Lisa Marker Robbins has spent decades helping young people navigate the messy space between high school and career, and she’s seen that landscape shift. College still matters, but alignment matters more than ever—and families increasingly want a steady strategy, not just more information.

In this episode, Lisa makes the case for a career-first approach and shows how clarity can reduce pressure, calm households, and open more meaningful pathways. Her practical insights explain why diverse career options are on the rise and why community support matters now more than ever.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why College and Career Clarity originally focused on college, and what prompted a thoughtful shift toward career fit
• How “college capable” does not always mean “college aligned” and why that distinction matters more than ever
• What it means to begin with the end in mind by leading with career fit instead of default pathways
• How focusing on fit and alignment reduces pressure and emotional overwhelm for families

Key Takeaways:

• Many college-capable teens are opting for alternative paths because college no longer guarantees alignment or meaningful career fit.
• Reverse-engineering career fit before choosing a pathway reduces emotional pressure for families and improves long-term outcomes.
• Post-COVID families and schools increasingly seek structure without pressure, honest conversations, and community-based support rather than independent decision-making.
• Lisa plans to introduce more solo episodes, shorter formats, and ongoing touchpoints so listeners can engage more personally, gain clarity at their own pace, and feel supported rather than isolated during a challenging season for teens and young adults.

“College does still matter, but see, here's what I am seeing: a growing number of families within our community, that ability, college ability, college aptitude, doesn't equal alignment.” – Lisa Marker-Robbins

Episode References:

• Is a College Degree Worth It?: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/is-a-college-degree-worth-it-f7753b32
• Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You by Jeffrey Selingo: https://www.amazon.com/Dream-School-Finding-College-Thats/dp/1668056208
• Join the newsletter to get weekly clarity tools, insights, and family conversation prompts straight to your inbox: flourishcoachingco.com/newsletter

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 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

In this episode, Lisa and JJ discuss:

• Rethinking post-high school pathways and expanding what counts as a successful career beyond the traditional four-year college path
• The role of curiosity, exposure, and hands-on experiences in meaningful career exploration
• The growing need for skilled and technical workers across multiple industries
• Supporting young people in finding aligned career paths without stigma or judgment

Key Takeaways:

• Parents and educators can use the same exploration tactics typically used for college-bound students, such as campus visits, informational interviews, and employer outreach, to explore skilled careers through community colleges, apprenticeships, unions, and employer-led training programs.
• Many high-demand, high-paying careers in construction, manufacturing, supply chain, energy, transportation, facilities operations, and media production do not require a four-year degree yet still offer advancement, entrepreneurship, and long-term stability.
• Early and repeated exposure starting in elementary and middle school helps normalize skilled careers by showing how interests like sports, music, entertainment, and technology rely on behind-the-scenes technical and trade-based roles.
• Focusing first on developing a concrete skill, such as welding, carpentry, sound engineering, plumbing, or video production, allows careers to evolve organically into leadership roles, business ownership, storytelling, or adjacent industries over time.

“Develop the skill and then be open to where it takes you.” – JJ Owen

About JJ Owen: JJ Owen is the Executive Director of the Skilled Careers Coalition, leading efforts to reframe skilled trades as high-purpose, high-pay careers and connect Gen Z to construction, manufacturing, and technical fields. A strategist and coalition builder, he has focused on field building, systems change, and grassroots engagement. At the Movember Foundation, he grew the U.S. movement to over one million participants and $130M raised. He later held senior partnership roles at Warner Bros. Discovery and AT&T, helping create The Achievery, a media-backed education platform. Raised in California, he now lives in Orange with his wife, two daughters, and Labradors Calvin and Hobbes.

Episode References:

• 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 JJ:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skillsjam/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3rss-C99wJSN6JUtPA8A9A/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skilled-careers-coalition/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjowen4/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theskillsjam

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

In this episode, Lisa and Annie discuss:

• Career planning when chronic health conditions or physical disabilities affect daily functioning
• Self-advocacy and accommodations across education, training, and employment
• Aligning career choices with realistic capacity and long-term sustainability
• Using real-world experiences and conversations to validate career fit

Key Takeaways:

• College provides a structured environment where students can learn to articulate how their condition affects them, practice requesting accommodations, and build confidence navigating formal systems they will later encounter in the workplace.
• Accommodations support access but do not eliminate essential job functions, making it critical to assess whether the physical, cognitive, and stamina demands of a role can be met consistently over time.
• Hands-on validation through internships, clinicals, job shadows, and informational interviews reveals the lived reality of a job in ways that academic requirements alone cannot.
• Sustainable career planning requires honest conversations about energy limits, recovery time, and quality of life, rather than defaulting to paths that are technically possible but personally draining.

