Dont know what to put on my CAO

TheBiz

I'm in a bit of difficulty as I don't know what to put on my cao, I've put down nursing and its not what I wanted to do, I thought I wanted to be a doctor for many years but I'm not up to that level and I dont think its what I want regardless.

My best subjects are Biology, Geography, English and Business.
My main and only real hobby is guitar/singing/songwriting.

I went to a career guidance counsellor and left thinking social care is what I wanted.
It wasn't. I dont know what i want and i mislead those who try to help, i dont mean to but i mislead them and myself.
I have no clue what to put on my cao, no clue whatsoever!
I'll also be 19 finishing so a year out/repeat is not really an option

Tsipras

you don't have to go to Uni straight away, get a job for a year or travel until you decide?
or just pick something you can always change your mind it's easy enough changing career paths I've done it a couple of times!
Don't stress about it anyway, having choices is a good complaint

sullivlo

TheBiz wrote: »

I'm in a bit of difficulty as I don't know what to put on my cao, I've put down nursing and its not what I wanted to do, I thought I wanted to be a doctor for many years but I'm not up to that level and I dont think its what I want regardless.

My best subjects are Biology, Geography, English and Business.
My main and only real hobby is guitar/singing/songwriting.

I went to a career guidance counsellor and left thinking social care is what I wanted.
It wasn't. I dont know what i want and i mislead those who try to help, i dont mean to but i mislead them and myself.
I have no clue what to put on my cao, no clue whatsoever!
I'll also be 19 finishing so a year out/repeat is not really an option

Firstly, age is not important in college.

Secondly, you have some time yet before the CAO change of mind form has to be in, so don't stress. We make bad decisions under stress.

What drew you to being a doctor? And why did you change your mind? What about social work got your attention? Would you consider other healthcare positions, like nursing, or occupational therapy?

Also college is not the be all and end all. Yes, qualifications are important. But people get by just fine without them. Any jobs that you seriously need a qualification for will train you in anyway.

I went to college to study physics. I hated it so switched to chemical engineering. Now I have a PhD in biochemistry and I work in immunology. What I wanted to do as a 17 year old student wasn't reflected in my career to date!

You can always go back to college if you want.

What is your passion in life? When you think "work" is it in an office? Outdoors? A lab? A factory? Answer questions like this and narrow down career choices.

TheBiz

sullivlo wrote: »

Firstly, age is not important in college.

Secondly, you have some time yet before the CAO change of mind form has to be in, so don't stress. We make bad decisions under stress.

What drew you to being a doctor? And why did you change your mind? What about social work got your attention? Would you consider other healthcare positions, like nursing, or occupational therapy?

Also college is not the be all and end all. Yes, qualifications are important. But people get by just fine without them. Any jobs that you seriously need a qualification for will train you in anyway.

I went to college to study physics. I hated it so switched to chemical engineering. Now I have a PhD in biochemistry and I work in immunology. What I wanted to do as a 17 year old student wasn't reflected in my career to date!

You can always go back to college if you want.

What is your passion in life? When you think "work" is it in an office? Outdoors? A lab? A factory? Answer questions like this and narrow down career choices.

The end goal has always been to help, I wanted to be a doctor to help, because I seen nurses acting more as carers where they make the patient comfortable and carry out certain tasks, but doctors (in my mind at 8-10) they diagnosed it, they saved their patients and the idea of saving a life has always been the most noble of pursuits in my mind, regardless of the long hours etc.
It's also the reason I chose to become a lifeguard and the little books I do read are about surgeons.

What changed my mind is the work, I love to learn but dear god I cannot learn what I dislike! and maths/chemistry are not my strongest subjects but this is mainly due to laziness.
I chose against it because no matter how many times I thought 'god, there's really nothing else' I still never put my head down and worked.

I always thought that I'd hate to work under (medical power wise, not status) the career I wanted so I wouldn't go into different career in healthcare, I also am not a very social person and the prolonged contact where it could just be pleasantries would not be my strong suit..

I really don't know where I see work, its more what my job does rather than where I do it.

Roselm

Paramedic? Ucd school of medicine have diploma in Emergency Medical Science which seems to be training to become a paramedic. It also says they are planning a degree course.

