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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.
219 Episodes
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In this episode, Lisa and Dr. Sajita discuss: Digital well-being in an increasingly screen-based and AI-driven worldThe benefits and risks of artificial intelligence and digital tools for young people’s learning and development.Parenting strategies for guiding children and teens toward healthier technology habitsPrivacy, safety, and behavioral risks within the modern digital ecosystem and social media environment Key Takeaways: Digital well-being means using technology in ways that sup...
In this continuation of her series unpacking common phrases we say to young people about careers, Lisa Marker-Robbins tackles the well-known advice, “Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” She explains how this inspirational soundbite, while poetic, creates unrealistic expectations about what work should feel like. Drawing on research about grit and her experience supporting families through career decisions, Lisa reframes what sustainable career satisfaction ac...
In this solo episode, Lisa Marker-Robbins challenges one of the most well-intentioned but counterproductive phrases adults often say to young people: “The job you’ll end up doing hasn’t even been invented yet.” Drawing on her work with 15–25-year-olds and their families, Lisa explains why this advice can unintentionally create paralysis rather than progress. She reframes the conversation around transferable skills, personal “through lines,” adaptability, and lifelong learning. Most importantl...
In this solo episode, Lisa Marker-Robbins continues her series unpacking well-meaning career advice that unintentionally backfires. Following her previous episode challenging the phrase “you can be anything,” Lisa now tackles another cultural staple: “follow your passion.” She explains that this advice often creates pressure, paralysis, and self-doubt rather than motivation, and why passion is rarely the starting point for clarity. Instead, she offers a more grounded, process-driven path—on...
In this solo episode, Lisa Marker-Robbins challenges one of the most common and well-intentioned phrases adults use with young people about their future: “You can be anything.” Drawing on years of career coaching experience and thousands of Birkman personality assessment results, she explains why this advice often increases pressure, cognitive overload, and paralysis rather than building confidence and taking action. Lisa reframes future planning around alignment, limits, and energy rather th...
In this episode, Lisa and Jennifer discuss: How real confidence is built through skills rather than personality or bravadoThe decline in foundational academic and communication skillsThe relationship between anxiety, ambiguity, and skill development in young peopleWhat parents can realistically do at home to help young people become capable, confident adults Key Takeaways: Test anxiety is usually caused by weak study methods and a lack of preparation, and it improves significantly when ...
In this episode, Lisa and Jeff discuss: Why college prestige alone no longer guarantees strong early career outcomes — and what matters more insteadHow internships, micro-credentials, and co-ops now function as proof of employabilityHow parental decision-making and assumptions about higher ed are shifting post-2008Where higher education still falls short in delivering hands-on learning and the durable skills students need Key Takeaways: Since the 2008–2009 recession, UCLA data shows the...
Lisa Marker-Robbins argues that course scheduling is more than fulfilling academic requirements — it’s a strategic signal of direction, fit, and readiness. Through her lens as a master career coach, she reframes learning as a lifelong tool for validation, confidence, and momentum. In this episode, she walks high school students, college students, and graduates through how to use classes, credentials, and real-world experiences to stand out in both admissions and hiring. Her approach emphasize...
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 care...
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 pathThe role of curiosity, exposure, and hands-on experiences in meaningful career explorationThe growing need for skilled and technical workers across multiple industriesSupporting young people in finding aligned career paths without stigma or judgment Key Takeaways: Parents and educators can use the same exploration tactic...
In this episode, Lisa and Annie discuss: Career planning when chronic health conditions or physical disabilities affect daily functioningSelf-advocacy and accommodations across education, training, and employmentAligning career choices with realistic capacity and long-term sustainabilityUsing 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, pra...
In this episode, Lisa and Rick discuss: How a student’s choice of future intended major impacts their college admissions chancesThe role of holistic review in determining “Fit To Major” (FTM)The challenges students face when trying to change majors after admissionWhy 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 evi...
In this episode, Lisa and Brian discuss: Strategies for maximizing college scholarships given by the institutionsThe difference in merit vs. need-based financial aidThe role of GPA and standardized testing, ACT, and SAT, in scholarship awardsColleges with merit scholarship grids where students can know the amount they can earn for good grades and scoresTransparency of college financial aid policies Key Takeaways: Merit aid is often more predictable than need-based aid because many colle...
In this episode, Lisa and Amy discuss: Identifying personality traits, interests, and work styles for career explorationFactors influencing long-term career satisfaction and professional fulfillmentThe research and validation behind data-driven career assessmentsThe 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 st...
In this episode, Lisa and Jackie discuss: How personal storytelling shapes identity and confidence in young peopleThe role of a signature talk in strengthening communication and self-awarenessUsing life experiences to build clarity and purposeThe 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, s...
In this episode, Lisa and Andrea discuss: Navigating family dynamics when college students return home for holidays and extended breaksBalancing student independence with household expectations during time at homeCommunicating effectively with teens and college students to reduce conflict around schedules, curfews, and responsibilitiesSupporting student identity development and deeper conversations during the transition home Key Takeaways: Parents should set expectations early—before th...
In this episode, Lisa and Kami discuss: How curiosity shapes the development of lifelong learners who can adapt and grow over timeWhy box-checking habits weaken authentic engagement with learningWhat project-based learning offers as a bridge between interests and academicsThe role family culture plays in nurturing natural curiosity and supporting ongoing personal growth Key Takeaways: Box-checking driven by grades and pressure drains curiosity and leaves young people unprepared for real...
In this episode, Lisa and Ethan discuss: Managing setbacks and academic struggles in demanding college programsThe importance of resilience, networking, and real-world experience in career developmentHow communication and soft skills enhance technical education and employabilityNavigating college, internships, and professional growth with persistence and adaptability Key Takeaways: When traditional learning methods don’t meet your needs, explore alternative or online options—Ethan impr...
Two hundred episodes strong—and this celebration goes deeper than a milestone. Lisa Marker-Robbins is joined by Vicki Weisbrod and Kayla Lane for an honest, energizing conversation about what’s really holding young people back and how you can help them move forward with clarity and confidence. You’ll leave inspired, recharged, and ready to guide the next generation toward purpose and possibility. In this episode, Lisa, Vicki, and Kayla discuss: The emotional push and pull between parents and...
In this episode, Lisa and Stephen discuss: How to turn a passion for sports into a career off the fieldBuilding connections that open doors and gain experiences through sports internshipsWhat roles are in high demand in the sports and entertainment ecosystemBalancing passion, education, and hustle Key Takeaways: Careers in sports extend far past the playing field, including roles in marketing, analytics, media, and sponsorships. Exploring these options early helps uncover where passion ...
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