among the top five languages
Certificates in over 20 popular languages. On career credentials.45 2. Arabic
for job seekers and employees, likely due
the right side of the page, we’ve listed the top 3. French
to initiatives like ReSkill UA,42 which aims to
languages that employees, students, and job Spanish and French see steady growth 4. Ukrainian
help Ukrainians upskill and retrain for new
seekers are learning in, aside from English.
job opportunities.43 This emphasizes the in course enrollments 5. Indonesian
importance of targeted programs in supporting Learners taking courses in Spanish and French—
Arabic language learners focus on Students
workforce development and job readiness in both in the top three languages for employees,
career opportunities specific regions. students, and job seekers—have seen sustained 1. Spanish
With 9.4 million Coursera learners in the Middle growth, with over 25 million registered users in 2. French
East and North Africa—encompassing 2% of Indonesian language learners join new each language on Coursera. 3. Arabic
the labor force in the UAE and 1% of the labor upskilling initiatives 4. Russian
force in Saudi Arabia—Arabic is the top language
Learners have taken steps to develop new skills 5. Indonesian
for job seekers. Forty percent of people in the
through Prakerja, the Indonesian government’s
region cite a lack of suitable opportunities as a
largest workforce training program.44 The Job seekers
key challenge.41 This suggests that learners are
initiative provides over 6,000 training modules to 1. Arabic
proactively using Coursera to overcome barriers
nearly 19 million learners, over half of whom are
and enhance their job readiness. 2. Spanish
women. Additionally, the University of Indonesia
3. French
4. Russian
5. Ukrainian

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 20

01 02 03

Fastest-growing data science skills

Rank Skill Definition

1 Data ethics Use data responsibly and ethically.

Online learning has been instrumental in my
2 Data visualization Create visuals that tell stories with data.
journey to becoming a software engineer. The
3 Business analytics Use data to make better business decisions.
diverse, expert-led courses have provided me
4 Data access Manage the storage and access of data.
with a solid understanding of programming
5 Data governance Keep business data accurate and secure.
languages, software development, and
6 Data storytelling Use data to tell compelling and persuasive stories.
practical skills through project work. The
7 Data strategy Use data effectively to achieve business goals.
flexible learning format allows me to study on
8 Data wrangling Clean, organize, and prepare data for analysis.
my terms, making Coursera online learning an
9 Marketing analytics Use data to improve marketing campaigns.
invaluable resource for preparing for my career
10 Extract, transform, load (ETL) Relocate and reformat data for specific needs.
and meeting employer expectations.

Oulame Alehiane
Student, École Marocaine des Sciences de l’Ingénieur (EMSI)

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 21

01 02 03

Fastest-growing data skills by learner

Employees Students Job seekers

Coursera’s enterprise learners 1. Data ethics 1. Data analysis software 1. Marketing analytics
include employees accessing 2. Business analytics 2. Data access 2. Business analytics
courses through their companies 3. Information management 3. Data ethics 3. Data transformation
or public sector government
4. Game theory 4. Statistical reporting 4. Data wrangling
agencies; students engaging via
5. Data strategy 5. Data governance 5. Data mapping
their universities; and job seekers
accessing Coursera through the 6. Marketing analytics 6. Data synthesis 6. Data import/export
support of their government, 7. Data governance 7. Data storytelling 7. Extract, transform, load (ETL)
collectively providing insights into 8. Data mapping 8. Data visualization 8. Web scraping
emerging skill trends. 9. Forecasting 9. Data quality 9. Data governance
10. Correlation analysis 10. Database administration 10. Data validation

