Description
Webinar #35 offers essential tips to both Parents & Students starting 6th Year 2026/2027.Career Decisions plays a central role in our young adolescents lives. Having worked in Career Guidance in state schools and private practise for over 25 years, I recognise the concerns Parents have when trying to help direct their son/daughter with studies and choosing Career Paths. As a parent of 4 girls, my eldest in graduated College, 2 starting college in 2025, and a 3rd entering junior cert, I see how important our role is in guiding and supporting them in their future career decisions. To help realise what they are best suited, applying themselves, staying focused and planning applications while studying.This webinar aims to guide parents on how to help support their son/daughter get the most out of 6th year when it comes to Career Decisions, while managing their studies. How best to plan the year around open days, knowing where to find information, good resources available and key tips. The aim is to ensure both students and their parents go into 6th year prepared and clear of what happens from CAO, HPAT to applying for SUSI grants. I will be joined by guest speakers from colleges, guidance and parents/students.
Guest Speakers
Guest Speakers include Ruth Daly SPPU Maynooth, Amanda Gavin UL, Modesta Mawarire National Tertiary Office in our college panel and Tom Farrell Careersnews and Miriam Magner Flynn RightCareers4Me on our resource panal.
Previous guests include include National Tertiary Office, Chris McInerney UL, Guy Flouch Eunicas, Conan Meehan Ulster University + Ulster University 3 student stories 2025; previous years include DCU, UL, SPPU, Carlow College, University of Galway, Fast Track to IT, TUS, ATU Donegal, IADT, TCD, Classroom Guidance, CareersNews, Maynooth University and UL + parent/student perspective.
Timing
- 0-23 minutes: Julie O’Connor, Synergy Careers, outlines what to expect in 6th year School Guidance Program. We explored the importance of making an appointment with a guidance counsellor along with going to open days, discussing and researching your interests.
- 23-42 minutes: College Panel Amanda Gavin UL, Ruth Daly SPPU and Modesta Mawarire National Tertiary Office outline options, outlined all the student resources offered from open days to taster days – opportunities colleges offer to help students make decisions from attending open days, talking with students, researching choices available
- 42-57 minutes: Resource Panel Tom Farrell, CareersNews, and Miriam Magner Flynn Right Careers 4 Me outlining what to expect when signing up to their regular newsletter to ensure you do not miss out and how to navigate the website as well as what to expect with careers assessments.
- 57-73 minutes: Panel Discussion advice for Parents in their role supporting careers exploration and students offering key tips on how and when to start engaging.