Why We Use the Birkman Assessment — and Why It Matters for Teens
As a teen or young adult navigating college, career options, or simply figuring out what comes next, you’ve probably heard versions of: “You just need to find your passion.” or “Figure out what you like and you’ll find success.”
But that leaves a lot unsaid — and unsolved. It doesn’t explain why you feel stuck, why you keep switching gears, or why things feel disconnected even when you’re doing the “right” thing on paper.
That’s where the Birkman Assessment comes in. The Birkman isn’t just a personality quiz. It’s a scientifically‑grounded tool that helps you uncover who you really are, how you operate best, what you need to thrive, and even what trips you up under stress. (Learn more at https://birkman.com/the-birkman-method)
At LaunchForward Coaching, we include the Birkman in our 8‑week program for several compelling reasons — especially for teens and young adults who are ready to move from confusion to clarity.
1. Clarity about Yourself — Not Just What You Like
One of the biggest struggles for teens is the question: “What do I want to do?” The Birkman shifts the question to: “Who am I? How do I work best? What environments suit me?”
Benefit: You discover your natural interests and your behavioural needs — which means you’re equipped to make choices that feel aligned, not just motivated by expectations or peer pressure.
According to research, tools like the Birkman significantly improve self‑awareness, which is linked to better decision‑making. (See research: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5221831)
2. Recognising Your “Recharge” vs. Your “Stress” Mode
It’s one thing to know what you like. It’s something else entirely to know what drains you or makes you feel stuck. The Birkman reveals both your “usual style” and your “stress behaviour” — when your needs aren’t met.
Benefit:
- Understand why you might lose motivation or feel trapped in a “wrong fit.”
- Spot environments or tasks that support you — not sabotage you.
- Communicate clearly with parents or mentors about what you need to thrive.
Resource: https://worldofwork.io/2019/05/the-birkman-method
3. Parents and Teens Speak the Same Language
Part of what often causes friction at this stage is a communication gap: the teen feels misunderstood, the parent feels concerned and stuck. The Birkman gives both parties a shared framework.
Benefit:
- Parents can see what their teen needs to thrive.
- Teens can articulate why something feels off.
- Conversations shift from stress to collaboration.
4. Better Choices, Less Cost (in Time, Money, Stress)
The stakes feel high. College is expensive. Time passes fast. Every major switch, gap year, or uncertainty carries both emotional and financial cost.
Benefit:
- Reduce the chances of choosing a path that doesn’t fit and needing to pivot later.
- Build clarity that helps with academic decisions, internships, and early career thinking.
- Gain confidence — less fear, less procrastination, and more direction.
5. Long‑Term Skills, Not Just Immediate Decisions
This isn’t about choosing one major today and being done. The Birkman builds meta‑skills: self‑awareness, decision‑making, resilience, and adaptability.
Benefit:
- As the world of work changes, knowing how you work best becomes a lifelong advantage.
- You learn to ask: “What environment or culture will support me now?”
- You feel empowered, not just directed.
A Few Notes Before You Jump In
- There are no right or wrong results. The Birkman is about insight, not judgment.
- To get true value, you need to engage with your results — reflect, discuss, and act.
- If you’ve ever switched majors, felt stuck in an unmotivating job, or wondered why things don’t click — you’re in the right place.
Ready to use the Birkman as a launching pad?
In our 8‑week LaunchForward program, the Birkman is integrated into a structured process of self‑discovery → exploration → planning → launch. The insights from your assessment help shape every step so your choices feel aligned and intentional.
Learn more about the assessment here: https://birkman.com/the-birkman-method
If you’d like to know how the Birkman could help your teen or young adult, 👉 book a free discovery call to explore whether this process is a fit.
Final Thought
You don’t have to keep guessing. You don’t have to settle for choosing a “maybe” path or feeling behind. The Birkman gives you clarity. Combined with intentional coaching, it gives you momentum.
Here’s to your teen finding not just what’s next, but what’s right for them.
