When choosing a course/career after the Leaving Cert there are a multitude of questions which need to be asked and decisions which need to be made.
Don’t choose a course which is somebody else’s choice. When discussing your course options, talk to someone who is neutral and who will allow you to choose the best option for you when trying to decide the best route to take. Ask yourself these very important questions.
Who am I?
What can I do?
How do I get there?
What are my options and who can help me?
Is someone else deciding or am I deciding?
What is expected of me?
What do I want to do?
What will make me happy?
What interests me?
What does not interest me?
What qualities do I have which help me stand out from the crowd?
Making career decisions can be a long process which requires a lot of soul searching, research, and getting to know yourself in terms of interests, qualities, likes, and dislikes. You need to set clear objectives for yourself; this will help you with the decision making process. However you need to be sure that your decisions and objectives are realistic, if you don’t you will become disillusioned with the process. Your values - for example, achievement, courage, creativity, determination, adventure, and dependability are some core values individuals have - and your personality should be a big part in your decision making.
In terms of academic achievements you need to look at where you are now, where you would like to be, what subjects you are excelling in, and what subjects you need extra help with.
When you think of a career or job, what comes to mind? Would you like a job where you are physically active, working alone, working with animals, working in a caring role where you are helping people in need, working in the background, or working with people on a daily basis on the front line? It is important when choosing a third level or further education level course that you look not just at the course, but at what direction this course will lead you to in the future.
Taking your career/course planning into your own hands will give you a huge sense of achievement and will allow you to take ownership of your future.
The application procedure for studying at a third level college in Ireland is through the CAO, www.cao.ie Further education courses are through the post Leaving Cert (PLC ) route, where you receive a QQ1 qualification - see www.QQI.ie
Studying in the UK, Northern Ireland, or mainland Europe
Every year a number of students from the Republic of Ireland study in the UK, Northern Ireland, or in mainland Europe. If you wish to study in Northern Ireland or in Great Britain you do this through UCAS. All information can be found on www.ucas.com/appy Unlike the Irish CAO system, a personal statement and two referees will be required. And the closing date for most courses is January 15.
Studying in mainland Europe
EUNICAS- European University Central Application Support Service is an agency which can support you with choosing a course in Europe which is taught through English.
This agency does not have every course available in Europe. There are other supportive agencies and websites that you can use to help you research also. For more information see www.study.eu or www.studyineurope.eu
