August 20, 2025

Your Degree, Your Way: How to Invest in Yourself for the Future of Work


Today, the way we learn, work, and grow is undergoing a rapid transformation.

Careers are no longer built on the weight of your college name or the shine of your first job. In today’s world, success belongs to those who adapt fast, sharpen the right skills, and embrace lifelong learning - no matter their age, location, or stage of life.

This evolving reality formed the heart of a recent masterclass hosted by Chandigarh University Online, featuring Ankur Warikoo, entrepreneur, mentor, author, and one of India’s most relatable career coaches.

Speaking to a diverse audience of students and working professionals, he shared hard-hitting insights on staying relevant in a fast-changing job market, making technology your ally, and taking ownership of your growth journey.

The core message was clear:
“Your growth can’t wait. Your degree should adapt to your life, not the other way around.”

The session explored how India’s young workforce can combine technology, transferable skills, and the flexibility of online learning to create careers that will thrive in the future of work.

And that is exactly what we’ll unpack in this blog. You’ll get a detailed recap of Ankur Warikoo’s most practical advice—from turning AI into your career partner and building a habit of lifelong learning, to picking degrees that keep your options open across industries.



Why This Conversation Matters Right Now


Balancing a full-time job, family responsibilities, and higher studies can feel like an impossible task. For decades, professionals had to choose between work and academics. But today, online degrees have removed that limitation.

The “New India” economy demands continuous upskilling.

What CU Online offers:
  • 23+ specializations in Online MBA backed by Harvard Business School Online
  • MCA programs powered by Amazon Web Services Academy
  • Undergraduate and postgraduate courses across industries
  • 100% flexible learning anywhere, anytime

India’s Youth Advantage: A Demographic Edge


One of the most striking points from Ankur’s talk was about India’s population profile. With nearly 40% of its population being under 25, the country has one of the youngest workforces in the world. This demographic edge is expected to remain strong for decades, powering India’s growth story and shaping the future of work.

Why this matters:
  • Long earning potential: Those entering the workforce now have decades ahead to contribute economically.
  • Tech-native mindset: Unlike older generations, today’s youth grew up with technology and know how to use it productively.
  • Energy and courage: The ambition, risk-taking, and drive of your 20s are unmatched in later life.

Bottom line: This combination of youth, technology, and energy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity if used wisely.


The Future of Jobs: Threat or Opportunity?


The last five years have completely reshaped work: The pandemic accelerated remote and hybrid work. AI tools like ChatGPT created a new wave of automation. Industries shifted, roles evolved, and skill requirements changed overnight.

Ankur acknowledged the reality: AI will replace certain entry-level roles such as junior coders, analysts, designers, and even some legal or healthcare positions.

But there’s another side to the story: AI is creating new industries and job profiles that didn’t exist before. Professionals can now create their own careers or businesses instead of waiting for traditional roles.

To stay ahead:
  • Make AI your ally: Learn the tools shaping your industry.
  • Keep a student mindset: The willingness to learn and adapt is more valuable than any single skill.
  • Focus on core functions: Sales, marketing, legal, and technology expertise remain relevant even as the tools change.

A Shift in Learning: From Degrees to Skills


For decades, the measure of credibility was the institution you attended. Today, Ankur argued, that’s no longer enough.

A shocking 43% of Indian graduates are considered unemployable by companies, because they lack practical skills.

Employers now value:
  • Hands-on learning: Gained through projects and internships.
  • Industry-focused curricula: Programs that make graduates job-ready.
  • Immediate application: The ability to apply new skills directly in the workplace.

This is where online education excels—especially CU Online’s programs, which are designed for immediate application in real-world roles.


Online Degrees: Leverage the Power of Learning While Working


A major advantage of online education is the ability to earn while you learn. You don’t have to quit your job. You can apply new skills in real time. You build both experience and qualifications simultaneously.

