In this episode, Bill Priestley examines how academics (not academic performance) and career choice are more connected than you think. Using the analogy of a cave, Bill goes into the idea that exploration of the cave can be exciting. However, once the light from the opening is gone, kids look for a way out - and they find it in the form of graduation. But some students take a different path towards academics in how they use them to fuel their desire for a career - something they experience well past graduation day. And it's by understanding this analogy that can give you, as parents a good idea about what your child is interested in by examining what "gems" they are going after.

In this conversation, Bill Priestley interviews Luke De La Verne, a career counselor, about the importance of career counseling for young people. Luke shares his personal journey into the field, highlighting the confusion many young individuals face when deciding on their career paths. The discussion emphasizes the role of parents in supporting their children’s decisions without imposing their own agendas. Luke also critiques the educational system's lack of consistent feedback for students and offers insights into effective career counseling strategies. The conversation concludes with practical scenarios where counseling can be beneficial for both students and parents. In this conversation, Luke discusses the importance of using aptitude assessments and career counseling to help young people identify their strengths and interests. He emphasizes the value of the Highlands Ability Battery and the need for objective feedback from a coach. The discussion also covers the timing for assessments, the impact of AI on career guidance, and the importance of parental support in the decision-making process. Luke provides insights on how to navigate career choices and the necessity of reevaluating career paths periodically.

Do you ever notice how some graduates seemingly don't know what to do after graduation (when their formal education is over) and other graduates have things in hand - or at least they think they do? This podcast delves into the life of the graduate that goes to school simply to graduate - as if their education ended when they got the diploma. This scheme won't apply to everyone, but it will apply to a decent percentage of every graduating class this spring - they fall off of the "Graduation Cliff".