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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Philip Cushen
Woollen Mill Owner - Philip Cushen
Ciaran MacSamhrain
Engineer - Transport Infrastructure Ireland - Ciaran MacSamhrain
Marine Institute
National Maritime College - Marine Institute
Liam Regan - Turning a passion into a business
Activities Instructor - Liam Regan - Turning a passion into a business
Insurance Institute Certificate in Climate Risk
Insurance Institute Certificate in Climate Risk - Insurance Institute Certificate in Climate Risk

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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Brenda O Loughlin
Brenda O Loughlin, Franchisee

Brenda O'Loughlin is a McDonald's Franchisee.  When she finished her Leaving Certificate, she went on to do the Accounting Technicians course in Rathmines. During her last year in college she was offered a temporary job in Citibank, which she instantly loved and she remained there for the next 18 years. Her Banking experience gave her the skills she needed to start working for herself.

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Career Articles

Nicola McManus - Quality Controller
Nicola McManus - Quality Controller
Posted by CareersPortal
Sheila O'Connor - Engineering Project Auditor
Sheila O'Connor - Engineering Project Auditor
Posted by CareersPortal
Julie Currid - Co-Founder and COO of Initiafy
Julie Currid - Co-Founder and COO of Initiafy
Posted by Construction Industry Federation
A day in the life of a Medical Physicist
A day in the life of a Medical Physicist
Posted by CareersPortal
A day in the life of a Senior Clinical Psychologist
A day in the life of a Senior Clinical Psychologist
Posted by Tusla Child and Family Agency
Inside the Career of Cartoonist Nigel Parkinson
Inside the Career of Cartoonist Nigel Parkinson
Posted by CareersPortal
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