Why Upskilling is the Key to Thriving in a Digital Economy?

Last updated on: 24^th June, 2025   |  Marketing Musings   |  Bruno Varghese Nellissery, AGM - Marketing << back to blog

Published on: 9^th June, 2025

The world economy has experienced a tectonic shift in the past few years. Organizations have adopted new business models, accelerated digitalization, and experienced unprecedented challenges in managing their workforce.

Professionals are under more pressure to keep up with emerging digital trends and stay competitive and relevant in their industries. This has promoted a growing boom in the culture of upskilling — procuring additional skills or enhancing skills to catch up with evolving expectations of an adaptive labour market.

According to a report by the World Economic Forum, over 50% of workers will need to upskill themselves to keep up with inventions in technology and the changing business environment. With such a scenario, upskilling is no longer an option but will increasingly become a life necessity for progress and sustainability.

In today's fast-changing, digital-first environment, professionals are looking to level up — not only in their jobs, but also in the way they think, lead, and adapt. That is where specialized MBA programs like the Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM) come into play. Let us talk about MBA trends and learn why upskilling is the key to staying alive in today's digital-first economy.

Why Upskilling Matters in a Digital Economy

The digital economy is full of both challenges and opportunities that demand a strategic career development plan. This is why upskilling is required:

Rapid Technological Advancements

With the increase of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), & machine learning, modern technology has changed different industries all over. A report published by McKinsey & Company points out that, by 2030, AI can automate the activities that consume 30% of hours currently worked across the US Economy.

On a larger scale, the adaptation of remote and hybrid work models has gradually increased the demand for digital proficiency, namely with collaborative tools, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Upskilling in these areas allows one to stay competitive and also gain the advantage of emerging opportunities.

The Evolution of MBA Programs (PGPM 2.0)

With the evolving business environment, specialized MBA programs such as PGPM have evolved into powerful pathways for professionals looking to stay ahead and lead with confidence. The program equips professionals with strategic, financial, and operational skills to deal with intricate business issues.

Advantages of the PGPM Program:

• Industry-Related Curriculum – PGPM is more focused on industry and real-world business concepts with applied learning through labs, ensuring professionals are equipped to lead in an ever-changing business landscape.
• Networking Prospects – An MBA program brings professionals from all walks of life, providing rewarding connections and collaborative prospects.
• Leadership Development – PGPM enhances strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills, which are critical for driving business success in a volatile economy.

“Employers place a high value on acquiring MBA and business master’s graduates,” said Sangeet Chowfla, President and CEO of GMAC.

Bridging Skill Gaps & Enhancing Employability

The digital boom accelerated the emergence of skill gaps across areas such as data science, project management, and digital marketing. Nearly 87% of business leaders face skill gaps among their employees, as shown in a report done by LinkedIn. Upskilling empowers professionals, thereby making them more employable and job-secure.

Investing in a specialized program like the PGPM offers a focused and structured path to upskilling, empowering professionals to stay aligned with evolving industry needs and expectations.

Opportunities for Advancement & Higher Pay

Upskilled professionals experience rapid career progression and higher remuneration. US employers in 2019 planned to offer new MBA hires a median entry salary of US $115,000, over double the median for new-gen bachelor's degree graduates (US $55,000).

In addition, upskilling via MBA programs enables professionals to transition into senior roles, explore new industries, and command higher compensation. According to recent MBA trends, a combination of enhanced business acumen and leadership skills gained through the PGPM programs creates a competitive edge in the job market.

Adaptability in a Tech-Driven Market

Choosing to invest in the PGPM offers professionals a structured and immersive path to upskilling — empowering professionals to meet evolving industry demands. With specializations in Marketing, Finance, Operations, Analytics, AI & Machine Learning, and General Management, the program equips students with the strategic, financial, and operational acumen needed to navigate complex business challenges.

How PGPM Programs Facilitate Professional Upskilling?

MBA programs for working professionals (like PGPM) provide a rich combination of strategic learning, leadership development, and industry exposure.

Key Benefits of PGPM

In today’s dynamic business landscape, professionals mostly prefer a one-year MBA format like PGPM to upskill and fast-track their careers. With a strong focus on practical learning, leadership development, and industry relevance, here’s how a PGPM can be a game-changer:

• Build Strategic Business Acumen

  PGPM enhances understanding of the core business areas such as strategy, finance, operations, and marketing, thereby allowing you to make data-driven decisions and drive impact in any organization.

• Gain a Global Perspective

  Most PGPM programs provide access to international business trends and cross-cultural work environments. Through international immersion modules or global faculty, you’ll develop the perspective needed to operate confidently in diverse markets.

• Experience Intensive, Full-Time Learning

  Unlike traditional two-year MBAs, the PGPM is designed for experienced professionals and is delivered in an intensive one-year format. Allowing you to upgrade your skills and re-enter the workforce with renewed clarity, faster.

• Work on Real-World Business Challenges

  The PGPM focuses on experiential learning through impact skill labs, live case studies, and close industry collaboration. This hands-on approach develops a problem-solving mindset and ensures job readiness from day one.

The Great Lakes Institute of Management declared excellent placement results for its PGPM program in 2024. The average domestic CTC annually was ₹ 17.3 lakh, with the maximum being ₹ 39.3 lakh. This reflects the success of upskilling in 2024 for Great Lakes' PGPM students.

In today's fast-changing digital-first economy, upskilling in 2025 is key to future success and career achievement. Automation, digitalisation, and changing business models have introduced both new challenges & opportunities that professionals need to learn and adapt in response.

MBA programs, such as PGPM, provide professionals with a strategic mindset, leadership capabilities, and global vision to place themselves in this changing system. Upskilling can open up new career possibilities, enhance your salary, and set you up for success in the competitive and rapidly changing job market.

If you are willing to future-proof your business career and unlock new avenues of career opportunities, look at the PGPM program of Great Lakes Institute of Management today.