If you had told me when I left school that I would one day complete a master’s degree in Housing Studies, be working towards an MBA and be the chair of CIH Scotland’s board, I am not sure I would have believed you.

I left school without the Highers I needed for university. At the time, that felt like a setback – possibly even the end of the world if memory serves me correctly – and perhaps even evidence that the conventional academic route was not for me. I went to college, resat the qualifications and eventually passed them. By then, however, I had started working. I enjoyed earning my own money, having some independence and being able to socialise, so I decided not to go straight to university.

My career in housing began almost by chance, when a recruitment agency matched me with a temporary role in the sector. I didn’t know then where that opportunity would lead, but it gave me my first real insight into housing and became the starting point for a career I had never planned.

I discovered that I loved working in housing. The opportunity to help people and communities gave my work meaning, and it made me want to contribute more. What I also discovered, quite quickly, was that this is a sector that actively wants you to progress. People took the time to explain how things worked, pointed me towards training, and encouraged me to think beyond my current role. I began to think seriously about career progression and about developing the skills I would need to move into management.

That short delay to return to my studies became a much longer one. In fact, I began my master’s in Housing Studies on my 30th birthday. My employer funded the course, and by that stage I had something just as valuable as academic readiness: practical experience, a clear sense of purpose and a genuine interest in the sector.

That’s one of the things I’d want anyone starting out in housing to know: your entry point doesn’t have to be your ceiling. CIH itself runs qualifications from Level 2, for people brand new to the sector, right through to Level 5 and Chartered membership for senior leaders – and there’s no rule that says you have to start at the bottom of that ladder or climb it in order. Whether it’s funded by your employer, built into an apprenticeship, or something you pick up later in your career like I did, there’s a route through it that fits where you are, not where you were at 18.

Not all of my development came through formal study, either. I used my own time to learn about governance, business planning, risk management and leadership theory. I looked for opportunities to understand how organisations worked, not simply how to do the job immediately in front of me. Each new piece of knowledge helped me grow in confidence and opened another door.

I also made a point of networking with senior leaders. I will be honest: walking up to someone and introducing myself did not always feel natural, but housing is an incredibly supportive sector and those conversations led to many strong connections. My advice is to take those opportunities, even when doing so feels uncomfortable. Ask questions, listen and let people know what interests you.

Looking back, my career did not follow a neat or predictable plan. I did not go to university at 18, and my school results did not determine where I eventually ended up. What mattered was continuing to learn, recognising opportunities and being willing to take the next step when the time was right.

Qualifications are useful, but they are one part of a much bigger picture that includes experience, curiosity, relationships, resilience and the willingness to keep developing. There is no single correct route to a fulfilling career – and there is certainly no wrong path if you are still moving, learning and finding what matters to you.