# Creating clearer paths for employee growth with Professional Development

September 25, 2026 • 5 minutes
## Building career pathways at Wabash | University of Phoenix

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## Nikki Hicks | Wabash

Employees want opportunities to grow, but they may not know what skills they need or where to begin.

At Wabash, talent development leader Nikki Hicks helped introduce Professional Development to connect employees with practical skills, personalized support and clearer opportunities for growth.

## Development designed around employees

Wabash combined six online Professional Development skill modules from University of Phoenix with one-on-one mentorship. Employees learn new concepts, reflect on their goals and connect what they’re learning to real roles and career opportunities.

For Wabash, the program was built around listening first, and creating development that feels relevant and practical.

“We have learning, reflecting, applying and experiencing it,” Hicks says. “That really made this program work.”

### About Wabash

Wabash is a manufacturer of advanced engineered solutions and services for the transportation and logistics industry.