The Top Career Trends You Need to Know About in 2025 

As we head further into 2025, the career landscape continues to shift in response to new technology, evolving work expectations and industry demands. Whether you're preparing for your first job or looking to grow in your field, staying on top of these trends can help you stay competitive.  

I’m Chris Spangler, Associate Director of Career Development at Herzing University. With over 15 years of experience in higher education — from career coaching to student services — I’ve supported students in healthcare, business, and technology as they navigate their career paths. Here’s what you need to know about the top career trends this year and how you can use Herzing’s Career Development resources to get ahead. 

1. AI is Reshaping Every Field 

Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we work — and it’s not just for tech majors. In healthcare, AI is supporting patient diagnostics and monitoring, while business professionals use AI for data-driven decision-making and workflow automation. Tech students are already deep into AI-driven software and cybersecurity. To keep up, it’s important to understand how AI applies to your field and how to build skills that complement this technology. Herzing students can use Career Market Insights to explore how AI is impacting job titles, hiring trends and skill requirements in their industry. 

2. Flexible Work Environments Are Now Standard 

Remote and hybrid work options remain a top priority for employers and employees. In nursing and healthcare, telehealth continues to expand, creating new pathways for virtual care roles. Business and tech roles increasingly offer flexible schedules and remote setups. To thrive in this environment, students should build strong digital communication and time management skills. CareerConnect, Herzing’s professional networking platform powered by PeopleGrove, is a great way to connect with alumni working in these settings and learn how they navigate flexibility in their roles. 

3. Lifelong Learning and Specialization Are Essential 

Employers want candidates who are growing. In 2025, certifications and micro-credentials can add a competitive edge to your degree. Healthcare professionals benefit from specialization in areas like informatics or mental health; business students pursue project management or data analytics; tech students may sharpen their cloud or cybersecurity skills. Herzing’s Career Development team can help you explore certifications that align with your goals and identify in-demand skills using tools like Career Market Insights and CareerConnect. 

4. Soft Skills Make a Strong Impression 

While technical knowledge gets your foot in the door, soft skills help you stand out. Communication, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving are critical across all industries. For example, nurses need to communicate clearly with patients and families, while tech and business pros often collaborate across teams to troubleshoot challenges. Herzing students can use VMock, our AI-powered resume and coaching platform, to receive personalized feedback on how well they’re highlighting soft skills and accomplishments in their resumes. 

5. Data Literacy Is a Must-Have 

Even if you’re not going into data science, understanding how to read and use data is becoming essential. Nurses may use dashboards to track patient outcomes. Business students are often expected to analyze metrics for marketing, finance, or HR decisions. Tech professionals are expected to work comfortably with data every day. Career Market Insights can help Herzing students explore what data skills are needed in specific job markets and how to start building them now. 

Putting It All Together 

Understanding the trends shaping your industry is the first step. The second? Taking action. Herzing’s Career Development team is here to support you every step of the way — from choosing a career path to building a job search strategy. Whether you’re networking through CareerConnect, improving your resume with VMock, or researching real-time hiring data with Career Market Insights, the tools are at your fingertips. Reach out to a Career Coach to get started — your future is waiting.