Utilising semi-structured interviews, this study investigated various educational determinants contributing to college major selection and career choice of 40 undergraduates who had been admitted to a social work programme in southwestern United States. Major key principles of the life course approach were incorporated in this study to elucidate the participants' educational aspirations. Five common life themes (i.e. (1) career transitions, (2) significant life events and turning points, (3) linked lives, (4) altruism and social justice and (5) rational choice) were developed to illustrate the salient factors that steered their educational pathways. Although the majority of the participants exhibited similarities in social background, life perception and professional outlook, the routes undertaken by each participant differed vastly, signalling the complexity of each participant's life course. These findings revealed that even the most pragmatic and rational decision-making process is not context-free. Research findings were discussed in relevance to contemporary practice implications.