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 22

01 02 03

Insights: Fastest-growing data science skills

1. Data ethics and governance skills The focus on data ethics and governance aligns Organizations experimenting with
are foundational to careers in with broader organizational demands to enhance
Comparing learner trends data literacy.
GenAI are cautious about proper
the field. use, ethics, bias, and especially
Employees and students are Employees, students, and job seekers have the
Data ethics and data governance are two of
prioritizing data ethics, reflecting chance to upskill and address this workforce
risk exposure. Many are deploying
the fastest-growing skills for employees and
the growing emphasis on
students, likely due to businesses’ obligation to need. Job seekers who prioritize not only data new governance frameworks to
responsible data use and compliance
properly manage customer data, and students’ analysis but also ethical considerations are in comply with evolving laws and
across industries. high demand among employers and typically
desire to improve their job readiness. Meanwhile,
earn a wage premium.49
standards. Upskilling in data
Students are also focusing on job seekers are more focused on analytical skills,
likely driven by the projected above-average ethics and governance is crucial,
foundational skills like data access
growth of Marketing Analyst roles over the next 2. Mastering data analysis and as data breaches have been
and data visualization, preparing
few years.46 With the rise of AI technologies, data literacy skills is central to
for diverse roles that require prevalent for years. Cybersecurity
both technical competencies these skills are vital for the future of work and career success.
highlight the immediate need for upskilling risks will only grow as these
and the ability to communicate Data analysis and literacy skills, like wrangling
data effectively. among employees.
and mapping, are becoming indispensable for powerful technologies advance,
Currently, only 27% of data professionals actively professionals at all levels as businesses prioritize creating new vulnerabilities.
Job seekers are concentrating
check for skewed or biased data during data roles in this field. Despite their importance,
on practical, hands-on skills like
ingestion, and just 17% of companies have a only 11% of employees feel fully confident in
extract, transform, load (ETL), data
dedicated data governance committee.47 As their ability to read, analyze, work with, and
wrangling, and web scraping, which
a result, data leaders want employees to be communicate data.50
are geared toward operational and
data manipulation. equipped with the necessary skills to maintain Mark Hanson
data ethics and integrity upon hiring.48 VP of Strategy, Lightcast

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 23

01 02 03

The growing demand for data-literate 3. Data storytelling is imperative for Course recommendations demands of data-driven industries and ensure
professionals is evident, with 85% of C-suite effective communication. responsible data practices.
Data Analysis and Visualization
executives believing that data literacy will be
According to our findings, data storytelling Foundations Specialization Governments
as essential as computer skills in the future.51
continues to be one of the most valuable skills Implement training initiatives focused on data
Additionally, employment of Data Scientists is Data Visualization with
for all enterprise learners. It enables individuals Tableau Specialization governance and ethics to enhance transparency
expected to grow to 36% by 203352—which is 9x
to interpret raw data, extract meaningful and maintain public trust in data handling
higher than the anticipated 4% growth across Share Data Through the Art
insights, and communicate those findings in a and processes.
all roles.53 of Visualization
compelling way to influence business outcomes.
Learners who develop data skills can enhance In 2025, data storytelling is expected to become Learners
their career prospects, help organizations stay a widespread means of consuming analytics, Develop skills in data storytelling and literacy to
competitive, and contribute meaningfully to highlighting a valuable opportunity for upskilling stand out in a competitive job market, turning
their teams. to craft narratives that can drive action.54 data insights into impactful narratives that can
shape business and societal outcomes.
Course recommendations A recent study found that participants reviewing Insights in action
datasets were more effective at accurately Recommended strategies for leveraging
Professional Certificate
Google Data
comprehending insights derived from data the data and insights from this report
Analytics Professional Certificate
stories versus conventional visualizations.55
Preparing Data for Analysis This highlights how data storytelling skills will
with Microsoft Excel Businesses
shape productive communication outcomes in
the workplace. Being able to interpret data and Invest in data storytelling training to empower
Managing Data Analysis
convey the story behind it is a powerful tool for your teams to transform complex data into
guiding decision-making and achieving strategic actionable insights that drive decision-making
goals. And with the influx of AI technologies used and boost revenue.
to process large volumes of data, possessing
Higher education institutions
the skills to work with these tools is just as
Integrate data literacy and ethics courses into
important as being able to derive insights and tell
curricula to prepare students for the growing
a cohesive story.

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 24

01 02 03

Fastest-growing tech skills

Rank Skill Definition

1 Incident management & response Manage and resolve IT incidents.

As we align our training with the DoD Cyber
2 Threat management & modeling Identify and neutralize software threats.
Workforce Framework (DCWF), we are witnessing
3 Security information & Use SIEM to strengthen your security posture.
event management (SIEM)
a sharp rise in demand for cybersecurity skills
4 Computer security Protect your digital information and systems.
like incident management & response and threat
5 Vulnerability management Find and fix security weaknesses in systems and software.
management & modeling across government
6 Network planning & design Design and build reliable computer networks.
and industry. At DigitalU, we’ve integrated these
7 Network management Keep computer networks running smoothly.
essential skills into our curriculum, offering
& monitoring tailored competencies for learners at all levels,
8 Software documentation Write clear instructions for using software. aligned with DCWF work roles.
9 Infrastructure security Protect essential computer infrastructure systems.

