(BPT) - When it comes to workforce readiness and long-term job security, lifelong learning is nonnegotiable. In fact, according to DeVry University's report, "Bridging the Gap: Overcoming a Silent Standoff in America's Talent Economy", employers shared that - on average - 55% of their workforce needs to upskill significantly to remain employable in five years. Additionally, 63% of employers said they skipped workers for promotions because their skills were outdated.
The good news is that workers are seeking opportunities to hone existing skills or learn new ones to keep adapting with their organization's shifting needs, especially when it comes to AI skills. The report revealed that 57% of workers say the skilled use of AI will be the most valuable skill to have in tomorrow's economy, ranking it the second most valuable out of 13 skills. Learning the basics of AI and building on that knowledge will prepare them for the use of generative AI (gen AI) and build the foundation needed to explore how agentic AI is likely to transform their work.
What is agentic AI?
You're likely already familiar with gen AI, which focuses on creating content based on learned patterns. Agentic AI takes it a step further blending automation capability and gen AI to complete complex tasks. So, for example, an AI "agent" not only tells you the best time to visit Amsterdam based on travel patterns and your schedule, but it also can book your flights, hotels and tourist experiences.
Just because agentic AI can now operate in the background autonomously doesn't mean that workers should panic about job security. According to the EY Agentic AI Workplace Survey, workers overwhelmingly expect positive impacts on productivity, efficiency and their work experience.
That said, the survey also found that many are left to experiment with the technology on their own. Given these findings, it's clear that courses on AI skills are critical to employee job security now and in the future.
Equipping employees today to succeed tomorrow
To address the need for upskilling for long-term career success, the university launched DeVryPro, an innovative learning platform built in collaboration with industry leaders and DeVry faculty members that covers essential disciplines, including AI.
"AI has matured well beyond theoretical applications," said Richard Korczyk, chief experience officer at DeVry University. "Many industries are mainstreaming this technology, and workers need to know how to learn, work and lead with AI as a partner, not a rival."
To support lifelong learning and work readiness, DeVry now offers courses that equip workers with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven job market. The courses listed below on gen and agentic AI are guided by real-time AI learning coaches in a flexible format so students can learn on their own terms.
AI for All: Build Practical Real-World AI Skills: Designed for professionals who are curious about AI, this course introduces the fundamentals so learners can use AI tools in their daily tasks like emails, reports and workflows.
Applied AI: Generative AI for Professionals: This intermediate course is tailored for professionals already experimenting with AI. Learners will discover how to automate daily tasks, develop applications and use tools like GPT to enhance productivity and creativity.
Data to Decisions: AI Essentials for Analysts: Business analysts will learn how to use custom solutions to improve data accessibility, automate processing, streamline workflows and enhance visual reports.
AI for Leaders: Innovate and Elevate: Equips leaders to guide their organizations and teams through AI-driven change and its impact on business, and effective implementation of AI solutions to develop integration strategies for organizational success.
Building on its initial success, DeVry has added four new courses to the learning platform:
AI for Entrepreneurs: Aspiring and early-stage founders will learn how to use integrated AI tools for ideation, validation, prototyping and business scaling. At the end of the course, participants will build an AI-enhanced startup plan they can share with mentors, investors or collaborators.
Foundations of Self-Leadership: This course is the first step in the DeVryPro's leadership pathway, equipping emerging leaders to build the essential mindset and skills required to lead with confidence, adaptability and purpose.
Leading Teams and Driving Impact: As the next step in DeVryPro's leadership pathway, this course bridges personal effectiveness with organizational performance and strategic alignment to build high-performing teams.
Product Management Fundamentals: The course introduces learners to the principles, tools and strategies that guide the full product lifecycle so they can make data-informed decisions, collaborate across functions and translate business objectives into customer-centered products.
Together, these courses form a cohesive learning ecosystem that supports employee growth at every stage - from entry-level roles to leadership - to help them thrive in an AI-driven workforce. Once they complete a course, learners can earn a verifiable Certificate of Completion or Badge that recognizes their competencies and showcases their AI skills, opening doors to career growth opportunities in credential-driven markets.
"Our courses aren't just about building knowledge," added Korczyk. "We've carefully developed learning experiences that prepare learners to apply leadership and AI skills in the context of their careers so they can feel confident in keeping pace in an ever-evolving professional landscape."
Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry, and those who understand it are leading the way. To explore what is possible, visit DeVryPro.com.