“You have to be comfortable talking about your condition and your needs.” – Annie Tulkin

About Annie Tulkin: Annie Tulkin is the CEO and Founder of Accessible College, as well as an educator, author, and public speaker. She is an expert in college preparation and transition for students with physical disabilities and health conditions, and has worked in the disability field for her entire professional career. She holds degrees from DePaul University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, was a Peace Corps Volunteer and Fulbright Fellow in Mongolia, and resides in Silver Spring, MD, with her husband and daughter.

Episode References:

• Job Accommodation Network (JAN): https://askjan.org/
• Diabetes Link (formerly College Diabetes Network): https://thediabeteslink.org/
• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: https://www.christopherreeve.org/
• #099 Navigating College with Physical Disabilities and Health Conditions with Annie Tulkin: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/099-navigating-college-with-physical-disabilities-and-health-conditions-with-annie-tulkin/

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 Annie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accessiblecollege/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accessiblecollege/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-tulkin-3b66b719/
Website: https://accessiblecollege.com/

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

In this episode, Lisa and Rick discuss:

• How a student’s choice of future intended major impacts their college admissions chances
• The role of holistic review in determining “Fit To Major” (FTM)
• The challenges students face when trying to change majors after admission
• Why flexibility is essential in the college application process

Key Takeaways:

• Colleges often evaluate whether a student’s academic choices and extracurricular activities align with their intended major, so applying without evidence of interest in that field can weaken an application, even at schools that do not directly admit by major.
• Some universities, particularly for highly competitive majors like computer science and business, have strict policies that prevent or limit students from switching into these programs after enrollment, making initial major selection a critical decision.
• Admissions officers look for patterns of demonstrated interest in their major, expecting engineering applicants to take advanced math and science courses or business applicants to show entrepreneurial involvement, which helps determine if a student is truly prepared for their chosen major.
• Students who remain open to alternative entry pathways—such as summer admissions, starting at a different campus, or transferring later—increase their chances of reaching their academic and career goals, even if they don’t initially get into their first-choice program.

“The more kids can put themselves in a position where they have choices and options, the better off they’re going to be.” – Rick Clark

About Rick Clark: Rick Clark is Georgia Tech’s inaugural Executive Director for Strategic Student Access, leading efforts to expand enrollment, access, and affordability. Previously, he spent 15 years as AVP and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission, strengthening Tech’s brand, academic profile, and enrollment. He serves on national councils, including NACAC’s Committee on Leadership in College Admission, and speaks at U.S. embassies on higher education. Rick is the creator of the GT Admissions blog, co-author of The Truth About College Admission, and co-host of its podcast. A native of Atlanta, he holds degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill and Georgia State and has worked at Georgia State, The McCallie School, and Wake Forest University.

Episode References:
• Blueprint to Understanding Admissions by Major: https://flourishcoachingco.com/majors
• The Truth about College Admission by Brennan Barnard & Rick Clark: https://www.amazon.com/Truth-about-College-Admission-Together/dp/142143637X
• The College Admissions Process Podcast by John Durante: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-admissions-process-podcast/id1608682810

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 Rick:
Twitter: https://x.com/Clark2College
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raclarkatl/
The Truth about College Admission Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-college-admission/id1649349413

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

In this episode, Lisa and Brian discuss:

• Strategies for maximizing college scholarships given by the institutions
• The difference in merit vs. need-based financial aid
• The role of GPA and standardized testing, ACT, and SAT, in scholarship awards
• Colleges with merit scholarship grids where students can know the amount they can earn for good grades and scores
• Transparency of college financial aid policies

Key Takeaways:

• Merit aid is often more predictable than need-based aid because many colleges offer fixed scholarships based on GPA and ACT and SAT scores, making it easier to estimate college costs.
• Skipping standardized tests can cost students thousands in scholarships, as many schools that are “test-optional” for admission still require test scores for merit aid or reduce the award if applying test-optional.
• At some universities, it is possible to calculate the number of additional correct answers on the ACT that a student needs to raise their merit aid award, making test prep a highly valuable investment.
• Over 90% of scholarship money comes directly from colleges rather than private sources, meaning that researching a school's financial aid policies is more effective than chasing small external scholarships.

