In this episode, Matt speaks with Ivey Harrison, a former college administrator who successfully transitioned into the EdTech industry. Ivey shares her inspiring journey from college counseling to her current role at YouScience, a gamified career assessment platform that helps students discover their natural aptitudes. She offers powerful insights on aligning your career with your personal mission and provides grounded advice for any educator considering a similar leap.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
- What is YouScience? Ivey explains how the platform uses gamified, aptitude-based assessments—not just interest inventories—to provide students with a robust profile of their natural talents and connect them to fulfilling career paths.
- The Power of Strengths: The conversation highlights the profound impact of helping students understand what they’re naturally good at. This approach can build confidence, provide hope, and empower them to make intentional decisions about their future.
- An Unconventional Path: Ivey details her decision to leave her role in college counseling, take a "gap year" to explore different paths (including becoming a certified thermographer!), and how that period of discovery ultimately led her to YouScience.
- Following Your Intuition: A key theme is the importance of listening to your gut. Ivey knew she needed a change and acted on it, eventually reaching out to YouScience because she felt a deep connection to their mission.
- Grounded Advice for a Career Change: Ivey reminds listeners that "the grass isn't always greener." She advises teachers to explore their options but also to focus on "watering the grass where you are"—finding fulfillment and purpose in your current role while thoughtfully considering your next steps.
Resources Mentioned:
- YouScience: A game-based career assessment and guidance platform.
- Gallup Strengths (formerly StrengthsFinder): An assessment tool Ivey credits as a game-changer in understanding her own talents.
