Junior Cycle

Have you ever thought about what you would like to do when you leave school? The Junior Cycle is a good time to start thinking about different career options and considering what subjects you might choose for Leaving Cert. We have lots of useful tools to help you start exploring yourself and the thousands of exciting career paths that lie ahead.

Explore different Career Sectors - for example, business, medicine, or beauty to get a picture of the types of skills and jobs involved in working in that particular area. 

Search hundreds of occupations in our Career Explorer to find out what the job involves, the type of person it would suit, what you might earn and the qualifications you would need.

You can also watch lots of career videos or read career stories with people employed in a variety of jobs across the country to get an insight into different sectors and industries. 

Discover Careers
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Discover STEM with Smart Futures
Discover STEM - Discover STEM with Smart Futures
Deirdre Lavelle
Care Assistant - Deirdre Lavelle
Lydia Peppard
Care Assistant - Lydia Peppard
Marketing and Communications Intern
Microsoft Marketing & Communications Intern - Marketing and Communications Intern
Aidan Maher
Site Manager - Grad Entry - Aidan Maher

Join our complete Guidance programme designed for Irish Junior Cycle students (purchase required).

Build you own unique Career Portfolio through exploring our fun Island of Discovery as the programme takes you through a series of explorations about yourself, your motivations, and your dreams and ambitions.

What Career Type are you?

Realist?

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Explore Career Interests...
Career Chat...
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Elaine Steiro
Elaine Steiro, Franchisee

Elaine is an Owner Operator of two McDonald's stores, one in Dundalk and the other in Monaghan. She went to Grange Community College in Donaghmede, and followed this with an Art and Design course in Colaiste Dhulaigh. She decided against an art and design career and instead chose to work in McDonald's full time. With that experience, she decided to become a Franchisee - a risky decision that allowed her to be her own boss and follow her own directions.

Ask me a question!

Career Articles

Cloud Platform Engineer with HSE - James Hughes
Cloud Platform Engineer with HSE - James Hughes
Posted by Health Service Executive
A Week in My Community Midwife Role
A Week in My Community Midwife Role
Posted by CareersPortal
So you want to be a Vet?
So you want to be a Vet?
Posted by CareersPortal
Fashion Designer
Fashion Designer
Posted by Griffith College Dublin
Thinking of a career in Physiology and Neuroscience?
Thinking of a career in Physiology and Neuroscience?
Posted by CareersPortal
HR, Purchasing and Green Manager at Hotel Doolin
HR, Purchasing and Green Manager at Hotel Doolin
Posted by Fáilte Ireland
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