A few years ago, I decided to become an education entrepreneur, driven by a passion to guide students to fulfilling careers. While I had some broad ideas, I wasn’t sure yet what problem to tackle or how to solve it.

What I did know was that I wanted to make a difference for the next generation. Drawing from my diverse experiences as a mentor and in researching problems and startups in education while pursuing a career transition into venture capital, I noticed a crucial need going unmet.

Most students graduate high school feeling uncertain and overwhelmed about choosing a career path.Modern career trajectories aren’t as linear as they once were. Plus, emerging technologies and industries are constantly introducing new potential occupations. But most schools still only equip students with academic skills and focus only on college planning, leaving career preparation lacking. 

According to a recent national survey by YouScience, 75% of high school graduates are not ready to make college and career decisions. 80% felt they “would have been more engaged in their learning if they better understood their own aptitudes and potential career opportunities.” Per a recent study by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, “the idea that you have to go to college isn’t always the best advice for high schoolers.” Similarly, a research paper released last year supported by the Gates Foundation highlighted how “there are several different options for folks as they graduate, and it would have been wonderful if high school could have supported them better in that.”

I became determined to fill this gap. I believed with the right guidance and tools for self-discovery, students could uncover their inner strengths, interests, and passions. This clarity would allow them to make informed decisions about potential career directions after graduation.

Armed with vision and enthusiasm, I launched my startup, PathSpark. Our slogan is “fueling futures and illuminating paths” because we help students discover their career “spark” to chart their “paths.”

I developed personalized assessments and coaching content tailored specifically for high school students. Although I lacked teaching experience and had no reputation, I was eager to prove my program’s value. I just needed an opportunity.

That opportunity came in an unlikely place - the comments of an article I posted on LinkedIn.

The Power of Unexpected Connections

I wrote a piece about the importance of career readiness in high school. In the comments, I connected with a reader equally dedicated to preparing students for promising careers. She mentioned having a son soon facing career decisions after graduation.

As we continued conversing, her son’s uncertainty and desire for direction related all too well to my own experiences at that age. I offered to pilot my career coaching program with him for free.

This mother and son took a chance on my startup when it needed validation most. I was determined to equip him with the insights and clarity that eluded me in high school.

I vividly remember our first meeting. Discussing his interests, strengths, and future aspirations surfaced memories of my own career confusion as a teen. Here was my long-awaited opportunity to guide a student through that uncertainty.

With each session, his passions and potential paths came into focus. Especially without knowing if I'd be able to help and having any relevant training, the fulfillment of witnessing his “aha” moment was indescribable. My program worked - he had ignited his career clarity.

The Impact of Sharing Your Story

The student was so excited that I encouraged an optional part of the program, which was to present his learnings to a neighbor, hoping it would showcase his growth.

The neighbor was blown away, immediately asking if I could work with his own grandson. Though anxious, I had to clarify that my coaching required payment. To my relief, he eagerly signed up his grandson.
With that, I had my first paying client! This experience taught me so much. It reinforced that opportunities flourish in unexpected places by nurturing connections. And that vulnerability in sharing your story can profoundly impact others.

Most of all, I learned the immense value of organically earned trust.
While my eventual rebrand came later, this student kicked off my startup’s journey. I’m forever grateful he and his neighbor believed in me.

The PathSpark Rebrand and Gratitude for First Believers

After years of learning and refinement, I recently announced a rebrand from my original name, Career Startup School, to PathSpark. It was a big transition, but an important evolution.

The name PathSpark better captures my mission - to ignite every student’s unique career journey by unlocking their inner strengths, interests, and passions. While our brand has evolved, our commitment to empowering youth remains unchanged.The rebrand made me reflect on that first client. His eagerness to try my program allowed me to demonstrate and improve my offering. Without early adopters like him, it’s impossible to gain traction.
I’m filled with immense gratitude for those first believers. Their support propelled me forward to ultimately help hundreds and - hopefully, thousands of students in the future - chart their futures.
It’s surreal to reflect on that winding journey from a comment to a renamed, rebranded company. But I believe that’s how most startups unfold - in nonlinear ways fueled by human connection.
I’m honored to ignite students’ potential daily. But it was only possible because people like my first client offered their trust when I needed it most. This is just the beginning, thanks to those who believed from day one.

Unexpected Moments Shape Your Path

When I started this venture, I never imagined its success would hinge on the faith of one student from an article comment. But that’s what happened.

It’s amazing how a single moment can reshape your path. For me, responding to a stranger online led to a connection, then client, then my startup’s launch.
You never know when small interactions can lead to pivotal moments. Keep showing up genuinely, seek to help others, and pursue your purpose - the rest unfolds unexpectedly.
Your career journey likely won’t follow a straight line either. As you chart your own path, I hope my nonlinear entrepreneurial journey provides inspiration.
Know that your interests are already within you - you just need the spark to discover them.
I’m proud to ignite that spark for students daily. It all started with someone believing in me enough to take the first step. Now I want to empower you to take that leap into your future. Your potential is waiting to be uncovered.
If you're a high school student starting to think about life after graduation, I created PathSpark for you! Our assessments, coaching, and community will help you gain clarity in your interests and potential careers.
Enroll in our next cohort starting soon!