#211 How to Use Course Scheduling to Demonstrate Fit and Direction

Flourish Coaching

Jan 27, 2026

Lisa Marker-Robbins argues that course scheduling is more than fulfilling academic requirements — it’s a strategic signal of direction, fit, and readiness. Through her lens as a master career coach, she reframes learning as a lifelong tool for validation, confidence, and momentum.

In this episode, she walks high school students, college students, and graduates through how to use classes, credentials, and real-world experiences to stand out in both admissions and hiring. Her approach emphasizes intentional choices that lower anxiety and open opportunities at every stage of early adulthood.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How course scheduling can signal direction in college, career, and life
The role of intentional learning during high school, college, and early adulthood
Using credentials, experiences, and course choices to build employable skills and a strong resume
Reframing education as lifelong, exploratory, and strategic rather than obligatory

Key Takeaways:

For High School Families (01:16): Intentional course selection can validate career interests or demonstrate fit to colleges/employers using tools like dual enrollment, industry credentials, and credit flex options.
For College Students (09:32): Students should protect space in their schedules to pursue real-world experiences (internships, research, projects) and short-course credentials (e.g., Coursera) that employers increasingly prioritize over second majors.
For Graduates Not In School (11:37): Clarity can be regained post-graduation by treating job postings as signals for what skills or credentials to pursue next, and by viewing learning as lifelong rather than tied to a classroom.
Universal Relevance (14:44): Scheduling choices—whether in high school, college, or adulthood—act as competitive career signals that lower anxiety, build momentum, and shape future options when done with intention.

“Getting unstuck is often going to start with learning something new.” – Lisa Marker-Robbins

Episode References:

#169 The Hidden Impact of College Major Selection on Admissions with Rick Clark https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/169
LinkedIn Guide https://flourishcoachingco.com/linkedin
Launch Career Clarity Course https://flourishcoachingco.com/course
Flourish Coaching Newsletter https://flourishcoachingco.com/newsletter
BYU Online High School https://is.ce2.byu.edu/#/
Coursera https://coursera.org

Get Lisa’s Free on-demand video: THE CAREER IDENTIFICATION COMPASS: How To Be Certain Your 15 To 25 Year Old is On The Right Path to Launch With Confidence–Not Confusion: flourishcoachingco.com/video