Researchers evaluate how U.S. workers can achieve career fulfillment

University of Phoenix has released a whitepaper with insights from its College of Doctoral Studies team titled Career Pathways: Engineering Your Career to Last Decades. The whitepaper explores the genesis of the career pathway concept, creating a blueprint for building a lifelong career by incorporating personal passion with the pursuit of academic credentials and on-the-job professional development. It also provides insight into how American workers can empower themselves to take the needed steps to advance their career.

“There is increasing demand for workers who can fill skilled occupations within high growth, high demand industries like healthcare, business, or cybersecurity. Unfortunately, many Americans don’t know how or where to get the education, training, and experience to move forward with such a career,” said Dr. Mark Vitale, MBA, Ph.D., campus and academics director, University of Phoenix.

Changing jobs throughout your career has become the norm. According to a survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, baby boomers held an average of 12.3 jobs from ages 18 to 52. Further, two-thirds of millennials are expecting career-development opportunities that are more effective and extensive than what previous generations received.

Career pathways help workers navigate barriers to advancement, including education and certifications, the rapid growth of disruptive technology over the past ten years, and balancing advancement with the demands of work and life, as many working adults seek professional advancement while also maintaining their current employment and simultaneously raising a family.

“A career pathway, just as any other construct, depends on its user for effective deployment,” added Vitale. “Workers can achieve professional development and advancement through a willingness to learn, network, remain flexible, keep their needs front and center, and be willing to move, literally.”

To read the full whitepaper, visit: https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/altcloud/career-institute/Career-Pathways-Vitale-Formatted.pdf

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.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life™ help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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Career pathways help workers navigate barriers to advancement, including education and certifications, the rapid growth of disruptive technology over the past ten years, and balancing advancement with the demands of work and life.