CliftonStrengths
At Wake Forest University, we use a strengths-based approach to help students, faculty, and staff recognize and build on their unique talents. This shared language of strengths empowers the Demon Deacon community to learn, lead, and thrive together.
What is CliftonStrengths?
CliftonStrengths is an online talent assessment that measures natural patterns of thinking, feeling, or behaving. Utilizing over five decades of research, CliftonStrengths helps individuals identify their natural talents and encourages them to invest in what they do best, transforming these talents into strengths. The assessment was designed to be a beginning not an end for personal development. It serves as a filter for how we see and interact with the world. It allows us to understand ourselves and others better through a common language.
Talent × Investment = Strength
- Talent: A naturally recurring thought, feeling, or behaving
- Investment: Time spent practicing, developing your skills and building your knowledge base.
- Strength: is the ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance in a specific task.
We’ve all wondered who we are and what makes us unique. The CliftonStrengths assessment answers those questions. This online test (formerly named the Clifton StrengthsFinder) measures the intensity of your talents in each of the 34 CliftonStrengths themes. These 34 themes represent what people do best. They categorize all that’s right with humankind, distilled down to 34 different themes. The CliftonStrengths assessment produces a report featuring customized descriptions of your dominant strengths in ranked order.
What would happen if we studied what was right with people versus what’s wrong with people?” — Donald O. Clifton
Discover Your Strengths at Wake Forest
Your strengths are what make you, you. They shape how you learn, lead, and connect with others — and at Wake Forest, we want to help you put them to work.
Before arriving at Wake Forest, you’ll take the CliftonStrengths assessment, a tool that highlights your natural talents and gives you a personalized set of “superpowers.” From there, you’ll have opportunities to explore what those strengths mean and how to use them in real life. Whether you’re in class, leading a student organization, or just hanging out with friends, your strengths can help you grow, build stronger relationships, and make an impact on campus. At Wake Forest, we believe every Demon Deacon has something unique to offer — and CliftonStrengths can help you discover how to use your talents to thrive in the spirit of Pro Humanitate.
“Discover Your Strengths, Define Your Path”
- Name It
Begin your journey by discovering your CliftonStrengths. Through the assessment, you’ll uncover your Top 5 themes — unique talents that highlight the ways you naturally think, connect, and lead. These strengths form the foundation of how you bring your best self to Wake Forest and beyond. - Claim It
Deepen your understanding of what makes you distinct. Explore how your strengths shape your daily life, relationships, and leadership style. Claiming your strengths means embracing who you are and how you contribute to the Demon Deacon community. - Aim It
Live out your strengths with purpose. Whether in academics, campus involvement, service, or future careers, you’re encouraged to apply your strengths in meaningful ways. By aiming your strengths toward impact, you embody the spirit of Pro Humanitate — enriching both your own journey and the communities you serve.
Wake Forest University is cultivating a strengths-based culture that inspires growth and possibility. Discover our certified coaches, learn how they’re integrating strengths across campus, and see what it means to lead with CliftonStrengths as part of the Demon Deacon community.
What are “strengths” and why do they matter?
The CliftonStrengths assessment was developed by Don Clifton based on decades of research in positive psychology and human performance. It measures your most natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving—how you’re already wired to succeed.
There are 34 strengths, grouped into four domains: Strategic Thinking, Relationship Building, Influencing, and Executing.
Do I have to pay for the assessment?
Students can request a free code courtesy of the university, while faculty and staff can receive funding via their individual departments. It takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Starting with the class of 2029, all incoming freshmen are required to take the assessment. Participation is strongly encouraged for all other students.
How do I use my results after I get them?
Sign up for a 1:1 coaching session through the Office of Leadership Engagement and get connected with one of our certified coaches across campus.
Why would a college student take CliftonStrengths?
CliftonStrengths helps you understand how you learn, problem-solve, and collaborate, which can guide you toward majors and study strategies that fit your natural talents. Additionally, articulating your strengths gives you language to explain your value to employers and show how you work best on a team.