Case Study

FinlandiaUniversity

Helping disadvantaged students find fulfilling career paths with the Strong Interest Inventory

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Challenge

Guiding underserved students toward academic majors and careers that truly fit.

Finlandia University is deeply committed to empowering students—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—to pursue meaningful careers and make positive contributions to society. Through the federally funded TRiO Student Support Services program, the university supports first-generation college students, individuals from low-income families, and students with disabilities.

Mark Cavis, career services manager for the program, observed a recurring issue: many TRiO students were choosing majors based on external expectations, perceived job demand, or financial pressures—rather than on genuine interest or personal strengths. As a result, students often struggled academically, felt disconnected, and in some cases, considered dropping out.

The challenge was clear: how could Finlandia help students better understand themselves and make more informed academic and career choices, thereby improving their chances of graduation and long-term success?

Solution

Strong Interest Inventory® assessment for personalised student support.

To address this, Cavis made the Strong Interest Inventory assessment a core component of career counselling. Though available at the university for years, he dramatically expanded its usage upon joining. The assessment helps students uncover their preferences, interests, and work styles—and links them to career paths followed by satisfied professionals with similar profiles.

Whenever a student expressed uncertainty about their major or showed signs of disengagement, Cavis would guide them through the Strong assessment. Together, they would review the results, identify potential career fits, and then assign exercises such as guided reflection, career research, and visualisation. Students were encouraged to imagine themselves in different roles and discuss those ideas in follow-up sessions.

This process helped surface hidden interests. One student, initially majoring in liberal studies, discovered a long-standing interest in forestry. Another, a non-traditional student returning to school after starting a family, shifted from pre-nursing to business after realising her passion for baking and entrepreneurship. In every case, the Strong served as a practical and accessible starting point for deeper career exploration.

Key Programme Elements:

  • Strong Interest Inventory as core component of career counselling
  • Expanded usage for students showing uncertainty or disengagement
  • Results review sessions to identify potential career fits
  • Follow-up exercises including guided reflection, career research, and visualisation
  • Ongoing discussions to explore different role scenarios and surface hidden interests

Results

Increased student retention and more meaningful career alignment.

Thanks to the Strong assessment, students were better equipped to select majors aligned with their true interests—boosting both motivation and academic performance. Cavis reports that many students were surprised to see enjoyable hobbies reflected in their results, offering them new confidence and clarity.

The benefits extended to the university itself. By helping students choose the right academic path, Finlandia reduced attrition among at-risk groups and enhanced the overall student experience. Students who had considered transferring or dropping out found renewed purpose in re-evaluating their direction.

Cavis believes the Strong helps Finlandia offer a “complete educational package”—one that doesn’t just educate, but also inspires. By identifying careers students are genuinely excited about, the school supports their long-term success and contributes to community development through empowered graduates.

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