As part of the No Wrong Path campaign, we're following up to remind students that there are many ways to succeed after school. Exam results can feel like a huge turning point, but they are just one step on a much longer journey.
Clare Hunter, senior operations assistant, shares her story navigating an unpredictable path after leaving school, exploring different careers, and finding a fulfilling and meaningful life.
School and the first big step after results
“Growing up I went to Alford primary and academy, the two schools were technically one building, this helped make the transition easier. My favourite subjects were art, biology and modern studies. Coming from an art-loving family, creativity was and continues to be been an important emotional outlet for me.
“I didn’t have an easy time at the academy. Family difficulties made school hard for me, and when my mum passed when I was 16 everything felt even harder. After my prelims, I made the decision to leave school before sitting my standard grades (National 5s). At the time I thought I was being cool and rebellious, but later I realised how much I’d lost by stepping away.”
Immediate next steps — learning from getting lost
“My teachers, guidance teacher and my dad all begged me to stay in school. But I thought I knew best.
“I had an older friend group and wanted to spend time with them, but soon realised they worked during the week, and I was only with them in the evenings and at weekends. I felt lost and, to be honest, a bit stupid.
“But I didn’t give up.”
Exploring different routes – trying things and finding what fits
“I started a hairdressing apprenticeship, doing day release college, the pay was only £80 a week, which now sounds bonkers.
“For a while I flirted with the idea of becoming a lawyer, Ally McBeal made it look glamorous and I even tried working towards that. But in reality I spent more time on bar work than in class.
“My dad’s question, "Are you ever going to graduate?" was a wake-up call. That pushed me to knuckle down. I completed an HND in Tourism and Hospitality Management, a wonderfully varied course that included accounts, economics, geography, booking systems and cultural studies. It was perfect for someone who wasn’t ready to pick one narrow path.
“Following this, I joined the third year of a degree course in tourism, hospitality and entrepreneurship at Robert Gordon University. I completed my degree and stayed on for the Honours year. This included a ten day research trip to Las Vegas to study the changing casino industry and its effects on UK gambling! It was a brilliant trip which convinced me to stick with the course.
“In my last year I was also diagnosed with dyslexia. Fortunately, The university allowed me to resubmit coursework and my results were regraded because spelling and grammar had cost me marks. Stubborn as ever, I said I’d carry on, but the support and tools I was given have been invaluable and I still use them today.”
Learning outside the classroom
“University really suited me. I learned responsibility, teamwork, and how to meet deadlines – skills that took me straight into my first job with the National Trust for Scotland.
“Over the years I moved through several roles and finished as a wedding and events manager for the northeast, leading an incredible team. This was also where my love of charity work began.”
Adjusting course
“Hospitality taught me so much about making dreams come true for other people, but it was exhausting as events don’t run 9-5. This taught me hard lessons about work-life balance and the sacrifices different careers demand.”
My journey – a career built on helping others
“I went from hairdressing to hospitality, then to a building society, where I worked on front desk duties, investments and insurance on to a paralegal role handling repossessions at a law firm. I’ve done it all!
“Later I moved into the oil and gas industry as an operations assistant and worked for three different companies. Every role added to my skills and confidence.
“Looking back, the theme across my career has always been the same: helping people. Charity work has been a constant thread too. I’ve taken part in treks in Cambodia, the Grand Canyon and Vietnam to raise money for causes I care about.
“One of the best decisions I made was joining Altrad Sparrows, I work with an amazing team, help run the social committee, and help raise money for a chosen charity each year.”
Advice to students
“There is no single way to get to where you want to be and it is okay to not know what you want to do when you leave school.
“Qualifications matter, but they’re not everything. Life throws curveballs that can change your direction and that’s okay.
“For me, I love my job and the people I work with (and since that’s where I spend most of my time), so I count myself rich and happy.”