TheBiz

Roselm wrote: »

Paramedic? Ucd school of medicine have diploma in Emergency Medical Science which seems to be training to become a paramedic. It also says they are planning a degree course.

I looked into that and a similar course in LIT but I have looked into it, at the same time I'm thinking pay wise(I know it's not be all) because i think I'd prefer the ability for more vertical movement..

groovyg

Op you should go onto the NMBI website, there is a self assessment questionnaire which might help you decide if it's the career for you. http://www.nmbi.ie/Careers-in-Nursing-Midwifery/Becoming-a-Nurse-Midwife
If you are not sure what you want to do, when the offers come out in August you could defer for a year or if unable to do so just take a year out to help you decide what you want to do. You don't have to go to college straight after the Leaving Cert.

Ryan Mac Sweeney

Hi
I have read your post. Yes you still have plenty of time to change your mind on your CAO form. I have read that you are aiming for a career in the health industry. You said that you always wanted to be a doctor but I heard that you would have to study really hard to get into medicine so you would need to have at least 600 points in your leaving cert to be accepted into medicine. Maybe nursing would be better for you as you would need less points and it is also an easier course. Would you consider being a paramedic? I heard that UCD run a paramedic course and you could apply for it. It would be a really good job as everyday is something different. You would get to deliver babies save lives and do something acheving. Midwife would also be another suggestion as you would be delivering babies and everyday you will get to see new life being brought into the world

Lisacatlover

Why do you feel being 19 means taking a year out isn't an option?

TheBiz

I personally would rather not be 20 going to college with people who could be only 17, I don't know would I like to work in the healthcare, I just know I want a job where it feels like I've more of an impact than just on the money in my superiors wallet.

I have been looking at possible courses since I posted this, and I'm just trying to find something that fullfils my desire to help, but is also in an area I could really exceed in. (I do/study what I'm good at)
One course that caught my eye was 'sociology and social policy' in Trinity College Dublin because I like Business, Geography, English and I want to have some form of an impact. (I guess many careers have an impact anyways!)
I was also looking at possible studying Geography and Sociology in Trinity College as part of a TSM as its along the same lines of the social policy one but lower points.

LegacyUser

A few years ago I knew a student like you. They were not sure what they wanted to do.
They took a year out did a secreterial course, learned to drive and got a part time job.

This person did a great leaving cert and applied the following year for college.
They now have a phd and a great job. I know this person and they told me being a year older in college and doing there course was a help to them.

I think for you that you need to work hard up to the leaving cert. Have a look at some of the plc courses and do a plc next year. Once you have your results you can apply to college next year.

If your interested in doing nursing I would get some work in a nursing home, in social care ect to see if this is the job for you.
You mentioned your hobbies - would you do a course in this area to go towards the business end of the music industry?

Another thing I would say to you is that if you are getting a grant for college and drop out of the wrong course I know it effects the grant after this.

TheBiz

I know what I want to do, its medicine, I know I've the intellect, but no matter how many revelations I have I still continue to sit on my phone all day. As of now I'm in no position to even put medicine on my CAO

shuffles88

TheBiz wrote: »

The end goal has always been to help, I wanted to be a doctor to help, because I seen nurses acting more as carers where they make the patient comfortable and carry out certain tasks, but doctors (in my mind at 8-10) they diagnosed it, they saved their patients and the idea of saving a life has always been the most noble of pursuits in my mind, regardless of the long hours etc.
It's also the reason I chose to become a lifeguard and the little books I do read are about surgeons.

I'd just like to add in my two cents, not to push you towards nursing but just to give you a different perspective.

I spent a week in hospital this summer, over that time the people I looked at and thought 'you are having the most impact on my day' were the nurses. I had to have a lumbar puncture and was left with 24 hour head aches, the doctor gave me the lumbar puncture and left. The nurses were the ones who figured out how to stop the pain. The doctors didn't give a flying fig that I couldn't sit up or hold a conversation or eat, the nurses did.