10 Data analysis expressions (DAX) Analyze data and uncover insights with powerful formulas.

Tim Armstrong
Learning & Development Lead, Air Force Digital University

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 25

01 02 03

Fastest-growing tech skills by learner

Employees Students Job seekers

Coursera’s enterprise learners 1. Threat management & modeling 1. Security information & event 1. Infrastructure security
include employees accessing 2. Computer security management (SIEM) 2. Load balancing
courses through their companies 3. Incident management 2. Computer security 3. Network planning & design
or public sector government & response incident management 4. Email security
agencies; students engaging via 3. Network monitoring
4. Network performance 5. Malware protection
their universities; and job seekers
management 4. Software documentation
accessing Coursera through the 6. Software development
5. Security information & event 5. Computer architecture methodologies
support of their government,
management (SIEM) 6. Pseudocode
collectively providing insights into 7. Information
emerging skill trends. 6. Vulnerability management 7. Systems development life cycle technology operations
7. Network monitoring 8. Threat management 8. Software documentation
8. Network planning & design & modeling 9. Transmission control protocol/
9. Transmission control protocol/ 9. Microarchitecture internet protocol
internet protocol 10. Embedded software 10. Dynamic host configuration
10. Software documentation protocol (DHCP)

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 26

01 02 03

Insights: Fastest-growing tech skills

1. Cybersecurity sees extensive through upskilling. By developing cybersecurity To enhance government security,
demand across all learners. skills like SIEM, learners can make themselves
Comparing learner trends more desirable to employers.
public sector leaders should
Cybersecurity and risk management skills are consider a comprehensive
Employees are upskilling in threat the fastest-growing in tech for 2025, reflecting These skills are not only crucial for mitigating
management & modeling much more employers’ pressing need to fill relevant roles. current threats but also align with the
approach to cybersecurity
than students and job seekers, likely Six of the top 10 skills—including incident growth of cybersecurity-related jobs. With a training. Start by evaluating your
due to the need to actively protect management & response, threat management nearly five-million-person shortage of cyber team’s current proficiency, then
their workplaces. & modeling, and SIEM—are direct pathways to professionals, 58 there are plenty of opportunities
meet these needs. These skills also align with for students and job seekers to enter this field. As
create tailored learning pathways
Students are focused on learning
the fastest-growing roles on Coursera, such cybercriminals become more sophisticated and that include not only cybersecurity
about security information &
event management (SIEM) and
as Cybersecurity Specialist, Chief Information use more advanced technologies, the demand skills, but those in AI, IT, and data
Security Officer, and Cybersecurity Analyst. for cybersecurity professionals will only grow,
network monitoring.
making these skills essential for career success.
science. This tech-focused training
Job seekers are prioritizing
The urgent need for security is likely due will help your organization bolster
to the growing number of cyberattacks. In
infrastructure security and software
Q3 2024, there has been a 75% increase in
public trust in the digital era.59
development methodologies,
attacks, 56 making effective incident and
highlighting a broader focus on
threat management critical for mitigating
both securing and optimizing
risks. Additionally, more than half of public
digital systems. This contrasts
organizations cite a lack of resources and skills
with students’ narrower emphasis
as their biggest obstacle to achieving cyber Rav Ahuja
on technical support and
resilience, 57 showing a gap that can be addressed Global Program Director, IBM
incident management.

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 27

01 02 03

2. Technology skills address growth with expertise in security technologies, and by

in computer and information gaining proficiency in IS skills, learners position
themselves to meet this demand and play an
security jobs. Insights in action Data privacy and security for AI
essential role in shaping a secure digital future.
Recommended strategies for leveraging
As cybercriminals have developed more starts by having a really good
sophisticated attack strategies, exploiting the data and insights from this report
weaknesses in digital systems, the demand
Course recommendations understanding of the new risks
for computer and information security (IS) IT Fundamentals for
Businesses
posed by LLMs in particular
skills has grown immensely.60 This skill growth Cybersecurity Specialization
Implement upskilling programs in cloud because GenAI is so new.
reflects the need for organizations to protect
sensitive information using technologies like
Cybersecurity for Everyone computing and cybersecurity to drive Organizations need to have
operational resilience and innovation.
AI, automation, cloud security, and cyber safeguards, both through systems
Cybersecurity Operations
threat intelligence.
Fundamentals Specialization
Higher education institutions and technology, but also policies
The growth in information security roles reflects
Integrate emerging tech skills into curricula, and procedures.64
preparing students for careers in high-demand
industry trends: Computer and Information
tech fields. Clara Shih
System Manager roles are expected to see a
17% increase from 2023 to 2033,61 significantly Governments CEO, Salesforce AI
faster than the 4% average for all occupations.62 Develop skill-building initiatives that enhance
Additionally, Information Security Analyst digital infrastructure and ensure secure public
roles are projected to grow by 33% over the service delivery.
next decade.63 For learners, this presents an
opportunity to specialize in skills that directly Learners
contribute to improving organizational resilience Build expertise in trending tech skills like
and securing information systems against cyber cybersecurity and AI to improve employability in
threats. Employers are seeking candidates a tech-driven job market.

