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

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).
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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