Widespread federal budget cuts and record-breaking tariffs are creating an unprecedented environment of volatility. As companies and organizations tighten their spending to compensate, workforce reductions and automation will become more common–which is why upskilling is more important than ever. When employees take the initiative to upskill, especially during tumultuous economic times, they make themselves more indispensable to their employers and establish themselves as leaders. Hugo Villar, Dean of UC San Diego’s Division of Extended Studies, discusses the importance of upskilling during challenging times.