Professional development doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. These strategies cost little to nothing — and could add thousands to your paycheck
The fastest way to get a raise isn’t asking your boss. It’s investing in yourself.
U.S. workers who completed upskilling programs saw an average 8.6% boost to their incomes — or $8,000 more per year, according to a Gallup-Amazon study. In addition to earning more, investing in training can help you land a new job or earn a promotion.
With an estimated 59% of workers needing reskilling or upskilling by 2030, waiting for your company to invest in you is a risky move. Here are three low-cost strategies to take the reins of your own professional development.
1. Tap into free and low-cost online learning
Online learning is everywhere, and some courses are even free. Cassie Spencer, a career co-coach with Eliana Goldstein Coaching, recommends LinkedIn Learning and Coursera, two popular virtual training platforms with access to free content without a paid subscription.
Another option? Try company-sponsored “academies,” Spencer suggests.
“A significant number of companies have free courses and training available through their own free online academies,” she explained. “HubSpot Academy and Asana Academy are two of many.”
These programs offer industry-recognized certifications, and you can complete some of them during free trial periods, Spencer noted.
Additionally, some top universities, such as Harvard, Yale and Stanford, as well as many state universities and colleges, offer free or low-cost continuing education for professionals. Some employers do offer learning stipends, so check with your company first before paying out of pocket for training.
2. Make networking a non-negotiable habit
Networking isn’t just for job seekers; it’s professional development. Spencer calls it one of the most undervalued growth strategies.
“There’s so much value that can be gained from having conversations with people in similar roles at different companies, people further along in a similar career path or in a different path but one that is of interest,” she said.
Make growing and engaging with your network a regular priority in 2026, whether you’re job hunting or not. Those conversations offer real-world insights and industry knowledge that formal training can’t match.
Coffee chats, LinkedIn exchanges, and industry meetups cost little to nothing but yield invaluable returns, Spencer points out.
Another pro tip: Join a professional trade association specific to your career or the industry you work in. Some groups offer discounted rates for newer professionals. Plus, you’ll typically get access to virtual training, as well as member rates for annual conferences and other live events.
3. Build real experience through side hustles
Don’t want to quit your day job but want to gain new skills? You’re in good company.
There are 72.9 million independent workers in the United States, according to the 2025 MBO State of Independence Study. Traditional employees are jumping in, too, with 36% saying they have side gigs.
Spencer sees huge value in gaining hands-on experience outside your 9 to 5.
“There are so many unique ways to gain experience and to expand or gain skill sets through things like side projects, freelancing, or volunteering,” Spencer said.
Her coaching clients have leveled up by writing a Substack newsletter, managing social media for a local business, volunteering with disaster relief organizations, and building personal data dashboards.
These experiences can help you earn some extra money, build marketable skills and expand your network. The best part? You control the timeline and choose the projects aligned with your goals and passions.
What skills offer the best ROI in 2026?
While technological skills are still in demand with the rise of AI, employers are increasingly valuing soft skills.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, U.S. employers cited these top 10 core skills as being most important for workers to have over the next five years:
- Analytical thinking
- Resilience, flexibility, and agility
- Leadership and social influence
- Creative thinking
- Motivation and self-awareness
- Empathy and active listening
- Curiosity and lifelong learning
- Technological literacy
- AI and big data
- Talent management
Note: You can search the report’s public Tableau database to find the top skills employers seek by industry, country or region.
Spencer says the best skills to invest in depend on your field, but two areas stand out the most right now: communication and AI — particularly, how to leverage rather than rely on it.
