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Most students follow a well-worn path in pursuit of their goals. Those wanting to study law or medicine, for example, will follow the same route taken by thousands of others before them.

They will, therefore, usually sit down and seriously consider whether there is another way to reach those same goals only when they reach a crossroads – often precipitated by what feels at the time like failure.

Why is it only then that most students stop and reflect on whether there may be alternative routes open to them? Why can’t more students attain their goals via a non-traditional pathway? After all, there are plenty of successful people in the world who have most definitely blazed their own trail through life.

There are several reasons why students might actively choose to follow a non-traditional university or career pathway.

1. Pursuing a career in the arts

I worked for a while with a talented student who had dedicated her whole life to dancing, painting and playing music. She had a burning desire to pursue acting. Despite her passion, she found herself unsure about how to navigate this path and how to gauge what her future earning potential might be.

Complicating matters further, she excelled in all her other academic subjects, leaving her torn between following a traditional route that promised a safe and secure future or taking a leap of faith into the world of acting.

Together, we embarked on a research journey to explore various ways that the student could gain work experience and build a network of contacts in her desired field. We delved into the possibilities offered by universities she was targeting, seeking information on potential work opportunities and connections to the arts industry.

After careful consideration, she finally settled on a well-crafted plan: applying to specific arts courses both in the UK and the US.

2. Determination in the face of missed grades

One student I worked with aspired to work as a lawyer. However, her GCSE grades weren’t good enough to go on to study A levels. Her head of sixth form therefore suggested that she consider more practical BTEC courses instead.

She realised that BTECs were better suited to her more practical approach to learning. In addition, completing a BTEC made up of more coursework than exams would give her better grades.

But determined to study law at university, she wondered whether taking BTECs instead of A levels would allow her to follow this path.

As she looked into this, she realised that there were lots of universities that would accept her BTEC qualifications. Successfully completing her BTEC diploma, she chose to study law at a smaller, more nurturing university.

She had always wanted to work for a top international law firm – something straight out of Suits. Imagining herself wheeling and dealing, she researched top law firms and applied for summer programmes during her degree. Eventually, she was able to secure a training contract at a top law firm, where most of her colleagues had followed the more traditional route into law.

3. Desire to do something other than study

After enduring a difficult period of bullying, and having been homeschooled for several years, a resilient student found himself at a crossroads. Having successfully completed a number of GCSEs, he now needed to figure out what to do next.

The student harboured a deep desire to start his own business, but he also wanted to avoid any busy environments and did not want to pursue any further formal studying. He was already running a part-time business renovating furniture, and now he wanted to learn how to launch the business properly.

We looked into online entrepreneurships, freelancing and small-scale ventures that could be started in less-busy environments. Through this exploration, the student gained valuable insights into practical aspects of launching a business, including market research, branding and financial considerations.

With his newfound knowledge, the student began to craft a personalised road map for his business venture.

Choosing a non-traditional career pathway allows individuals to think outside the box, explore unconventional ideas and pursue unique approaches to their work. This can lead to breakthroughs, new discoveries and the ability to make a significant impact in their chosen field.

Reasons for following a non-traditional route may vary from person to person, and it’s important that students carefully consider their own values, aspirations and circumstances when weighing up whether to follow a traditional route or to explore alternative options.

Following a traditional route may contain limitations and predefined milestones that might restrict progress. By creating their own pathway, students have the freedom to set ambitious goals, take calculated risks and pursue their dreams.