HOW WE CHOOSE OUR CAREERS IS BROKEN

According to a 2023 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, only 27% of college graduates in the U.S. work in a job directly related to their major.

At True North Academy we believe this is because we ask ourselves the wrong questions, resulting in incomplete data when considering career choices.

The missing piece is an internal compass. We all have one and once we learn to  leverage it, it provides direction for all of life’s adventures – not just our  careers.

Welcome to True North Academy – where purpose meets possibility.

We believe every young person deserves the time, tools, and support to figure out who they are and where they’re headed - before they make BIG decisions!
Whether you’re a student searching for direction, a parent wanting to help without pushing, or an employer looking for motivated young workers, you’re in the right place.

STUDENTS

Feeling unsure about what’s next? You’re not alone – and you don’t have to fake it. BaseCamp helps you discover what matters most to you and gives you a starting point that actually fits.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR BASECAMP

PARENTS

You want to support your teen without adding pressure – but also don’t want them to drift. We’ll help them build the clarity and confidence to move forward on their terms.

support starts here

EMPLOYERS

Struggling to find and keep reliable young workers? Purpose-driven youth show up differently. Learn how partnering with True North can benefit your business and your team.

Let's build a generation together

BASECAMP

Start here. Find Clarity.

Basecamp is a guided, interactive workshop that helps youth uncover their core values, strengths, and direction — so they can take meaningful steps toward a future that fits.

  • Get clear on what actually matters to you

  • Learn how to make confident decisions — without the overwhelm

  • Discover your strengths and how to use them

  • Feel proud of the path you’re creating — even if it’s not what others expect

  • Have fun and make new connections!
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW!

We're not here to sell a path.

We're here to help you build one.

  • Direction matters more than destination.

    You don’t need a 10-year plan. You need a compass, some curiosity, and the guts to take the next right step.

  • Inner clarity beats outer pressure. Every time.
    We start with what’s true for you — not what’s trending, expected, or guaranteed to impress your uncle at Thanksgiving.

  • You are not behind. You’re becoming.
    Growth isn’t linear and purpose isn’t a pop quiz. You’re right on time.

  • Your worth is not measured by your productivity.
    Or your grades. Or your job title. Or your ability to pretend everything’s fine. You matter just as you are.

  • We walk beside — not above.
    This is not a guru show. It’s a guided journey. We ask real questions, offer solid tools, and walk with you as you figure it out.

JOIN THE JOURNEY

Meet the Chief Potential Activator

I’m Tara Persson.
Executive leadership coach, former public health nurse, and mom of three.
I’ve helped hundreds of leaders find clarity and direction… and now I’m bringing that same level of support to the people who need it most: young people on the edge of adulthood.

“Before working with Tara, I was in a place of not knowing. I felt so unclear about what I wanted to do. The exercises were so helpful! It was like my whole personality had been running in the background, and now I actually get to own it. I realized it’s okay to not have it all figured out - and that I can try things and find a career that fits who I actually am. I’m more confident now, and more purposeful. I honestly believe I could help people, even change the world a little. And that feels pretty amazing.”
Ruby, 20
BaseCamp Participant

FIND YOUR DIRECTION

Simple tools. Honest guidance. Real support for the road ahead.

JOIN THE JOURNEY