Core Viewpoint - The article discusses how far an individual can go in their career depends on persistence, effort, and the ability to seize opportunities, rather than solely on educational background or initial circumstances [1]. Group 1: Case Studies - Case A: A, a managing director at a London-based firm, overcame a challenging background, including dyslexia and a lack of initial academic success, to rise through the ranks in the automotive sales industry before transitioning to finance and eventually becoming a managing director responsible for multi-million dollar investment decisions [2]. - Case B: B, a Singaporean intern, started from a modest educational background but worked diligently to secure an internship, which led to a position at a fund company and eventually a role in Deutsche Bank's investment banking division, demonstrating that hard work can lead to significant career advancements despite initial disadvantages [3][4]. - Case C: The author, with a higher starting point due to strong academic performance, leveraged educational opportunities to enter a global talent program, which facilitated international experience and career growth, ultimately founding a capital firm in Singapore [5]. Group 2: Common Themes - The commonality among the three cases is the emphasis on long-term persistence and continuous effort, highlighting that success is not solely defined by wealth or fame but by the ability to progress from humble beginnings through hard work and determination [6]. - Each individual's journey illustrates that every step taken, whether it be pursuing further education or gaining relevant work experience, plays a crucial role in achieving career goals, reinforcing the idea that low starting points do not equate to low achievements [7]. Group 3: The Role of Education - The article argues that while education is important, it should not be viewed as the only path to success. The experiences of A and B show that high academic qualifications are not the sole determinants of career success, especially as practical experience and skills become more significant over time [8][9]. - The author emphasizes that a strong educational background can provide more opportunities, but it is the combination of effort, experience, and timing that ultimately shapes career trajectories [10]. Group 4: The Importance of Timing and Luck - The article acknowledges that timing and luck also play critical roles in career success, as seen in the favorable economic conditions during the author's and A's career advancements, which provided them with opportunities that may not be available in different circumstances [11]. - The conclusion suggests that success is a product of sustained effort over time, combined with a bit of luck, reinforcing the idea that gradual progress can lead to significant achievements [12].