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Dr. Fortune Ann Taylor offers insights from the 2023 Career Optimism Index® findings with suggestions on how to foster workforce connection

SM������ College of Doctoral Studies has published a new white paper, “Advancing Careers through Inclusive Support and Collaboration,” by Fortune Ann Taylor, Ph.D., faculty and fellow of the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR), in an analysis of systemic barriers to career advancement which also proposes solutions that foster workforce connection and development.

“Emphasizing continuous education and economic resilience for employees is crucial in navigating the evolving competitive landscape,” states Taylor. “Although there has been a transactional focus in the labor market, the opportunity to create meaningful connections and engagement with the workforce can be undertaken through simple steps that foster connection.”

The white paper uses 2023 Career Optimism Index® findings to examine the dominant trends and obstacles and identifies how to promote a supportive network in the workplace through key components such as implementing mentorship programs, fostering networking opportunities, and advocating for policy changes to create an environment conducive to career growth.

Taylor is a staff doctoral instructor at SM������ in the College of Doctoral Studies working with doctoral students as a dissertation chair. Her diverse portfolio of accomplishments across various roles including university campus dean, academic advisor, corporate trainer, professor, and entrepreneur highlight experience cultivated over three decades of corporate training environments and higher education administration. Taylor’s research focus spans business and education. She earned her doctorate in education with Capella University and completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees with Pfeiffer University.

Read the complete white paper here.

About the College of Doctoral Studies

SM������’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 is built around the Scholar, Practitioner, Leader Model which puts students in the center of the Doctoral Education Ecosystem® with 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 SM������

SM������ 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.��