From my own experience in life, when I was your age I knew roughly what I wanted to do but not exactly. Much like you I was convinced I wouldn't learn what I didn't like to but I needed to mature a bit more. There is nothing wrong with that, you know you better than anyone so trust yourself, If you need time, take time. I went back to college at 25 and I mix with every age there, from 17-70, once you get to college age becomes sort of irrelevant in terms of learning (Socially, it does matter, I'll grant you that ).

baby and crumble

Just to give you some perspective, op, I have wandered around hugely before I really understood where what I was good at and what I wanted to do came together, career-wise.

I did Philosphy with Geography in TCD. My first choice was Geography and Sociology (I wanted to be a teacher) but I missed out on points. I spent most of my time in college doing volunteer work and my summer job was working as a carer.

Then I came out with a somewhat useless degree (nobody wants to employ a "philosopher"!) and struggled to find work. Ended up working as a social care assistant for 6 months, the decided to go back to study to become a social worker. That meant a 1 year H. Dip in Social Policy to get onto the Masters in Social Work course. Then came out with my qualification just as he economy went tits up and the HSE embargo happened, with voluntary orgs losing all the funding to social work posts were few and far between. Was lucky to be offered a PhD scholarship where I had done a social work placement but for various reasons I dropped out and wrote up as a research Masters. Was unemployed for about a year until I did a social policy jobbridge and now I'm gainfully employed as a policy & research officer with a charity I believe in and am proud to work for.

My point of this ridiculously long post was that when I was thinking about college and careers at 17, I didn't know half of the things I've worked at or my friends work at even existed. Nobody told me about social policy, or working for charities. I guess what I'm saying is there's so much out there that you don't know about yet, and there's more than one way to make a difference. The days of studying your degree, getting a job out of it and then having your career in that job are pretty much over.

You said you want to help people and love music. What about training as a music therapist? If you really don't know what you want to commit to, don't. Don't commit to 3 or 4 years now if you don't really know. There's nothing wrong with trying a few things and changing. And really, if you do decide to take a year out and start college at 20 you'll be fine. Half of he people you'll be with in college will have no idea of your age and won't care anyway.

Zenify

Just to give you my opinion op. You should talk to people who work in the industries you're interested in. The idea of something like nursing may seem very nice but have you actually heard what people who work in nursing say? listen to what they say their daily duties include and see if this would interest you. Most nurses I know complain constantly about their jobs, but if you like the sound of it, go for it.

I just used the example of nursing above but actually talk to people that work in whatever sector you're thinking about.

Also, talk to the people that have studied the subjects you're thinking of applying for, in each specific university. The college could make a big difference. When I was applying for my CAO I thought all colleges were pretty much equal, but trust me they aren't. Lectures and assignment in one college can be very different to another.

Rubberchikken

sometimes a year makes a big difference.
whatever you do, don't just take a course because you're doing your LC and feel you have to go onto college this year.
the dropout rate amongst students is pertty high for a small country like ours and i think a lot of it is down to a serious lack of proper guidance for students on careers etc throughout secondary school years.

try to think about what you'd actually like to do. maybe forget the emphasis on vertical impact/finance/?.

think about what you want to get up to do every morning. at the end of the day, no matter how important the job or how much the pay is, if a person truly doesn't want to be doing it, the misery is just not worth it.

good luck deciding.

TheBiz

Rubberchikken wrote: »

sometimes a year makes a big difference.
whatever you do, don't just take a course because you're doing your LC and feel you have to go onto college this year.
the dropout rate amongst students is pertty high for a small country like ours and i think a lot of it is down to a serious lack of proper guidance for students on careers etc throughout secondary school years.

try to think about what you'd actually like to do. maybe forget the emphasis on vertical impact/finance/?.

think about what you want to get up to do every morning. at the end of the day, no matter how important the job or how much the pay is, if a person truly doesn't want to be doing it, the misery is just not worth it.

good luck deciding.

Ive been in this same situation for years, i would briefly find clarity and thing 'oh yeah I'll do this', then I look into it/something else and think 'nah that's not for me.
I've gone through wanting to do medicine to not wanting to go to College at all and everything in between, literally!

Some times I feel like college is kind of a waste, that it's 75% going out, making friends etc and 25% work.

I've also felt that there are so many things I'd love to try, but all I'm told is 'well the Leaving Cert takes priority, so now is not the time.'

