Navigating University and Career Choices: Insights from Those Who’ve Been There

What does it really take to make confident choices about university and career, and what if your child isn't sure yet?

Navigating university and career decisions is one of the most significant milestones for both students and parents. Today's landscape—rich with options, but also complex—can be overwhelming. That's why we brought together three inspiring EtonHouse alumni to share their honest, lived experiences in a candid and heartfelt conversation:

• Valerie Chan, a medical doctor
• Mahi Motial, a Music Business and Songwriting graduate from Berklee College of Music
• Vansh Minocha, an incoming law undergraduate at the University of Warwick

In this session, the speakers reflected on how they chose their paths, what influenced their decisions, the role of family and school support, and how their views on success have evolved over time. Their stories offered both inspiration and reassurance to students and parents currently navigating this journey.

Q: What would you say to someone who feels unsure about their future?

It's a common concern for parents, and the speakers were quick to share that not having all the answers is more common than not. The idea that young people need to decide their future by 17 or 18 was gently challenged. Taking the time to explore interests, travel, work, or even pause before rushing into university can provide much-needed clarity.

Valerie: The three of us here are the minority who decided early on what to do. Actually, the majority of our counterparts wouldn’t have had a clue even at that age... taking your time to come to a decision is much better than hastily jumping into a career that you may come to resent or regret later on.

Mahi: A gap year can be so useful to slow down, to talk to people in different career paths, to travel and explore different cultures... There isn't any sort of big rush.

Vansh: There's a plethora of experiences that you can have during your gap year. And I think it's very good, especially if you're not entirely sure what to do.

Q: What made you choose your course of study?

The alumni shared diverse pathways to their chosen fields—some rooted in early childhood interests, others shaped by internships, exposure to professionals in the fields, or immersive learning experiences.

Valerie: I wanted something that contributed to the good of others… a job that wouldn't feel like a job, a job that I would enjoy doing into my old age.

Mahi: I grew up writing songs, being very musical… I knew from the beginning that it was music because of the way that my parents supported me, because of the way that EtonHouse constantly gave me opportunities to explore my talent.

Vansh: I just kept exploring. I was quite young when I got exposed to having family in law, even watching little legal dramas... but I got confirmation through an internship and through my time in National Service, where I learned a lot about criminal law—that really solidified the choice for me.

Their choices were not simply about academics, but also about finding an environment that matched their personality and aspirations. Summer programmes, mentorships, and early exposure to various disciplines helped make these decisions more grounded and informed.

Q: What does success mean to you now, compared to when you were younger?

One of the most powerful discussions during the webinar was how the speakers' definition of success had evolved over time. They spoke about shifting from external achievements and validation toward internal growth, balance, and resilience.

Valerie: It means being able to balance every facet of life and being present in each moment for the person in front of you... EQ matters a lot more than your IQ in (the workplace).

Vansh: It's more about the journey than the destination... you build it inside of yourself. You're the person that’s going to have to live with yourself for the rest of your life.

Mahi: When I was younger, my idea of success was a little naive... Now my idea of success is rather than perfection, it's just persistence. As long as I’m being persistent and showing up for myself… that’s what really counts as success.

Their reflections encourage both students and parents to focus less on perfection and more on the growth that comes from setbacks, self-discovery, and showing up with intention.

Whether sharing quiet moments of doubt or the clarity that came with experience, our speakers reminded us that the journey to finding one's path is deeply personal, and there is strength in taking it one thoughtful step at a time.

As Mahi's father always reminds her, a message we can all carry with us, "You already are a success, not because of what you've done or because of your grades, but because of who you are."

Discover how our personalised learning pathway at EtonHouse Orchard equips students with the confidence and clarity to navigate their future.

Missed the webinar? Watch the full recording here: