#167 Scientifically Matching Your Teen to an Ideal Career Path with Amy Shepley

Flourish Coaching

Mar 25, 2025

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 but indicate potential challenges, such as a workplace culture mismatch or a need for unique approaches to succeed, requiring 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. Throughout her tenure at Birkman, she has worked globally to enhance The Birkman Method and solve modern workplace challenges. In 2019, she founded Percepte, consulting Fortune 500 companies on leadership, team effectiveness, and change management. In 2022, she returned to Birkman International as president, bringing her passion for innovation in organizational success. She holds an undergraduate degree in psychology and an MBA from Tulane University.

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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