Whenever I say 'sure I don't know what I want to do' the first words out of my parents mouths are 'well you won't be sitting around here!' As if they assume because I may not go to college, then I will simple turn into every other idiot around who is still in the local pub no matter what.

I rarely study, but when my friends don't study they play Fifa, when I don't, I look things, I investigate things, I may look into jewellery design, or learning or code or simply watch a documentary. I love to learn, but I don't love to learn one thing/many impractical things.

I still don't know .

LegacyUser

Would you consider doing a science or biomedical degree? You can get into 3rd year medicine if you get good results in a science undergraduate (think ucc give you that option) but you also have the option of going into lab work / education / pharmacy / PhD / so you aren't limited to medicine if you change your mind. A girl I know did science with the aim of doing medicine, but after suffering eczema she changed route and went into dermatology and loves it! Hey, you could even end up at NASA?!

HelgaWard

Is there anywhere you could do a pre-med course that would help you then get in to medicine?

Rubberchikken

then maybe college isn't for you. maybe not at the moment.
you sound like a thinking person, maybe very creative.
have you discussed your options with a guidance counsellor? apologies if you said you had in a previous post.

i realise the response from your parents of 'you're not sitting around here' isn't helpful, so is there any way you could discuss this with them where they would be openminded and listening?

it may be a cliche, but not everyone knows what they want to do with their life at LC age.

my advise, for what it's worth, is to explore all options. keep an open mind. and try to do what you actually would enjoy doing.
take care

baby and crumble

TheBiz wrote: »

Some times I feel like college is kind of a waste, that it's 75% going out, making friends etc and 25% work.

TBH college is entirely what YOU make it. Ok, first year for most people is ok, it's a lot of finding your feet as an adult but after that most people (apart from the dossers) get stuck in and start taking it seriously. Because so much of the responsibility is on you as a student then yeah, you can go out every night and piss away your days but you won't get your degree then. You soon learn that it does take work to earn a degree- and all these stories people tell you about college and freedom and students wasting around in coffee shops is nonsense. but it's not exactly interesting for people to say "What did I do all last week? I read. In the library. All day".

TheBiz

I think I've come to a realisation after a heated debate and a discussion with my career guidance counsellor.
I cannot get what I want out of life working for someone else.
I want to make a difference, be financially successful, have the ability to pursue what I want even if that changes, and have the ability to enjoy life when I can, to have the money and lack of constraints that allow me to do just that.
But almost more important than that, I want to feel like work isn't work, I want to love walking up in the morning because I have a passion, I have something to dedicate my life to.
How I go about doing that I don't know...

athtrasna

The fact that maths isn't a strong subject for you is worrying, if you're looking at sciences or business you need good maths. I'd focus on improving your maths rather than stressing too much about the future

TheBiz

athtrasna wrote: »

The fact that maths isn't a strong subject for you is worrying, if you're looking at sciences or business you need good maths. I'd focus on improving your maths rather than stressing too much about the future

My teacher herself said I would be in higher level if I was there from the start.
I'm a B student in OL maths, so I'm not fantastic but I've a fairly decent level of maths. I wouldn't consider myself as someone suited to studying maths at college.

athtrasna

TheBiz wrote: »

My teacher herself said I would be in higher level if I was there from the start.
I'm a B student in OL maths, so I'm not fantastic but I've a fairly decent level of maths. I wouldn't consider myself as someone suited to studying maths at college.

I'm a science graduate. I wasn't suggesting you studying maths, I was pointing out how important good maths skills are to pursuing certain directions.

TheBiz

athtrasna wrote: »

I'm a science graduate. I wasn't suggesting you studying maths, I was pointing out how important good maths skills are to pursuing certain directions.

Oh I agree, I actually enjoy the maths in areas like economics but I'm fairly average in general, but I still know how important it is, it's problem solving..

playedalive

Hey OP,

Welcome to the real crappy experience of having to make decisions for yourself. I don't mean that in a condescending way btw. For sure, I'm 25, degree holder and still haven't found that profession. So I'm still making these decisions as we speak. I'm currently unemployed after a while temping. I even started a thread here not so long ago about doing a masters I wasn't sure about but said no to the idea (glad I did)

You really do sound a lot like me but more with it in terms of taking charge of your career choice at such an age. