Discover Your Student’s Strengths for College and Career Success
As a parent, you want nothing more than to see your child thrive—academically, socially, and in their future career. But here’s the truth: while schools are an important part of postsecondary planning, many students still lack meaningful guidance on how to translate their strengths into college and career success.
One of the most powerful tools our Paid Membership offers is the CliftonStrengths Assessment—an insightful and research-backed way for parents to help their children uncover their unique talents and abilities. With this tool in hand, your student gains clarity, confidence, and direction as they navigate one of the most pivotal time periods in their lives.
Why Strengths Matter Like Never Before
According to the Gallup and Walton Family Foundation’s 2025 study, "Gen Z's Limited Awareness of Non-College Pathways", many students are not receiving adequate guidance when it comes to exploring career opportunities—especially those that don’t follow the traditional four-year college route.
Here are a few eye-opening statistics:
43% of Gen Z students say their school provided little or no information about non-college career pathways.
Only 15% reported receiving “a lot” of information about such alternatives.
Even among those pursuing college degrees, 30% say they didn’t feel prepared for life beyond high school.
Schools primarily emphasize college preparation, leaving students unsure about other valuable opportunities.
Worse yet, many students rely on their parents and guardians as their most trusted sources—but many parents themselves lack up-to-date knowledge on diverse educational and career options.
The Power of Personalized Guidance with CliftonStrengths
By discovering their top five strengths with CliftonStrengths, your student gains more than just a personality profile—they receive:
A personalized report that reveals how they naturally think, feel, and behave
Guided insights into how these talents can be optimized for school, relationships, and career planning
Strategies to align their strengths with academic majors, internships, job roles, and long-term goals
Increased self-confidence, helping them make empowered decisions instead of following the crowd
This isn’t a generic recommendation tool—it’s an individualized blueprint for success that meets the student where they are and helps propel them to where they want to be.
Why Parents Play a Critical Role
The same Gallup/Walton study found that while school counselors and teachers provide some level of direction, they’re stretched too thin to offer in-depth guidance:
The average counselor manages 376 students in a single school year.
Only 16% of students say teachers or counselors have been extremely helpful in supporting career and college planning.
So where does that leave your student?
In a landscape where institutional support is often limited, parents are the most vital advocates. And with the CliftonStrengths Assessment, you’re not only supporting—you’re empowering. You’re helping identify what makes your student exceptional and how to turn that knowledge into a roadmap for success.
It's More Than Preparation—It's Purpose
Whether your child is aiming for a four-year university, a community college, a trade program, or a non-traditional career path, knowing their strengths helps them:
Choose the right major or skill development track
Build authentic and supportive peer relationships
Take initiative and lead in ways that reflect their true talents
Stay focused and resilient in the face of challenges
In short: They don’t just “get by”—they thrive.
Join College Parent of America Today
By becoming a Paid Member of College Parent of America, you gain access to the CliftonStrengths Assessment and a suite of tools that help your family take control of the future. Don’t let your student be one of the many left uncertain after high school. Instead, equip them with clarity, purpose, and a lifelong advantage.
➡️ Discover your student's strengths. Empower their journey. Start today.
Source: Gallup Walton Family Foundation: “Voices of Gen Z: Known Unknowns (2025)”
