Welcome to the world of possibilities and options!

As students embark on their senior cycle in schools, they face an important juncture that will shape their future. Selecting the right area of study or career path alone can be a daunting task, filled with uncertainty before even getting to the stage of choosing a university or College. That is where a dedicated career coach can step in equipped with knowledge, experience, and a passion for helping students navigate this crucial stage of their educational journey to explore their interests, aptitudes and strengths and in turn clarify options, so they are armed and ready to make empowered decisions when that critical CAO choice arrives. Education is not simply about obtaining a degree but about preparing students for a fulfilling and successful career that aligns with their interests, strengths, and aspirations.

About Aideen

Aideen Shannon has worked with hundreds of professionals and students in her career history and is a Senior Coach and Guidance Professional accredited by the EMCC. Aideen has worked for the career guidance department of a leading University in Munster on a part-time consultancy basis combined with over 20 years in a variety of industries in HR & recruitment roles – a unique combination. Aideen is qualified in a number of assessments accredited by the British Psychological Society and by the Fellow of the Irish Institute of Guidance Counsellors in Ireland and incorporates these as part of her programme with Senior Cycle Students.

A Clearer Path Programme for Students:

The programme ‘A Clearer Path’ is designed ideally for:
✓ 5th year Students or those entering 6th Year up to December
✓ Students confused on possible career paths and course areas
✓ Students unsure of how to approach meaningful study
✓ Students lacking motivation and direction regarding approaching Leaving Certificate

 

Programme outcomes:
  • Opportunity to explore areas of study aligned with interests, aptitudes, and strengths.
  • Identify passions, motivators, and areas of interest, enabling them to envision a career that may suit them.
  • Information and resources on third-level courses and universities/colleges available in both Ireland and internationally linked to those areas with current point requirements.
  • Assess current skills level in terms of study and aptitudes in terms of abstract, verbal, and numerical reasoning along with estimated academic level/points achievable.
  • Ownership and accountability for students in terms of a clear action plan for future success that will assist leading up to important CAO/course selection.
  • Identifies any caution areas in terms of self-development for future area of study/career.
  • Provides a valuable resource for discussion with school career guidance counsellors regarding CAO and course selection.

A Clearer Path Programme includes:

  • Exploratory telephone conversation with parent/student (15 minutes)
  • Administration of two accredited online assessments linked to (a) interests and (b) aptitudes (student to complete at home - 30 minutes and 30 minutes duration)
  • Provision of two comprehensive reports resulting from the assessments outlining matches to potential areas of study and career paths
  • Access to a personalised online APP with all resources and reports to include a career directory, all course areas and colleges and universities in Ireland, UK, Europe and international.
  • 1 to 1 Debrief and coaching consultation with student for 60-75 minutes (Online Zoom)
  • Personalised summary report for parent and student and identifying an action plan of next steps
  • Feedback session (15-20 minutes) available by telephone or online zoom wih parent or student

Other packages available:

  • Provision of one online assessment with report on recommended areas of study plus one hour consultation by zoom
  • Subject choice packages also available for junior cycle.  Please contact me for further information.
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Why Me
  • Experienced and accredited career coach with over 20 years’ experience.
  • A deep understanding of the ever-evolving job market, emerging industries, actual job roles in reality and the skills in demand.
  • Experience working with third level students in a leading University in Munster providing career guidance and coaching.
  • Work closely with both students and parents to foster a collaborative, supportive environment that promotes career exploration and discovery as well as wellbeing.
  • A finger on the pulse of evolving industries and emerging job trends.
  • A student-centered and strengths-based approach to assist students embrace uncertainty and explore their potential.
So, if you are a senior cycle school or parent searching for guidance on third-level areas of study, courses, and career paths, then contact me today for an exploratory 15-minute call.

“My son completed a Career Assessment Programme with FlexiSmart to help him with his subject choice decision going into 5th year. He really hadn’t a clue where his strengths may be. He firstly completed the online assessments around aptitudes and interests. He found the process extremely helpful in identifying career areas of that could ultimately interest him along with identifying strengths and aptitudes. Together they worked on the ideal subjects and areas to help him work towards his career path. I would highly recommend FlexiSmart’s Career Assessment Programme for any student exploring or needing help with subject choice, further education or career fields. “

Andrea Jones, Parent

“My daughter Maeve is entering Leaving Cert and we were unsure what courses would be suit her best. Aideen sent us some questionnaires and then met Maeve for a in depth 1:1 assessment. After this we got detailed feedback. With Aideen’s help we found her areas of strength and have been exploring courses that best align with her aptitudes. We have access to the App on an ongoing basis into the future. Aideen was excellent with Maeve and the assessment was professional and thorough. I would recommend this for any child (& parent!) who needs some assistance choosing from the myriad of possibilities. “

Eimear, Parent 5th year student

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