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 28

01 02 03

Coursera spotlight

Grow cybersecurity skills with Coursera Professional Certificates

Coursera has five cybersecurity Professional

Certificates and Specializations, which can help
Google IBM University of California, Irvine
prepare learners for other certifications like
CompTIA Security+, including: Computer Networks Introduction to
IT Security: Defense Against
the Digital Dark Arts and Network Security Cybersecurity & Risk
Learn the process of identifying and Learn the measures and protocols Management Specialization
responding to suspicious activity implemented to safeguard a Develop skills to assess the severity of
or security violations within a network of connected devices from cybersecurity threats to prioritize tasks
computer network. unauthorized access. with the biggest impact.

Infosec University of Michigan

Cyber Incident Python for

Response Specialization Everybody Specialization
Learn the approach to quickly respond Learn how to write code in the scripting
to security incidents to minimize language Python to instruct a program
damage and loss. to perform particular tasks.

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 29

01 02 03

Conclusion: Defining the path to

workforce readiness in 2025
There is a heightened demand for GenAI, Cultivating digital fluency, ethical data practices,
cybersecurity, and data-based skills, and with and adaptability is the key to career success in
the roles that employers are looking to fill, it has a rapidly evolving landscape. The insights and
become critical to capitalize on these shifts to trends highlighted here provide a roadmap Coursera empowers learners with the
ensure job readiness. The pace of technological for learners and institutions to navigate this skills for thriving careers in an ever-
changing world. Coursera unites a
advancement means that those who adapt complex, innovation-driven world. Now is
global ecosystem that includes:
quickly will thrive, while those who hesitate the time to act, to ensure that everyone stays
may risk missing out on these opportunities. prepared, relevant, and ready to succeed in both
Employers are seeking talent that can the near and distant future. 162M+ 7,000+
immediately enter a role and make an impact. learners institutions

Businesses, higher education institutions,

and governments must act decisively to equip 5M+ 100
enterprise learners countries
learners with these essential skills, driving
concrete outcomes that improve workforce
Contact us to learn how we can partner
resilience and competitiveness. By fostering
with you to ensure your program
capabilities in AI, cybersecurity, and data literacy,
is impactful and aligned to your
we empower individuals to not only meet current
institution’s objectives.
demands but also anticipate and adapt to
future disruptions.
Request a consultation

Job Skills Report 2025 | Fastest-growing job skills for 2025 30

01 02 03

03

Appendix

Job Skills Report 2025 | Appendix 31

01 02 03

Regional data: The fastest-growing

job skills for 2025
Asia Pacific Europe
Rank AI skills Rank Business skills Rank AI skills Rank Business skills

1 GenAI 1 Human resources (HR) technology 1 GenAI 1 Risk mitigation & control

2 Artificial neural networks 2 Risk management 2 Artificial intelligence 2 Stakeholder communications

3 Computer vision 3 Risk mitigation & control 3 Computer vision 3 Risk management

4 Machine learning operations (MLOps) 4 Stakeholder communications 4 Machine learning operations (MLOps) 4 Project Management
Institute (PMI) methodology
5 PyTorch (machine learning library) 5 Waste minimization 5 Machine learning
5 Project portfolio management

Rank Data science skills Rank Tech skills Rank Data science skills Rank Tech skills

1 Data ethics 1 Incident management & response 1 Data ethics 1 Threat management & modeling

2 Statistical reporting 2 Security information & 2 Information management 2 Security information &
event management (SIEM) event management (SIEM)
3 Data synthesis 3 Data integrity
3 Computer security 3 Network monitoring
4 Data strategy 4 Data storytelling
4 Threat management & modeling 4 Network performance management
5 Data governance 5 Data access
5 Vulnerability management 5 Computer security

