Choosing what to do after school is one of the biggest decisions you will have made so far. Whether you have your heart set on a particular course, have a few options in mind, or genuinely have no idea yet, the choice can feel overwhelming. That is exactly why events like Pathways matter.
Pathways 2026 will once again bring together leading universities, colleges, training organisations and industry representatives under one roof to provide guidance, inspiration and practical advice to students planning their next steps. In a single day, you have the chance to gather the information you need to make the best decision for you. Not the decision your friends are making, or the one you think is expected of you, but the one that genuinely fits your interests, strengths and ambitions.
See the full picture
One of the greatest benefits of Pathways is the chance to see all the options available to you in one place from at home and abroad. Third-level degrees, further education and PLC courses, apprenticeships, traineeships and direct routes into industry all sit side by side. For many students, the CAO is the only route they have really considered, but it is far from the only one, and for some it may not be the right one at all.
The diverse range of exhibitors is a fantastic opportunity to discover something you may never have thought of. You might walk in certain of your plans and walk out with a completely new idea. It could be a course you had never heard of, a career that didn't exist 10 years ago, or a route into your chosen field that suits you better.
Keep an open mind and let the day surprise you.
Make the most of it
To get real value from Pathways, give it your full attention. It is easy to wander around collecting leaflets and free pens, but the students who benefit most are the ones who engage.
Ask the exhibitors questions. That is what they are there for.
What does a typical week on the course look like? What are the entry requirements? What do graduates go on to do? Is there a work placement or a chance to study abroad? No question is too basic, and the answers you get in a two-minute conversation can be worth more than hours of searching online.
Attend the talks, and actually listen. The speakers are there because they have real insight to share, whether on courses, careers, the application process or student life. Bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down anything that stands out, because it is surprising how quickly the details blur after a busy day.
A taste of what's to come
Pathways is also a great starting point for open days. Visiting colleges and training centres in person is one of the best ways to get a feel for where you might spend the next few years. But with so many open days throughout the year, it is not possible to attend them all.
Pathways gives you a flavour of what each institution offers, so you can decide which open days are worth your time. Think of it as building a shortlist. Talk to the exhibitors, find the places that spark your interest, and then make a plan to visit them.
Your future, your decision
There is no single right path, and there is no need to have everything figured out today. What matters is that you make an informed choice, based on real information and an honest sense of what you want.
So come along with an open mind, ask questions, listen and explore. Your next step could be closer than you think.
