ISR Students Ask ISR Alumni 🌟 Myla and Daniel get real about career/university choices! If you could go back and advise your younger self about university and career paths, what would you say? 👀

Choose a career/major at university based on what topics truly fascinate you. Having an interest in a topic is not enough; you need to be passionate about what you do. Remember that the direction you chose now is the direction you may stick to and want to ultimately enjoy for your whole career.
– Myla
Master Material Science and Nanotechnology Student at University of Twente

It would be this: If you look back at the people in your circle and don’t feel inspired, you’re not in a circle — you’re in a cage. I wish I had understood this earlier. The people you surround yourself with, especially at a young age, shape your language, behavior, values, and even your dreams. Choose your environment wisely. Surround yourself with those who challenge, inspire, and support your growth.
When it comes to choosing a career or university, it’s completely okay not to have it all figured out. I’ve often been asked for advice by friends because I was very active in extracurriculars. My answer was always simple: Start with what you love. Think about what you’re passionate about right now — your hobbies, your curiosities, your side interests — and ask yourself: Could I imagine diving deeper into this? Could this be something I’d enjoy turning into a career? Imagine doing it not just once or twice, but every day. Would you still love it? If not, that’s okay too. Keep searching. The best thing you can do is go out and experience life. Try new things. Say yes to opportunities. Intern, volunteer, travel, observe — learn by doing. Real-life experience is something no classroom can fully offer. And Money will come. But it doesn’t come from chasing it — it comes when you do something you truly enjoy, believe in, and give your all to. When you stand behind your work with passion and authenticity, great results follow. That’s where real success starts.
As long as you’re young, you still have the gift of freedom — freedom from major responsibilities like rent, taxes, or full-time work. Use that freedom to explore. Don’t be afraid to fall flat or change directions. Failing is part of trying. And if you’re not failing now and then, you’re probably not pushing your limits.
Someone once said, “To get something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.” That stuck with me. Growth lives outside your comfort zone. Take risks. Be bold. Say yes, even when you’re unsure. You’ll be surprised how much you learn about the world — and yourself.
And lastly, don’t be too hard on yourself. Life is not a straight line. It’s okay to be scared or insecure sometimes. But always remember: the only constant in life is change — and the people who thrive are the ones who learn to adapt, grow, and stand back up.
You have time. You have potential. And you have the right to take your time discovering who you want to become.
– Daniel
Business Marketing & Entrepreneurship Student at Hult International Business School

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