These Are LinkedIn’s Top Skills for Career Growth—Here’s How to Build Them

LinkedIn’s latest “Skills on the Rise” list is packed with insights that hit close to home for anyone in project management. We’re talking AI literacy, conflict resolution, stakeholder management—sound familiar?

These aren’t just buzzwords. They’re the real-world skills that project professionals are already using—or will need to level up fast—to stay ahead of the curve.

In this issue, we’ve pulled together resources to help you not only build these in-demand skills but also demonstrate your verified ability to employers through our globally recognized certifications.  Whether you’re just starting out or managing large-scale projects, there’s something here to help you grow—and prove—your capabilities.

1. AI Literacy

Artificial intelligence (AI) literacy refers to the understanding and knowledge of AI concepts, technologies, and their implications. It encompasses the ability to comprehend how AI systems work, their potential applications, and the ethical considerations involved in their deployment. Dive into how AI literacy can be used to drive smarter decisions.

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THE PMI BLOG | The Best Certification to Lead AI Projects

AI is everywhere—but success isn’t. The problem isn’t the technology—it’s how those projects are managed. That’s where the CPMAI^™ certification comes in. It gives you a practical, proven framework to lead AI initiatives that actually deliver business value. Here’s what makes CPMAI different—and why it might be the next smart move for your career.

LISTEN

PROJECTIFIED PODCAST | How to Avoid AI Project Failure

More project professionals are leading AI projects—but delivering real value? That’s the hard part. Listen as we dive into what makes AI projects uniquely challenging, why so many miss the mark, and the must-have skills you need to lead them successfully. Bonus: how to actually build those skills and future-proof your career.

LEVEL UP

CERTIFICATION | Cognitive Project Management in AI (CPMAI)^™

The CPMAI certification gives you a structured, vendor-neutral approach to managing AI initiatives—from core concepts to cutting-edge tech like Generative and Agentic AI. It’s flexible and self-paced, packed with real-world examples and tools you can use right away.

2. Stakeholder Management

Stakeholder management is a discipline that project managers use to gain and maintain support for their projects from both internal and external parties. It involves identifying, classifying, prioritizing, and assessing stakeholders' abilities to impact the project. Dig into how building strong partnerships can make all the difference.

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THE PMI BLOG | Managing Perceptions for Project Success: How Stakeholders Shape Reality

Project success isn’t just about execution—stakeholder perceptions play a critical role in determining whether a project is seen as valuable. Learn how to shape success narratives, manage perceptions, and align stakeholder expectations to maximize project impact.

LISTEN

PROJECTIFIED PODCAST | Powerful Partnerships: Collaborating to Achieve UN SDGs

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are more than big ideas—they’re a call to action. To make real impact, the projects driving these goals need strong collaboration at every level—whether it’s with governments, educators, farmers, or local communities. In this conversation, we explore how project leaders are partnering with diverse stakeholders to turn global goals into local results.

LEVEL UP

CERTIFICATION | Project Management Professional (PMP^®)

Stakeholder management is more than just checking a box—it’s about building real relationships that drive project success. The PMP certification dives deep into stakeholder analysis, engagement planning, and communication strategies. If you’re ready to lead with confidence and deliver consistent results, PMP is your next step.

3. Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is a process used to identify, evaluate, and prioritize risks to minimize the impact of potential threats on a project or organization. It involves analyzing the likelihood and impact of various risks and implementing measures to manage and mitigate them effectively. Explore practical ways to bring risk assessment into your own projects with confidence.

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THE PMI BLOG | 5 Ways to Manage Risk and Maximize Rewards

No project ever goes exactly as planned—but that’s where smart risk management comes in. With the right approach, project teams can not only handle the bumps in the road but also uncover new opportunities along the way. These practices will help you strengthen your risk/reward strategy and keep your projects moving forward with confidence.

WATCH

PMI YOUTUBE | Create a Risk Management Plan with AI

The PMI Infinity^™ Learning Series is all about helping you get the most out of this powerful tool. In this episode, we put Infinity to work—using it to build a risk management plan for a major digital transformation project. It’s a hands-on look at how AI can boost your project planning and decision-making in real time.

LEVEL UP

CERTIFICATION | PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP^®)

Projects without risk management? That’s a risk in itself. The PMI-RMP certification helps you master the art of identifying threats and opportunities, assessing impact, and creating response strategies that keep your projects on track. If you’re ready to turn uncertainty into a strategic advantage, this is the credential for you.

4. Innovative Thinking

Innovative thinking is the ability to generate new ideas, approaches, and solutions that are both novel and useful. It involves looking at problems and opportunities from different perspectives and challenging the status quo to find better ways of doing things. Learn how to unlock your own innovative edge in the world of projects.

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THE PMI BLOG | Certified: Meet Matt Austin, PMP

In diverse industries spanning finance, government, healthcare, marketing and advertising, Matt Austin, PMP, has thrived as a leader. His career demonstrates that project management skills, backed by certification, travel well.

LISTEN

PROJECTIFIED PODCAST | How to Create a Culture of Innovation
When teams feel empowered to experiment and think differently, big ideas follow. In this episode, guests explore how to build that kind of environment—from developing innovative mindsets to creating safe spaces for exploration. They also dive into the evolving role of the PMO in championing innovation and how to make sure those fresh ideas actually deliver real value.

LEVEL UP

eLEARNING | WPS Essentials for Projects

Innovative thinking isn’t just about having big ideas—it’s about solving the messy, complex problems that don’t have clear answers. Wicked Problem Solving teaches you a practical, visual framework to tackle ambiguity, spark creativity, and drive collaboration. Whether you're leading brainstorming sessions or reframing strategic challenges, this course helps you turn chaos into clarity.

5. Conflict Mitigation

Conflict mitigation refers to the strategies and processes used to reduce the severity, frequency, and impact of conflicts within a project or organization. It involves identifying potential sources of conflict early, addressing them proactively, and implementing measures to prevent escalation. Discover real-world ways teams are defusing tension and keeping collaboration on track.

LISTEN

PROJECTIFIED PODCAST | The Power to Defuse: Tips for Conflict Resolution on Project Teams

Conflict on project teams? It’s more common—and more manageable—than you think. In this episode, experts share why conflict isn’t always a bad thing—and how the right resolution strategies can actually strengthen your team. Tune in for real-world tips on navigating tension, building trust, and leading with confidence.

LEVEL UP

eLEARNING | Managing Conflict

Today, leaders are juggling peer dynamics, managing up, and supporting their teams—all at once. The key? Learning how to navigate those tensions in a way that strengthens relationships and drives better results. Here’s how to turn workplace conflict into a leadership advantage.

BONUS:

Whether you're a seasoned project manager or just starting out, these seven strategies will help you grow, adapt, and excel in project management.

THE PMI BLOG | 7 Ways to Kick-Start Your Project Management Professional Development in 2025

Ready to launch your project management career in 2025? These tips will help you hit the ground running—from earning key certifications and embracing continuous learning to growing your network and gaining real-world experience. Consider this your go-to guide for leveling up your professional development this year.

You Might Also Like…

• Starting Your Project Management Career—Projectified^® Podcast ǀ Listen
• PMP® vs CAPM® Certification: Which is Best for Your Next Career Move—The PMI Blog ǀ Read
• From Project Manager to PMO Leader—The PMI Blog ǀ Read