“When the airplane is going down, you put the mask on yourself first—you first, your kids second. The merit aid from the school is the 'putting your mask on yourself'… after that, if a kid has free time, definitely apply to some of the outside scholarships.” – Brian Eufinger

About Brian Eufinger: Brian Eufinger is the President of Atlanta-based Edison Prep and has tutored over 14,000 students for a combined 35,000+ hours on the SAT, PSAT, and ACT over the past two decades.

Episode References:

• Merit Aid Grids: https://meritaidgrids.com/
• Student Email Template: How to Get Clear Answers About College Merit Aid https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/merit
• #042 Will grade inflation hurt your teen with Brian Eufinger? https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/042

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 Brian Eufinger:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edisonpreptutoring/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edisonprep

Website: https://www.edisonprep.com/

Email: brian@edisonprep.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eufinger/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EdisonPrepTutoring

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

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

In this episode, Lisa and Jackie discuss:

• How personal storytelling shapes identity and confidence in young people
• The role of a signature talk in strengthening communication and self-awareness
• Using life experiences to build clarity and purpose
• The way real-life opportunities and service experiences help youth grow passions and purpose

Key Takeaways:

• Young people learn their core values and purpose by identifying the message they would share if given five minutes to speak to the world, strengthening their sense of worth and supporting mental health.
• A “signature talk” begins with exploring personal successes and failures, turning those experiences into a library of stories that can be used in interviews, essays, and meaningful conversations.
• Preparing a signature message teaches youth to identify a problem they deeply relate to, explain how they solved it, and offer insights that could help others—building confidence, leadership, and independence.
• Colleges increasingly value authentic, self-aware applicants who demonstrate impact and growth, and storytelling practice helps teens articulate purpose and meaningful experiences more effectively.

“When they begin to understand what life's lessons have taught them and how it's shaped them to who and why they are, everything changes for them.” – Jackie Bailey

About Jackie Bailey: Jackie Bailey, The International Conversation Coach, helps clients speak with significance, triumph over trauma, and champion challenges. Founder of The Speak Feed Lead Project, she’s coached hundreds to share their stories on major stages.

Episode References:

• Subscribe to Lisa’s newsletter for weekly tips: flourishcoachingco.com/newsletter
• Download a Sample Birkman Report: https://flourishcoachingco.com/birkman
• TEDx program: https://www.ted.com/about/programs-initiatives/tedx-program

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 Jackie:
Website: http://www.jackiebailey360.com/
Podcast: In the Groove with Todd and Jackie: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-groove-with-todd-and-jackie/id1830625612
Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jackie-Bailey/author/B0BSRGSM6K
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-bailey-4532287/

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

In this episode, Lisa and Andrea discuss:

• Navigating family dynamics when college students return home for holidays and extended breaks
• Balancing student independence with household expectations during time at home
• Communicating effectively with teens and college students to reduce conflict around schedules, curfews, and responsibilities
• Supporting student identity development and deeper conversations during the transition home

Key Takeaways:

• Parents should set expectations early—before the student comes home—about rest needs, schedules, and non-negotiable family commitments.
• Curfew conversations work best when approached collaboratively, using “horizontal parenting” to negotiate reasonable times and communication.
• Students may return with new beliefs, identities, and peer relationships, so families should create space for deeper conversations and respond with curiosity rather than judgment.
• Parents should avoid tasks like laundry or over-caretaking, as these can unintentionally undermine the student’s developing independence.

“Colleges are ready to welcome messy, unfinished, unbaked, totally underbaked students. And those first couple of years are about figuring out who they are.” – Andrea Malkin Brenner

About Andrea Malkin Brenner: Dr. Andrea Malkin Brenner is the President of AMBrenner, LLC and Founder of the Talking College™ brand, a speaker and college transition educator with 25 years as a “college insider.”

Episode References:

• Use Andrea’s Talking College Cards to spark meaningful family conversations about college transitions: https://www.ambrenner.com/shop
• Subscribe to Lisa’s newsletter for weekly tips to connect with your teen or young adult: flourishcoachingco.com/newsletter

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 Andrea:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreamalkinbrenner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambrennerllc

Website: https://www.ambrenner.com/ & https://talkingcollege.com/

Book: How to College: What to Know Before You Go (and When You're There) by Andrea Malkin Brenner and Lara Hope Schwartz: https://www.amazon.com/How-College-Before-Youre-There/dp/1250225183

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-malkin-brenner-phd-135b43178

Email: andreamalkinbrenner@gmail.com

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