Job Skills Report 2025 | Appendix 32

01 02 03

Latin America and the Caribbean Middle East and North Africa

Rank AI skills Rank Business skills Rank AI skills Rank Business skills

1 GenAI 1 Media planning 1 GenAI 1 Compliance training

2 Computer vision 2 Media strategy 2 Computer vision 2 Compliance auditing & reporting

3 Artificial intelligence 3 Risk mitigation & control 3 Artificial intelligence 3 Compliance management

4 Machine learning 4 Risk management 4 Machine learning software 4 Human resources (HR) technology

5 Applied machine learning 5 Warehouse operations 5 Machine learning methods 5 Budgeting

Rank Data science skills Rank Tech skills Rank Data science skills Rank Tech skills

1 Marketing analytics 1 Network planning & design 1 Data ethics 1 Web content accessibility guidelines

2 Data ethics 2 Incident management & response 2 Data mapping 2 Network monitoring

3 Data mapping 3 Security information & 3 Data analysis software 3 Network performance management
event management (SIEM)
4 Data governance 4 Forecasting 4 Threat management & modeling
4 Email security
5 Business analytics 5 Data governance 5 Security information &
5 Threat management & modeling event management (SIEM)

Job Skills Report 2025 | Appendix 33

01 02 03

North America Sub-Saharan Africa

Rank AI skills Rank Business skills Rank AI skills Rank Business skills

1 GenAI 1 Workforce development 1 GenAI 1 Enterprise resource planning

2 Artificial intelligence 2 Project Management 2 Computer vision 2 Technical consulting

Institute (PMI) methodology
3 Machine learning 3 Artificial neural networks 3 Tax preparation
3 Human capital
4 Applied machine learning 4 Artificial intelligence 4 Tax compliance
4 Employee retention
5 Machine learning methods 5 Machine learning methods 5 Workforce development
5 Risk mitigation & control

Rank Data science skills Rank Tech skills Rank Data science skills Rank Tech skills

1 Extract, transform, load (ETL) 1 Intrusion detection & prevention 1 Data ethics 1 General data protection
regulation (GDPR)
2 Data warehousing 2 Threat management & modeling 2 Data strategy
2 Software documentation
3 Data transformation 3 Infrastructure security 3 Graphing
3 Intrusion detection & prevention
4 Data wrangling 4 Network performance management 4 Data transformation
4 Threat management & modeling
5 Data ethics 5 Network monitoring 5 Data wrangling
5 Event-driven programming

Job Skills Report 2025 | Appendix 34

01 02 03

Technical appendix: Methodology

About Coursera learner data An individual’s ability to access and use Coursera representing broad populations, but rather, as a
Outcome of
is influenced by many factors, including internet way of indicating directional shifts in enterprise
The skill trend analyses in this report represent a
infrastructure, educational background or past learner interest. Learner
view of the world through the nearly five million
training, and local culture or norms. We also use
enterprise learners on Coursera. While Coursera
learner profile data such as location. The Coursera Skills Graph

Goal of
facilitates the education of more than 162 million
is a p
total learners, enterprise learners are those who The results may also be influenced by local The Coursera Skills Graph maps the connections ar

en
Required by
are specifically enrolled in a course on Coursera

t of
economic or social conditions. For example, among skills, content, roles, and learners on the
Skills
Career
through a partnership between Coursera and economic downturns sometimes drive learners Coursera platform.
a business, higher education institution, or to Coursera. Our industry partnerships also
government. A person can be enrolled in multiple For the Job Skills Report 2025, we leverage the
sometimes quickly bring thousands of new
classes, but we count them as a learner once. following parts of the Coursera Skills Graph:
learners onto the platform. The results of this
Taught by
report may also reflect the availability of new Skill to skill
Our skills taxonomy is periodically updated to Specializations, courses,
content launched by Coursera partners. Describes the connections among skills and & Guided Projects
stay relevant and accurate. This year’s report
leverages our expanded Skills Taxonomy generates a skills taxonomy where broad, higher-
In general, our goal is to objectively represent Assessed by
2.0, which includes a tenfold increase in level skills are parents of more granular, lower- • Quiz
what is happening across the Coursera • Assessment
scorable skills based on data from Lightcast. level skills. The granularities range from level 1
ecosystem. Sometimes our results capture • Programming
Consequently, slight variations in skill rankings (broadest) to level 3 (most specific). assignment
what is happening across an entire economy.
may occur from year-to-year. When interpreting Other times, the demographics and behavior Skill to content
these rankings, we advise focusing on broader of Coursera learners mean that some results Maps skills to the Coursera courses that teach
trends rather than specific ranks. should not be extrapolated or interpreted as them. The skills in the Coursera Skills Taxonomy

