As part of our CAS project, we reached out to the graduating class of 2020 to hear about their journeys since leaving school. Their stories highlight a variety of career paths, each shaped by personal choices, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.
Psychology and the Value of Balance
One graduate pursued psychology and is now completing a Master’s in Social Psychology while also traveling. The field is described as independent and engaging, but with a heavy workload. After graduation, a gap year was taken to work and save money, which later funded traveling.
The pandemic brought unexpected disruptions when universities closed, but the opportunity to continue studying afterward made the experience more meaningful. The most exciting part of psychology, according to this graduate, is discussing themes such as nature versus nurture.
Their advice for current students is simple: enjoy life, focus on finding a career that makes you happy, and don’t let IB stress define your future. Put in effort, but don’t take it as the end of the world.
Technology, Math, and Entrepreneurial Goals
Two graduates chose fields in computer science and mathematics, with one focusing on artificial intelligence and the other shifting from pure math to a double major in economics and math. Both describe their studies as challenging but rewarding, especially with the foundation IB math provided.
Studying abroad comes with additional challenges such as language barriers, but also offers unique opportunities for growth. Looking ahead, these graduates hope to combine their skills to start a business in the medical sector. While ambitious in their goals, they both agree that the most important thing in life is to be happy.
Game Development and Real-World Lessons
Another pair of graduates found their path in game development, though their routes were very different. One initially pursued engineering at a major university before realizing it wasn’t the right fit and shifting into game development. The other entered directly into the field but reflected that IB didn’t necessarily prepare them for independence, and that certain aspects like the Extended Essay felt less practical later on.
Both stress the importance of choosing a career with the long term in mind—something one could realistically see themselves doing for decades. They also note that while academic preparation matters, schools often overlook practical life skills, such as managing finances and paying taxes.
Creativity, IT, and the Importance of Experience
Another graduate chose to take a creative route, freelancing in design work. Before beginning this path, a gap year was spent volunteering at an animal shelter, an experience that fostered compassion and independence. Looking back, this graduate highlights how IB was crucial for developing time management, academic writing, and the ability to stay open-minded when working with different people. Their advice is to cherish the time spent with friends, because those moments matter just as much as academics.
Another graduate moved into the field of IT, working with ISO certification but aiming to transition into management in the future. For them, IB played an important role in building critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which continue to
guide their professional journey.
Both agree that grades are not the ultimate measure of success—it is the accumulation of experiences that truly matters.
Science, Hobbies, and Social Life
One graduate chose to study astrophysics in Heidelberg while pursuing an unusual hobby: European sword fighting. The adjustment to university life, however, was not easy at first. Finding a social circle in a new environment proved challenging, and not everyone was immediately welcoming. With time, though, friendships began to grow, and the experience showed that persistence pays off.
This story is a reminder that while academic paths may be ambitious and unique, personal growth and social connections are equally important.
Final Reflections
From psychology to AI, mathematics, finance, design, IT, astrophysics, and game development, the graduates of 2020 are building lives that blend passion with practicality. Their stories highlight resilience, adaptation, and the pursuit of happiness over rigid definitions of success.
While IB opened doors for many of them, it was not the only factor shaping their paths. What mattered most was independence, balance, and learning to embrace change. Collectively, they remind us that grades fade in importance compared to the skills, friendships, and experiences gained along the way.
Their advice to current students is clear: put in the effort, but don’t lose perspective—life is about living fully, finding joy, and creating a future you truly want.
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