Proposal Pros Now Reveal Their Top Career Priorities for 2025

As 2025 begins, bid and proposal professionals are redefining their career priorities to stay competitive. Lohfeld Consulting recently surveyed 372 professionals on LinkedIn to uncover their priorities for advancing their careers in the new year. The results reveal a significant shift: 50% of respondents are prioritizing proficiency in AI, GenAI, and technology—outpacing traditional career development areas like training, mentorship, and networking. Here’s how their priorities stack up:

• 50%: AI/GenAI/Tech Proficiency
• 22%: Training/Certification
• 15%: Mentorship/Leadership
• 13%: Networking Opportunities

This data underscores a transformation in how professionals approach career growth, with technology skills taking center stage.

A New Era of Career Priorities

The survey revealed a clear frontrunner: AI/GenAI/tech proficiency, with more than half of the respondents recognizing its transformative potential. These tools are no longer futuristic novelties—they’re practical for automating bid and proposal tasks, from information collection to aggregation to analysis and visualization.

Meanwhile, training and certification (22%) and mentorship and leadership development (15%) still hold significant weight. These staples of professional growth remain vital for maintaining expertise and fostering the next generation of leaders. Surprisingly, networking opportunities ranked lowest at 13%, perhaps reflecting a shift toward more results-driven career investments.

Why AI/GenAI and Technology Dominate the Agenda

The dominance of AI/GenAI and technology on the list isn’t surprising. With advancements in GenAI, bid and proposal professionals are discovering new ways to save time, enhance proposal quality, and reduce costs. Mastering these tools not only future-proofs careers but also positions professionals as indispensable assets in their organizations. Those who stay ahead of the curve by mastering AI/GenAI will set themselves apart.

Balancing the Traditional and the Emerging

Despite the AI/GenAI revolution, training, mentorship, and networking remain crucial for a well-rounded career. Certifications validate expertise, mentorship develops leadership skills, and networking builds the relationships needed to uncover new opportunities. Balancing these traditional priorities with emerging tech skills creates a career strategy that is innovative and resilient.

Key Takeaways for 2025

1. Embrace Technology: Invest time in learning AI/GenAI and other relevant technical tools. Seek out workshops, courses, or on-the-job training.
2. Stay Certified: Pursue relevant certifications to validate your skills and demonstrate commitment to professional excellence.
3. Seek Mentors: Partner with seasoned professionals who can provide guidance and open doors to leadership opportunities.
4. Network Strategically: Focus on quality over quantity by engaging in targeted professional communities and events, like those supported by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP).

Conclusion

The survey underscores a clear message: the bid and proposal industry is evolving, and those who adapt will thrive. By mastering cutting-edge technology while nurturing traditional career development pillars, you can propel your career to new heights in 2025.

Relevant Information

• Winning Bids with Cutting-Edge AI Technology
• AI in the Spotlight: Where Do Bid and Proposal Professionals Stand?
• VIDEO: Skyrocket Your Skills with Lohfeld Bid and Proposal Training Classes!

By Brenda Crist, Vice President at Lohfeld Consulting Group, MPA, CPP APMP Fellow

Lohfeld Consulting Group has proven results specializing in helping companies create winning captures and proposals. As the premier capture and proposal services consulting firm focused exclusively on government markets, we provide expert assistance to government contractors in Capture Planning and Strategy, Proposal Management and Writing, Capture and Proposal Process and Infrastructure, and Training. In the last 3 years, we’ve supported over 550 proposals winning more than $170B for our clients—including the Top 10 government contractors. Lohfeld Consulting Group is your “go-to” capture and proposal source! Start winning by contacting us at www.lohfeldconsulting.com and join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube^(TM).

Brenda Crist

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