When a Diploma Isn’t Enough
Each year, thousands of students cross the graduation stage believing their hard work has set them on the right path. Yet, for many, the excitement of landing that first job can quickly be followed by a nagging sense of disconnect. The cause isn’t a lack of ambition or ability—it’s that too often, students make life-shaping choices without ever pausing to consider what truly energizes them.
Driven by expectations, external rewards, or the promise of stability, students pour their effort into majors and career tracks that look good on paper. But as the reality of day-to-day work sets in, many discover that achievement alone does not always guarantee fulfillment. The gap between what they do and what genuinely matters to them can reveal itself sooner than expected.
Dr. Brandy Stamper, leadership consultant, professor, and author of Bridge the Purpose Gap, has seen this pattern unfold time and again. She knows that lasting career satisfaction often starts with a deeper understanding of self—long before the ink dries on a diploma.
Looking Beyond the Résumé: A Deeper Kind of Self-Assessment
For Stamper, the solution isn’t found in résumé padding or another standardized test. Instead, she turns to the Enneagram—a framework that explores the deeper motivations, fears, and blind spots that shape decision-making.
Unlike personality labels that categorize surface traits, the Enneagram seeks to reveal why people pursue certain goals and how they react under stress. For students under pressure to pick the “right” career, this tool can help provide clarity: What energizes me? What drains me? What values do I want my career to reflect?
This deeper self-understanding can be a pivotal turning point. Stamper has seen communication majors, for example, discover through the Enneagram that their real passion lies in advocacy and social impact, leading them to pursue roles in nonprofit communication or public health campaigns rather than traditional media or corporate PR. Another student, initially set on a public health career for its perceived stability, realized their true motivation was fostering dialogue and education—prompting a shift toward health communication and community outreach. These insights often suggest that it’s not about following a predetermined path, but about finding the work that genuinely fits who you are and what energizes you.
Career Choices That Actually Last
This level of insight is powerful because it helps set students on a course that is sustainable. According to Stamper, early misalignment can often lead to burnout. Students who choose based solely on income potential may discover later that the trade-offs are too costly. But when choices are made with a clearer understanding of motivation and values, careers become more resilient, adaptable, and fulfilling.
The Enneagram also equips students with language to articulate strengths and challenges—an invaluable asset in interviews, internships, and early professional roles. It provides a foundation for confident decision-making at a stage when most graduates feel uncertain and reactive.
Why This Work Matters Now
Today’s job market is anything but predictable. Rapid shifts in technology, the rise of AI, and the growing emphasis on adaptability mean that students must be prepared not just to land a job, but to navigate change with resilience. Employers are no longer looking only at technical skills; they increasingly prioritize adaptability, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership. By developing these qualities early, students enter the workforce with a competitive edge that extends far beyond the first job offer.
“Students who develop these qualities early have a real edge,” Stamper says. “It’s not just about landing a job—it’s about building a career that can better withstand change and still feel meaningful.”
Building the Future with Purpose
Ultimately, Stamper’s message is clear: financial stability and achievement matter, but they cannot be the sole measures of success. Without purpose, achievement may feel less satisfying. With purpose, even the steepest career challenges can be approached with a clearer sense of direction—and more meaning.
For students standing at the threshold of their careers, the choice is not between ambition and fulfillment. The challenge is weaving them together. By embracing tools like the Enneagram, students can build the foundation for careers that feel as good in practice as they look on paper.
For the next generation of leaders, clarity of purpose may prove to be just as important as any credential. Dr. Stamper’s work underscores that cultivating this clarity at the student stage is not just preparation for a career—it is preparation for a life of meaningful contribution.
Dr. Brandy Stamper’s resources and workshops are available at www.bridgethepurposegap.com
Disclaimer: The content in this article reflects the opinions and perspectives of Dr. Brandy Stamper and her approach to career development. While the methods discussed, such as the Enneagram, have been found useful by many individuals, results may vary. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional career advice or counseling. Readers are encouraged to explore multiple resources and seek personalized guidance suited to their individual circumstances.
