  We investigate the motivation and means through which individuals expand
their skill-set by analyzing a survey of applicants from the Facebook Jobs
product. Individuals who report being influenced by their networks or local
economy are over 29% more likely to have a postsecondary degree, but peer
effects still exist among those who do not acknowledge such influences. Users
with postsecondary degrees are more likely to upskill in general, by continuing
coursework or applying to higher-skill jobs, though the latter is more common
among users across all education backgrounds. These findings indicate that
policies aimed at connecting individuals with different educational backgrounds
can encourage upskilling. Policies that encourage users to enroll in coursework
may not be as effective among individuals with a high school degree or less.
Instead, connecting such individuals to opportunities that value skills
acquired outside of a formal education, and allow for on-the-job training, may
be more effective.
