"If I offer you two pairs of shoes, one is from a top brand, and the other one is from an unknown brand, which one would you choose? If you are going to use those shoes to walk every single day for the next four years, what kind of shoes would you choose?

Would brand be your main concern or is it comfort?

Choosing the best university is somewhat similar to that experience. Most of the time is not just about the reputation or rank but more importantly the right fit. Rankings are OK, but they reflect someone else's view of what's important, not yours. Take charge of the process and do your own rankings based on your own criteria. The key to that is understanding yourself."

That is what we usually say to Year 10 students before they embark on the journey of finding the best university. Nowadays, we are not only talking about universities but other pathways as well. Millennials have learned from university dropouts like Oprah Winfrey, Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Ma and many others that a university degree is not their only path towards success. Nowadays, to land a well-paid job in modern industries, relevant skills and experience trump a university degree. Thus, more and more students are considering taking a gap year or deferring their place, wanting to explore the world and see what is out there. Some choose working or acquiring other skills in an informal institution before continuing their education. We see more and more students already set up their businesses through online platforms, such as Instagram before they even graduate. Some want to travel and have fun after a demanding (and stressful) 2 years programme while taking online courses offered on platforms such as Coursera. Having said that, the value of university education is still undeniable.

According to qs.com, when selecting the skills that millennials are most eager to acquire, four skills named by more than 40% of respondents are 1. new languages, 2. public speaking, 3. leadership and management, and 4. critical thinking and problem-solving. Global exposure, continued learning, and meaningful work were the most popular early-stage career characteristics. In relation to international exposure, many students are looking for opportunities to work abroad before returning to their home country. Thus, institutions that connect better on a personal level with the students will appeal the most. Millennials, and Generation Z who come after them, are more than ever looking for a human touch to what's going on.

Understanding our students’ needs and university requirements in the 21th century, SSS has prepared a comprehensive programme from Year 9 up to Year 12 that includes workshops regarding understanding oneself, goal setting, and the pathway to success. We also delivered Career and Personality Profiling tests in Year 10, followed by individual counseling session with all Year 10 students to help them select the best-fit programme and subjects for the upcoming Year 11. The school also subscribes to international online platforms, such as BridgeU, UCAS, College Board, and many others to provide research opportunities for students to explore their options. Focusing on the development of characters and skills, we encourage students to participate in after school activities, such as sport, MUN, WSC, art clubs, and engage more in their SA / CAS activities. Joining competitions summer camps, and/or internships during term or semester Breaks are highly recommended. We also provide service to help students choose and prepare to be involved in those programmes. To provide students with better opportunities, we have also established networks with university representatives and embassies. We attended seminars, workshops, and counselor fly-ins to different countries to make sure we are up to date and understand the differences in the education system around the world. Thus, we will be able to advise the students better.

In the end, whatever millennials and generation Z want to do, the fundamental role of a school counselor and parents is to help get them there. And we will be able to do that if we listen to and learn from their thoughts and interests as well as make an effort to understand them well.