The CAO & university college application systems are now open, marking an important step in your academic journey. If you’re feeling uncertain about your choices, don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to find clarity. This guide offers practical pointers to help you identify your interests, explore course options, and gather the information you need to make an informed decision. By taking these steps, you’ll be better prepared to set a clear and purposeful goal for your future. And remember, if you need extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free 15min consultation.

Here are a few pointers:-

1. Start with jotting down what you think interests you most, asking it reflects your strengths/talents or maybe what you’d like to be good at and/or skills you’d like to develop – if you’re not sure what you’d prefer just ask your family, friends, take interest questionnaires/aptitude tests.
2. Decide if you’d prefer a definite/career-focused course, or are you a broad/open-ended/academic learner? Are you more interested in realistic qualifications where the key is to learn how to apply knowledge & skills in specific roles, or are you happy for now just to learn to satisfy your thirst for knowledge and you’ll figure out your career later?
3. Investigate where you can do what you selected – save yourself online time by being very specific when using CareersPortal & Qualifax (Eunicas for courses in the EU), Unibrowse or OnetOnline
4. Check out their Open Day/events, online Webinars/videos or local Careers Fair – you can get a full list of these on the Calendar of Events on Qualifax
5. If necessary organise your own visit for your top few choices, after all you’ll probably be committing 2/3/4 years to it – it’s up to you to find a way to get informed and you know it makes sense
6. Review the full course details online and jot down anything you’re unsure about – you will want these questions to be answered
7. Share your findings & experiences with your family & friends – this is the bit that helps you clarify your feelings about these choices before you make a final commitment

Do yourself a favour, get stuck into the task now. Get informed & set yourself a definite goal. You’ll feel better, more purposeful and in control of your own destiny.

If you feel confused or overwhelmed or you feel you just need a bit of help call for a free 15 min initial consultation Book Now