Best of 2025: Scientifically Matching Your Teen to an Ideal Career Path with Amy Shepley Artwork

College and Career Clarity

If you are overwhelmed with the college-bound journey, confused by how much things have changed, or frustrated by having more questions than answers, then College and Career Clarity is the compass you need, when you need it most. Weekly episodes with Lisa Marker-Robbins and her guests provide families with strategic guidance to resource your student to make informed choices that align with their passions, purpose, and potential future. You’ll be informed to be able to have intentional & productive family conversations grounded in guidance and broken into actionable steps to move from overwhelmed and confused to motivated, clear, and confident about your teen’s future.

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College and Career Clarity

Best of 2025: Scientifically Matching Your Teen to an Ideal Career Path with Amy Shepley

December 16, 2025 • Lisa Marker Robbins • Season 1 • Episode 205

In this episode, Lisa and Amy discuss:

Identifying personality traits, interests, and work styles for career exploration
Factors influencing long-term career satisfaction and professional fulfillment
The research and validation behind data-driven career assessments
The relationship between career clarity, education choices, and financial outcomes

Key Takeaways:

The Birkman Assessment identifies career matches by analyzing multiple personality dimensions—not just interests but also work styles and environmental needs—against a database of professionals who have remained satisfied in their roles for at least seven years.
Unlike quick career quizzes, Birkman undergoes rigorous psychometric validation every 10 years to ensure its results remain reliable and predictive, distinguishing it from assessments that lack scientific backing.
Low career matches do not mean a job is impossible; they indicate potential challenges, such as a workplace culture mismatch or a need for unique approaches to succeed, which may require further research through job shadowing, informational interviews, or skill development.
Career clarity minimizes costly education mistakes by helping students avoid unnecessary degree changes or career pivots, ensuring that the time, money, and effort invested in college align with long-term satisfaction and job retention.

“With Birkman, we're able to say, ‘Hey, even if you're good at it, that doesn't mean you're interested in it.’ Interest with Birkman means it is fulfilling, motivating, and energizing.” – Amy Shepley

About Amy Shepley: Amy Shepley, granddaughter of Dr. Roger W. Birkman and daughter of Sharon Birkman, has over 20 years of experience in corporate teams and organizational behavior.

Episode References:

Episode 43: College Major Identification with the Birkman Method with Sharon Birkman: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/043-college-major-identification-with-the-birkman-method/
O*NET OnLine: https://www.onetonline.org/
BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) System: https://www.bls.gov/soc/
Sample Birkman Report Available at: flourishcoachingco.com/birkman

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).
flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Amy:
Website: http://birkman.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshepley/

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

Lisa Marker Robbins

Host