By Sir Rod Aldridge OBE

University, apprenticeships, and vocational training courses will be the next step for many people, whilst for others there may be more uncertainty.

Whilst the commentary of today will invariably always be about percentages, statistics and university admissions policies, I always reflect that it is about so much more than that for young people.

I have spoken before about my own journey from the exam hall to the FTSE100 but it all started from a passionate belief that education is about far more than just the grades on a piece of paper at the end of a 13-year school career. The skills and experiences that you acquire – knowingly or otherwise – are, I believe, the best indicators of how well you will do in the next phase of your career.

On this day last year, I shared five pieces of advice I would give a young person receiving their results. Well, here are five more thoughts:

1. Mindset matters

However you are feeling today; whether you’re elated or deflated, know that your mindset is what matters most now. How are you going to turn today into a positive, regardless of what is on the piece of paper? That means channelling your emotions into a focused plan. Why don’t you speak with a teacher or a friend about your options? Take your time and make the right choice for you, based on your own ambitions.

2. Opportunities will come your way, so be prepared

The path to your ideal career is never as straightforward as anyone thinks. Along the way, you will be given the chance to experience new things and take on roles that might not necessarily be part of the plan. However, grabbing these opportunities with both hands and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone will ensure you keep learning, understand your strengths and weaknesses, find out what you enjoy and ultimately discover your passion – who knows, you might end up in a career you’d never even thought of.

3. Postcode lottery doesn’t mean as much post-Covid

For many people, the temptation will be to move away from where you’ve grown up in search of better employment prospects. We used to call this a postcode lottery. Whilst previously young people might have rushed to London to access the best opportunities, since the pandemic we are seeing more and more organisations embrace digital training programmes and remote working. Of course, relocating may be something that appeals to you but it is also not necessarily the case that you need to leave your close friends and family to progress in work. This is worth considering, as being close to your network and having their support can help in the first few years after school.

4. Gut feelings matter. Trust your instincts

I have always believed that if you have an idea for a business or a job, you should try to make it happen. It’s why we focus so much on helping young people develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Trusting your instincts and taking measured risks is a key part of success for any entrepreneur. Of course, you should seek counsel from people you respect and admire along the way and not every idea will be a goer, but gut feelings matter. If you think you can create a business venture and it has merit, back yourself and see what happens.  

5. The world of work is changing

Technology, public services, and consumer demand are all changing rapidly. It is impossible to say what jobs will be created by the time you’re in your thirties and forties. It is why in many ways, academia needs to change to keep pace with the skills needed, not the other way around. By placing a greater emphasis on skills such as creativity, flexibility and communication, you will be better prepared to seize the opportunities that a changing jobs market will present, so finesse these skills in the years to come.

Whatever you decide to do after today, I hope you will consider looking at the Aldridge Futures Hub, which provides insights into some of the career paths that are open to you and resources to support you as you go on to further education and the world of work. I wish you well as you find your place in the world and remember, whatever success looks like to you, you have the power to make it a reality.