This study aims to investigate the relationship between past experience and the career mobility of 31 high-flying female academics from eight established Malaysian universities. Based on data gathered from in-depth interviews, it is discerned that the respondents' career mobility at the "exploration" stage is influenced by early exposure to learning, experience in secondary schools (especially at boarding schools), first-degree experience, and personal qualities. On the other hand, respondents' career mobility during the "establishment" and "maintenance" stages is attributed to graduate study experience, career centrality, family support, uniqueness of academic role, health consciousness and adherence to religiosity. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)