The Fusion of Learning and Earning: Closing the “Investable Skills” Gap
Every January, I look forward to reading Michael Moe’s annual recap of the year that is just beginning. His most recent piece, EIEIO… 2026 in Review, is a masterclass in connecting the dots between Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Education, Impact, and Opportunity. (I’d also suggest reading his past Year in Review posts, as his ability to see and project trends is entertaining and impressive EIEIO...2025 in Review).
One theme in Michael’s outlook resonated with me more than any other this year: The Fusion of Learning and Earning.
We are officially moving past the era where "learning" and "working" are distinct chapters of life. In a Knowledge-Based Economy, the traditional four-year degree is no longer a terminal destination; it’s a foundation that must be reinforced with immediate, employer-validated utility. At CP Global, a primary focus of mine is the "Zero to Five" gap—those first five years of career entry where the friction between what is taught and what is required by the market is most acute.
The Indiana University Standard: Innovation in the Heartland
Before diving into the mechanics of this fusion, I have to take a moment to celebrate my alma mater.
I am a proud alumnus of Indiana University, as are two of my three sons (the youngest had accepted his offer to IU and then changed his mind at the last minute). Over the past two seasons, IU has been on the most improbable and incredible run of success in college football history. Needless to say, it’s an incredible time to be an alum and fan of the Cream and Crimson.
Beyond the football field, Indiana University is quietly setting the gold standard for how traditional institutions can lead the "Learning and Earning" charge. I’ve watched this firsthand through my sons’ experiences at the Kelley School of Business and the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering.
Luddy’s "Informatics + Cognate" model is exactly what the market demands: it ensures a student doesn't just learn "tech," but learns tech within a functional industry vertical like biology or business. Similarly, Kelley’s "stackable" graduate programs allow students to "bolt on" high-ROI skills like Data Analytics to a foundational degree. These aren't just academic exercises; they are career accelerators. With Luddy reporting placement rates north of 95% and average starting salaries near $80k, the data proves that when skills are industry-aligned, the ROI follows immediately.
Making Education "Investable"
While institutions like IU are innovating from within, we are also seeing a new breed of "non-traditional" providers bridging the gap from the outside.
A project close to my heart is FourthRev, where I serve as an investor and Chairman. FourthRev doesn't offer "general" education; they offer employer-validated courses. These programs are co-designed with industry leaders including Tableau, Bank of England and DocuSign and delivered by world class institutions like the London School of Economics and Cambridge. This isn’t just “upskilling”; it’s a high-signal credential that bridges the gap between academic prestige and industrial utility.
Instead of a student graduating and spending six months "onboarding" to learn how to actually do the job, FourthRev learners arrive with the specific, command-premium skills required for the modern workplace. This is the "Fusion" Michael Moe speaks of: education that doesn't just lead to a job, but to a career trajectory that is measurable and high-growth from Day One.
The Road Ahead: From "Seat Time" to "Skill Mastery"
As we look at the investment landscape for 2026, the winners will be the platforms that move us away from "seat time" and toward "skill mastery." Whether it’s through Competency-Based Education (CBE) models like Western Governors University (WGU), which allow students to earn industry certifications while completing their degrees, or through specialized micro-credentials that command a 10-15% salary premium, the signal is clear:
The market no longer pays for what you know; it pays for what you can do with what you know.
I’m curious to hear from my network: As we see the business model of higher education continue to evolve, what is the one "investable skill" you wish you had acquired earlier in your career?
Let’s keep the conversation going.
— Craig Pines Founder & Principal, CP Global Advisors
