If you had asked me in Year 12 what I was going to do with my life, I would have answered instantly.

Law.

That was always the plan.

Now, I am completing a degree apprenticeship at DHL, the number one global leader in supply chain and logistics.

Safe to say, things changed.

It had always been university, law degree, career sorted. I never really questioned it because it was what I had said for years.

Then Year 13 happened.

The Moment Everything Shifted

At some point during that year, I properly stopped and asked myself whether law was actually what I wanted. Not what I had always said. Not what sounded impressive. What I genuinely wanted to do.

And the honest answer was no.

It was not one big dramatic moment. It was more of a gradual realisation. The more I thought about studying law for years, the more I realised it did not excite me. What did excite me was business.

Looking back, the signs were always there. Business was my strongest subject at school. I loved being involved in practical projects. I helped run a school snack shop, set up a coffee pop up, start up a car washing business and got stuck into planning and organisational roles. I had even assisted in organising a fundraising event where we raised over 88k.

That is when I felt most engaged. When I was building something real.

Discovering a Different Path

The problem was that I did not really know what the alternative looked like. Degree apprenticeships were not widely spoken about in Scotland where I went to school. University felt like the default route.

Everything changed when I spoke to an alumna from my school who mentioned she had done a degree apprenticeship. It was the first time I had even heard of one. The idea of gaining a degree while working in a real business immediately stood out to me.

I went home and started researching properly with my sister. The more I looked into it, the more it felt right. Hands on learning. Real responsibility. Earning while studying. It matched how I work best.

I began applying to four roles, mainly within the supply chain sector. It was an area I had not previously considered, but the pace and problem solving side of it really interested me.

In the end, I received an offer from DHL and was waitlisted for another. At the same time, I had applied to university in Business Analytics as a backup and secured a place at Loughborough University.

Results Day was surreal. I had my first choice university offer and my apprenticeship offer in front of me. Two completely different paths.

University had always been the plan, but once I had discovered degree apprenticeships, I knew that was what I truly wanted. So I chose DHL.

A Rollercoaster Year

It was a rollercoaster of a year. Changing direction in Year 13 felt risky. There were moments of doubt and moments where I wondered if I should just stick to what was familiar.

Looking back now, it is crazy to think how different my life would be if I had stayed on the law path. Instead of sitting in lectures full time, I am working in a global business, gaining real experience and building a career while studying.

Most importantly, I enjoy what I do.

Three Things I Would Say

If you are still figuring out your next step, here are three things I would say.

First, it is okay to change your mind. Just because something has always been the plan does not mean it has to stay the plan. You grow and your interests change. Back yourself when you realise something is not right for you.

Second, do not limit yourself to the obvious route. I nearly went to university simply because that was what everyone around me was doing. Speaking to one alumna opened up an option I did not even know existed. Research properly. Ask questions. There are more pathways out there than you think.

Third, once you get your first opportunity, make the most of it. Say yes to responsibility. Get involved in projects. Be curious and willing to learn. You are not expected to know everything, but your attitude and work ethic will set you apart.

Final Thoughts

Year 13 did not go how I originally imagined, but it ended up shaping my future in the best way possible. If you are unsure right now, that is normal. The important thing is to choose something that genuinely excites you, not just something that sounds good on paper.

It is never too late to pursue what you are actually passionate about. Sometimes the biggest step forward starts with changing your mind.

Tomi Adetona

Supply Chain and Logistics Degree Apprentice | Cranfield University

You can find out more and connect with Tomi on LinkedIn.