By Niamh Dwyer, Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors

Starting off in Sixth Year can be very daunting as you settle into the busy routine of study.

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For some, the prospect of trying to make career decisions this year can be overwhelming. Try to keep in mind that you are not choosing what you want to do for the rest of your life, you are deciding on the next step. There are lots of options open to you, so focus on exploring career areas/sectors that are of interest to you and then identify the various education and training pathways available. Although the responsibility does lie with you to undertake the research and make the decision, there is plenty of help and support available to you.

The research starts with you

If you have no idea about what direction you want to take it is time for some serious self-reflection! Consider your likes, dislikes, interests, skills, strengths, personality traits, values, aptitudes, competencies and subjects you are good at. Think about what motivates you. If you are finding this process difficult look at some of the free self-assessment tools available online on websites such as www.careersportal.ie, www.qualifax.ie, and on the Exit Entry App. They will help to get you started and will give suggestions on broad career sectors as well as specific careers and courses that are worth looking in to. Next, make an appointment with your guidance counsellor in school, who will give you some great suggestions of pathways and courses that might suit you, answer any questions you have and support you through the decision-making process.

Explore the world of work

Your own experience of the workplace is likely to be limited to weekend and holiday work. If you have undertaken some work experience or shadowing, that will have given you further insight. Outside of that you can access career videos on www.careersportal.ie where you can see a huge variety of people describing what they do. Similar resources are available on the Exit Entry App. It’s very useful to talk to people you know - family, friends, older siblings, relations and so on, who may be able to put you in contact with people employed in jobs or industries you are interested in. They may even give you the chance to work shadow for a day. Consider also the type of work settings that appeal to you and those that don’t!

Research all education and training options thoroughly

Think about the many options – apprenticeships, traineeships, post-Leaving Cert courses, CAO courses, study abroad options and more. Then look at the detail of what you will be studying by looking carefully at modules, how they are assessed and the breakdown of practical and theoretical learning. Make sure all of this suits the type of learner you are. Register for college open days and career events which interest you. They start in earnest from the beginning of October. You will find details of all career events on a weekly short video by @classroomguidance and a comprehensive list is available on www.qualifax.ie and www.careersportal.ie. These sites also have comprehensive information on all the different pathways open to you. Follow the weekly podcasts on @leavingcertguidance and weekly webinars from @synergycareers for lots of up to the minute information and tips!

Remember, there isn't just one pathway for everyone, there are many – make sure to explore them all early in Sixth Year and then make an informed decision that you will be happy with.
Niamh Dwyer is a Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, and Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors. She is also a Careers Advisor. For details see www.mycareerplan.ie or follow @mycareerplan on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.