Job Skills Report 2025 | Appendix 35

01 02 03

are mapped to the content that teaches them Coursera enterprise learner enrollments in accessing courses through their companies or We tracked the distinct learner usage and unique
using a machine learning model trained on a content that teaches the skill. We then calculate public sector government agencies; students question counts directed to Coursera Coach
dataset of instructor- and learner-labeled skill-to- growth as follows: engaging via their universities; and job seekers from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, to
content mappings. The model considers features accessing Coursera through the support of their analyze interaction patterns.
1. For each time period, rank each skill by its
like occurrence counts in lecture transcripts, government, collectively providing insights into
enrollment share in descending order (say
assignments, and course descriptions, as well as emerging skill trends.
skill S is ranked 70th in the start period and
learner feedback.
50th in the end period)
Additional methodologies
2. Compute the “rank improvement” of skill S
Calculating fastest-growing skills To calculate the year-over-year GenAI
by comparing the start period rank and the
among enterprise learners enrollments growth, the data was segmented by
end period rank (skill S rank improvement is
To determine which skills are growing the fastest, two periods: the previous year, which includes all
70 - 50 = 20)
we study enrollments throughout two year- data collected before October 1, 2023, and the
3. Fastest-growing skills are the skills with the
long periods: current year, encompassing data up to October
largest rank improvement (if skill S2 has a
1, 2024. The year-over-year growth metric
rank improvement of 25 ranks, it grew more
1. October 1, 2022, through was derived by comparing these two periods,
than skill S1 that saw a rank improvement of
September 30, 2023 (the “start period”) highlighting the change in performance and
20 ranks)
2. October 1, 2023, through growth trajectory of GenAI initiatives over the
We consider the same set of skills in both the
September 30, 2024 (the “end period”) past year. GenAI courses were identified using
start and end period: all granularity 3 skills in a keyword search on course names to classify
Among the 1,800+ granularity 3 skills on Coursera’s skill taxonomy, which spans business, relevant content.
Coursera’s platform, only 1,060 skills that technology, and data science domains. The
contribute to the top 98% of enrollments notion of whether a course teaches a skill is The most popular machine learning translation
are considered, excluding those with lower derived from the Coursera Skills Graph, which languages were identified by ranking enrollment
enrollment numbers. was described earlier in this appendix. counts from October 1, 2023, to September
30, 2024, to determine language popularity
For each of the two periods, we measure each The fastest-growing skills data is calculated for among learners.
skill’s popularity by calculating the share of all enterprise learners, including for employees

Job Skills Report 2025 | Appendix 36

01 02 03

Endnotes

1. Global Artificial Intelligence Study: 10. Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S. 18. Future of Jobs Report 2023 (World 27. Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S.
Exploiting the AI Revolution (PwC, 2024) Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024) Economic Forum, May 2023) Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)

