Authors Dr. TaMika Fuller and Dr. Victoria Lender highlight findings from 2024 Career Optimism Index and how employers can overcome talent stagnation

University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies has released a new white paper, “Overcoming Talent Stagnation: Enhancing Skills for Marketability,” by TaMika Fuller, DBA, an affiliate of the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR) and College alumna, and Victoria Lender, DBA. The authors draw upon data from the University of Phoenix Career Institute® 2024 Career Optimism Index study to explore the problem and causes of talent stagnation, how employees can enhance their own skills, and what solutions are available for employers in an age of rapidly evolving technology.

“Technology plays an enormous role in the way we learn and work,” shares Fuller. “Understanding technology and its potential for strategic innovation and continuous workforce improvement can inform how we tackle talent development and move beyond this moment of talent stagnation.”

The white paper explores what the Index revealed about the causes of talent stagnation, contributing factors, how employees overcome the phenomenon, and provides an overview of potential solutions, including upskilling and reskilling, through a combination of technological advancements and education.

The white paper also proposes that employers can embrace internal mobility programs. “These programs foster a sustainable workforce and encourage employers to have the employee-first mindset,” shares Lender.

Fuller is an economics professor at a community college in Texas and has been teaching economics and business-related courses for more than 17 years. She earned her doctorate in business administration from University of Phoenix.

Lender works in supply chain and logistics and teaches supply chain management, leadership, operations strategy and business courses at several universities. She earned her doctorate in business administration at University of Phoenix.

The full whitepaper is available at the University of Phoenix Career Institute® webpage or as a direct link here.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

About the College of Doctoral Studies

University of Phoenix’s College of Doctoral Studies focuses on today’s challenging business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College’s research program puts students in the center of an effective ecosystem of experts, resources and tools to help prepare them to be a leader in their organization, industry and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sharla Hooper University of Phoenix sharla.hooper@phoenix.edu