If you’re between 12 and 18, your future career can feel like something that belongs to a completely different version of you — someone older, more confident and somehow magically certain about everything.

But here’s the truth: the earlier you start exploring your options, the more choices you’ll have later on.

At Oxford Royale, you’re already doing something many students don’t — stepping outside your comfort zone, exploring subjects in depth, and meeting ambitious peers from around the world. That experience isn’t just academic. It’s the beginning of career discovery.

Here are 10 practical tips to help you start finding the right path for you.

1. Start With What Genuinely Interests You

What do you enjoy learning about when no one forces you to?

At Oxford Royale, you might be studying Medicine, Engineering, Law, Business, or Creative Writing — but notice what excites you most. Is it debating ideas? Solving problems? Designing solutions? Leading group projects?

Your interests are clues. Passion alone isn’t everything, but it’s a powerful starting point.

Try this:
Write down five subjects or activities you genuinely enjoy. Then brainstorm careers connected to each one — even unusual ones.

2. Identify What You’re Good At (or Could Be Good At)

You don’t have to be “the best in the class” to build a career in something.

Teachers often say their favourite students aren’t necessarily the top performers — they’re the ones who try hard and improve. The same applies to careers.

At Oxford Royale, think about:

• Are you strong in presentations?
• Do you enjoy leading group discussions?
• Are you good at analysing complex problems?
• Do people naturally come to you for advice?

Your strengths might be academic — or they might be communication, organisation, creativity or leadership.

All of these translate into career value.

3. Decide What You Want From a Job

Different people want very different things from their careers.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want a high salary?
• Do I want to travel?
• Do I want stability?
• Do I want to help people?
• Do I want creativity and variety?
• Do I want to run my own business?

For example, if you love history but also want a fast-paced, high-income career, you might look at careers in international law, politics or consultancy rather than pure academia.

There’s no “right” answer — only what’s right for you.

4. Think About the Life You Want, Not Just the Job

Careers shape lifestyles.

If you imagine yourself travelling frequently, working abroad or balancing a career with family life, those preferences matter.

Oxford Royale exposes you to students from across the globe. Notice how different their ambitions and cultural expectations are. There isn’t one model of success.

Your career should fit your life — not the other way around.

5. Explore Where Your Subjects Could Lead

Many students assume their subject directly determines their career. That’s not always true.

Studying Law doesn’t only lead to becoming a lawyer. Studying Business doesn’t only lead to banking. Studying Engineering doesn’t only lead to construction.

On your programme, ask your tutors:

• “What careers did your former students go into?”
• “What alternative routes are there in this field?”

You may discover options you hadn’t considered.

6. Take Career Quizzes — But Don’t Rely on Them

Online career tests can be useful for generating ideas. They might highlight industries you’ve never thought about.

But they’re tools, not verdicts.

Use them for inspiration, then research the suggestions further. A quiz might say you’re suited to entrepreneurship — but what kind? Tech? Fashion? Social enterprise?

Dig deeper.

7. Read Real Job Descriptions

Some careers sound glamorous — but the daily reality may surprise you.

Being an airline pilot sounds exciting, but much of the job is highly structured routine. Investment banking sounds impressive, but it can mean long hours. Running your own business sounds freeing, but it involves risk and pressure.

Look up real job descriptions. Notice:

• Daily responsibilities
• Required qualifications
• Work hours
• Salary ranges
• Skills required

Ask yourself: Would I actually enjoy doing this most days?

8. Read “Day in the Life” Interviews

Job descriptions tell you what the role involves. Interviews tell you what it feels like.

Search for:
“Day in the life of a [career]”

This gives insight into:

• Work culture
• Challenges
• Unexpected realities
• Career progression

You’ll often find the most valuable details in these personal accounts.

9. Try Internships or Shadowing

The fastest way to learn whether you like a career? Experience it.

You might not be able to do this immediately, but start looking for:

• Work experience placements
• Internship opportunities
• Volunteering roles
• Job shadowing days

Even one week observing someone can give you clarity.

Oxford Royale is also part of this process. Group projects simulate real-world collaboration. Debates mirror professional discussions. Business courses introduce you to entrepreneurial thinking.

Pay attention to what energises you during these experiences.

10. Be Curious — and Be Willing to Change Direction

You do not need to choose your entire future at 13, 15 or even 18.

But you do need direction.

The most successful people aren’t the ones who knew everything from the start. They’re the ones who:

• Worked hard
• Asked questions
• Took risks
• Reflected on what worked (and what didn’t)
• Adjusted their path when necessary

If something doesn’t fit, you can change course. Many careers today didn’t even exist ten years ago.

How Oxford Royale Fits Into Your Career Journey

Your time at Oxford Royale isn’t just about academic enrichment. It’s about exploration.

You’re:

• Testing subjects at a higher level
• Building independence
• Developing confidence
• Meeting ambitious, international peers
• Learning to debate, present and collaborate

These are not just “summer school skills”. They are career skills.

Use your time here strategically:

• Ask tutors about their career journeys.
• Talk to students studying different subjects.
• Notice which sessions you look forward to most.
• Reflect on what challenges you — and why.

Clarity doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from experimenting, reflecting and trying again.

Final Thought

Finding the right career path isn’t about having all the answers.

It’s about asking better questions.

Start early. Stay curious. Work hard. Take opportunities — like Oxford Royale — seriously.

And remember: nothing is impossible if you’re willing to put in the effort.

Your future self will thank you.