2. 2024 Identity Security Threat 11. A Closer Look at Q3 2024: 75% 19. Global Skills Report 2024 (Coursera, 2024) 28. PwC Pulse Survey, CHRO and human
Landscape Report (Cyberark, 2024) Surge in Cyber Attacks Worldwide capital leaders (PwC, October 2024)
20. AI’s Missing Link: The Gender Gap in the
(Check Point, October 2024)
3. Government Spotlight: Preparing Talent Pool (Interface, October 2024) 29. Technology Vision 2024: Human by
Barbados for a Digital-Ready Workforce 12. 2024 Identity Security Threat design — How AI unleashes the next level
21. New Data Show Massive, Wider-
(Coursera, October 2024) Landscape Report (Cyberark, 2024) of human potential (Accenture, 2024)
than-Expected Global Gender Gap
4. 2024 Graduate Employability Report 13. Global Data Protection Index (World Bank Group, March 2024) 30. Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S.
(Cengage Group, July 2024) (Dell Technologies, 2024) Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)
22. Technology Vision 2024: Human by
5. The Future of Recruiting 2024 (LinkedIn, 2024) 14. Employers Must Act as Cybersecurity design — How AI unleashes the next level 31. ITRC Annual Data Breach Report
Workforce Growth Stalls and Skills of human potential (Accenture, 2024) (Identity Theft Resource Center, 2023)
6. 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey
Gaps Widen (ISC2, 2024)
(Deloitte, September 2024) 23. Transforming Higher Education through 32. Cybersecurity awareness amongst university
15. UKG Study Reveals Digital Communication For-Credit Online Learning (Coursera, 2024) students (Bottyán, October 2023)
7. Global Artificial Intelligence Study:
is Preventing Gen Z from Getting Ahead
Exploiting the AI Revolution (PwC, 2024) 24. The Future of Recruiting 33. 2023 Official Cybercrime
in the Workplace (UKG, July 2024) 2024 (LinkedIn, 2024) Report (eSentire, 2023)
8. 2024 Graduate Employability Report
16. Global Network Survey Finds Students More
(Cengage Group, July 2024) 25. Gartner Says Generative AI will Require 34. Future of Jobs Report 2023 (World
Urgently Focused on Sustainability (Yale 80% of Engineering Workforce to Upskill Economic Forum, May 2023)
9. 56% of Data Leaders Are Increasing School of Management, February 2024) Through 2027 (Gartner, October 2024)
Their Budgets: Insights from 300+ 35. Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends,
17. Global Skill Trends Shaping the Future
Data & Analytics Leaders for 2023 26. Future of Jobs Report 2023 (World Costs, and Global Implications (Project
of Work and Learning (Coursera, 2024)
(Humans of Data, March 2023) Economic Forum, May 2023) Management Institute, June 2021)

Job Skills Report 2025 | Appendix 37

01 02 03

36. Global Network Survey Finds 45. CampusTalks Insights: University 54. 4 Data & Analytics Trends CFOs Can’t Afford 63. Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S.
Students More Urgently Focused on of Indonesia Equips Students for to Ignore (Gartner, September 2021) Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)
Sustainability (Yale, February 2022) Industry 4.0 via For-Credit Online 55. Data Storytelling in Data Visualisation: Does 64. Understanding Generative AI Risks: A
Learning (Coursera, November 2024)
37. Future of Jobs Report 2023 (World it Enhance the Efficiency and Effectiveness Learning Leaders Guide to Ethical, Data,
Economic Forum, May 2023) 46. Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S. of Information Retrieval and Insights and Legal Concerns (Coursera, July 2024)
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024) Comprehension? (Shao, et al., May 2024)
38. Global Green Skills Report
2023 (LinkedIn, 2023) 47. Global survey: The state of AI in 2021 56. 2024 Identity Security Threat
(McKinsey, December 2021) Landscape Report (Cyberark, 2024)
39. Global Green Skills Report
2022 (LinkedIn, 2022) 48. 56% of Data Leaders Are Increasing 57. Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2024 (World
Their Budgets: Insights from 300+ Economic Forum, January 2024)
40. How to Evaluate the Business Impact
Data & Analytics Leaders for 2023
of Learning Insights from Coursera’s 58. Employers Must Act as Cybersecurity
(Humans of Data, March 2023)
CLO and Customers (Coursera, 2024) Workforce Growth Stalls and Skills
49. Digital skills for all? From computer literacy Gaps Widen (ISC2, 2024)
41. Middle East jobs market more
to AI skills in online job advertisements
competitive in 2024, survey says (The 59. Train the next generation of
(Sostero and Tolan, July 2022)
National News, January 2024) cybersecurity talent with world-
50. Data Literacy: The Upskilling class content (Coursera, 2024)
42. Government Spotlight: Ukraine’s ReSkill
Evolution (Qlik, 2022)
UA Initiative (Coursera, October 2024) 60. 8 Reasons Demand for Cybersecurity
51. Data Literacy: The Upskilling Professionals Will Keep Rising
43. Reskill UA project from Coursera and
Evolution (Qlik, 2022) (University of Tulsa, December 2023)
Happy Monday (Happy Monday, 2024)
52. Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S. 61. Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S.
44. How Indonesia’s government’s workforce
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024) Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)
training programme reaches those who
need it most (GovInsider, October 2024) 53. Employment Projections 2023-2033 62. Employment Projections 2023-2033
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024) (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)

Job Skills Report 2025 | Appendix 38

01 02 03

Job Skills Report 2025 | Introduction 39