University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies announced a new white paper, "Autonomy and Competitive Edge: Mentorship as a Solution," by Louise Underdahl, Ph.D., doctoral instructor and a research fellow with the University's Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR) , exploring how structured mentoring programs can help organizations address a growing crisis of worker autonomy, reduce burnout and improve retention.
Drawing on findings from the University of Phoenix Career Optimism Index® study and related scholarship, Underdahl outlines the scale of the challenge and why skills-focused development—delivered through mentorship—matters. Highlights include rising reports of burnout linked to low control, strong worker appetite for upskilling and reskilling, and employer tendencies to prioritize external hires over internal development—despite ongoing recruitment and retention headwinds.
"Mentorship restores clarity, connection and confidence at work," said Underdahl. "When employees have trusted guides, they build skills faster, experience more autonomy and contribute more fully to organizational goals. It's a practical, people-centered strategy any employer can scale."
The paper offers a framework employers can adapt immediately: start with micro-mentorship inside project teams, leverage established curricula (e.g., CIMER and mentor-mapping tools) to standardize quality, and integrate AI thoughtfully to personalize pairings and reduce 'Shadow AI' risk—all while minimizing time and cost barriers. It closes with a three-step plan to evaluate obstacles (time, money, clarity), select right-sized models and measure outcomes.
The full white paper is available on the University of Phoenix Career Institute® webpage or on the Research Hub .
Underdahl is a College of Doctoral Studies instructor and researcher whose work examines worker autonomy, mentorship models and human-AI collaboration. Her scholarship emphasizes pragmatic, scalable solutions that strengthen engagement, agility and talent development. Underdahl completed her doctorate with the University of Southern California. She is currently a reviewer at the College of Doctoral Studies' Dissertation to Publication Workshop, and has been co-leader of College of Doctoral Studies Alumni Special Interest Group since 2019. Underdahl is a recipient of multiple faculty recognition awards at University of Phoenix and has been teaching at the University since 2004.
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