For example:
  • Sales professionals: Learning AI tools can immediately use them to draft better proposals and prepare for meetings.
  • Marketers: Studying an online MBA can apply strategic frameworks to ongoing campaigns.

This approach speeds up career growth and ensures that learning is both practical and theoretical.


Why Diversity of Thought Accelerates Growth


One of Ankur’s strongest recommendations was to spend time with people who think differently from you.

  • Science students approach problems with a “one right answer” mindset.
  • Humanities students see truth as context-dependent, with multiple perspectives.

When these perspectives meet, it challenges assumptions and sparks new ideas.


Introversion is Not Shyness


Ankur made a clear distinction that resonated with many:

  • Introverts recharge by spending time alone, but can still be great communicators.
  • Extroverts recharge around people but can still experience shyness.
  • Shyness is simply the fear of judgment. It should not be deemed a personality trait.

Too often, people hide behind the label of “I’m shy” to avoid engaging with others. And the truth is about the fear of what others might think.

Takeaway: Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, you can still network and collaborate meaningfully. The goal is to meet people to learn from them instead of just seeking their approval.


Two Mindsets: Which One Will You Choose?

When faced with challenges, there are two approaches:

  • 1. Growth Mindset:
    • View challenges as opportunities to learn.
    • Accept setbacks as part of the journey.
    • Believe improvement comes from effort and persistence.
  • 2. Victim Mindset:
    • Blame others or external conditions for your situation.
    • Focus only on problems rather than finding solutions.
    • Stay stagnant and miss opportunities.

Ankur urged learners to choose the first approach. The second, he warned, will hold you back no matter how many resources you have. Optimism, he added, is not blind faith but the belief that your consistent effort will lead to better outcomes.


Choosing the Right Online Degree


When asked about how to select an online learning program, Ankur suggested reviewing three essential factors before committing:

Key Factors to Review:
  • Faculty Quality: Are the instructors experienced and respected in their fields?
  • Alumni Outcomes: Have past students successfully transitioned into better roles or industries?
  • Corporate Partnerships: Which organizations recruit from the program?
Degree Types to Consider:
  • Technology degrees: Universally applicable across industries, from healthcare to finance.
  • Business degrees (e.g., MBA): Broad and industry-agnostic, enabling movement between sectors.

Best practice: Choose degrees that build transferable skills, so you can adapt to multiple industries and career paths.


The CU Online Advantage


Chandigarh University Online combines academic credibility with industry relevance, offering:

  • UGC-DEB approval, NAAC A+ accreditation, and WES recognition
  • Degrees valid globally, including in the US and Canada
  • Internationally backed curricula such as Harvard Business School Online and AWS Academy
  • 100% online, flexible schedules designed for working professionals
  • Undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines

This online learning model ensures you can customize your learning journey to match your career ambitions without putting your life on hold.


Key Takeaways from the Masterclass


Here are some of the key takeaways from this masterclass that you should keep in mind:

  • Your Degree, Your Way: Education should adapt to your life. It should not force you to pause it.
  • Leverage the youth advantage: Combine your energy, tech skills, and long career horizon to create impact.
  • Make AI your ally: Learn to use it, integrate it into your work, and grow with it.
  • Commit to continuous learning: Skills evolve quickly; adaptability is your safety net.
  • Network across perspectives: Exposure to different ways of thinking sharpens your own.
  • Select broad, credible programs: Transferable skills keep you future-ready.

Take Charge of Your Career Growth


Mr. Warikoo closed the session with a powerful reminder:

“You have every opportunity in front of you. Take responsibility for your growth. Be the student you wish to become, and success will follow.”

This closing thought tied perfectly into the masterclass’s core message. Growth in today’s professional world cannot wait. With flexible, credible online learning programs from Chandigarh University Online, you can gain the skills, confidence, and adaptability to stay ahead in industries that are constantly evolving.

And what matters the most is taking that first step—at your own pace, in your own way, and with a commitment to keep moving forward.

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