The final term is an ideal time for Transition Year and Fifth Year students to focus on some detailed career exploration. At this stage of the school year you will have undertaken lots of careers work in school so you will have a good idea of the many resources online to help you with your research at this stage.

The best way to approach your career exploration at this stage is to be as open as you can to the many possibilities available to you. Delve into a number of career sectors to look at the range of jobs that exist in each one. If you have a clear idea of what you might like to do after school, great, but don’t let that stop you from looking at lots of options as you may change your mind. If you don’t have an idea what you want to do at this stage don’t worry, that’s very normal. You have plenty of time to come up with ideas. My advice is start with yourself. It is likely that you have already done some self-assessment tests in school looking at your interests, skills, personality traits, aptitudes and so on. If not, you will find them on www.careersportal.ie, www.qualifax.ie, www.yooni.ie and on the Exit Entry App, which you can download to your phone. They help to get you thinking about options that might suit you but there isn’t one test that will give you the answer about what you want to do. They are a starting point in your research. Once you have an idea of career sectors that peak, delve in deeper to find out more.

Explore websites that are linked to particular sectors and start following them on social media. There are lots of them but some good examples include www.languagesconnect.ie, www.smartfutures.ie, www.engineersireland.ie, and www.tourismcareers.ie.

Attend virtual spring open days, taster days and career events in the colleges. There are several coming up in this term which are aimed at TY and Fifth Years. Check out the events calendar on www.qualifax.ie or www.careersportal.ie to plan ahead.

Watch, listen and chat! You are spoiled for choice with the multitude of webinars, podcasts and live Q&A sessions available online so while you have some spare time use it wisely to get informed. Sign up for the www.careernews.ie newsletter to get regular updates. Foróige have a great selection of career information webinars in 15 different career areas during April and May so check them out on social media.

Participate in online short courses which will enhance your CV and help you to get an insight into possible career options. Exit Entry has partnered with IBM and P-TECH Ireland to bring four industry-recognised digital badges which are accredited in areas such as cybersecurity and visual design. A national competition will be launched on April 19 to encourage students to complete the badges on the Exit Entry App. It also has a section with virtual work experience opportunities. MTU Crawford College Art and Design is offering a free TY Portfolio Preparation course for anyone interested in art from tomorrow (Monday) to Friday 23.

Keep a record of your research by creating a folder on your phone for links, questions, courses of interest, so you can keep track of all the options that appeal to you.