Webinar to explore shifting hiring dynamics and offer strategies for job seekers facing employment barriers

University of Phoenix will present the next installment of its Bridging Perspectives webinar series, “Navigating the Rise of the Unemployable,” on Thursday, July 17, at noon MDT. Hosted by the Office of Collaborative Learning and Educational Engagement, the session is designed for higher education leaders, employers, nonprofit organizations, and University of Phoenix students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

According to University of Phoenix’s 2025 Career Optimism Index® study, designed to examine American Workers’ sense of optimism about their careers in the context of workplace, American workers face record-high burnout (51%) and a growing demand for skill development (86%).

“Today’s job market is evolving rapidly, and many qualified individuals report struggling to secure roles they find meaningful,” shares Tondra Richardson, MBA, Director of Engagement Strategy & Program Development at University of Phoenix and co-host of the series. “This webinar is about understanding the forces at play and equipping people with the tools to help them adapt and thrive.”

The session will feature a panel including Amanda Cosme-Reddie, founder and CEO of TAKe Brand Consulting and The Multifaceted Executive; Lisa Severy, PhD, career advisor at University of Phoenix; and Colin Coggins, GM & SVP, Chegg Skills & WSJ Best-selling Author. Richardson will co-host the event alongside the panel.

Attendees will explore the root causes behind why qualified candidates, from recent graduates to seasoned professionals, feel they are increasingly being overlooked in hiring processes. The discussion will address shifting employer expectations, the emotional toll of prolonged job searches, and practical strategies for navigating modern hiring systems.

The event will be hosted by Richardson and Saray Lopez, MBA, director of Strategic Initiatives at University of Phoenix. The Bridging Perspectives Series fosters meaningful dialogue and awareness, helping organizations and individuals identify and address gaps through intentional, informed actions in daily practice. Each session examines real-world challenges, offering fresh perspectives and strategies to enhance effectiveness across sectors.

Register for the webinar 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/blog.html.

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