Students in Moray who are awaiting results have been encouraged not to place too much emphasis on achieving the grades they are hoping for.
Youngsters across the region will find out on August 6 how they did in exams undertaken before the summer holidays, with many relying on them to secure places in college or university to realise career ambitions.
However, the organisation Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Moray is keen to remind young hopefuls that are many different avenues to pursue their dreams.
The group plans to run its biggest-ever “no wrong path” campaign next month, which involves people sharing stories about the route they have taken from school to their current job.
Jim Royan, who has recently been appointed chairman of the organisation, left school with few qualifications but has gone on to run his family’s butcher business.
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He has also held senior positions as chairman of NHS Grampian and chairman of Hub North, which is responsible for building community facilities.
Mr Royan said: “It would be fair to say that my academic performance at school did not reach the heights that my parents and teachers might have hoped.
“However, it wasn’t until I left school that I recognised the important role that certain teachers played in influencing me positively in other ways.
“Working for my dad during the holidays was of huge importance.
“Your first part-time job or securing work experience is of real value and is the start of your CV.
“It sends a message to future employers that you have a good work ethic and have been prepared to go out and find work at a young age.”
DYW Moray, which was formed to nurture links between young people looking for work and potential employers, hopes to flood social media with stories from professionals about how they achieved their goals to inspire others.
The organisation’s manager, Sarah Baxter, left school as a carer before changing her career ambitions to inspire school pupils.
She said: “Last year, the regional response to the campaign was immense and this year, we want to go bigger and better and spread the message that there is No Wrong Path.
“It’s a powerful message and one that we should be sharing.”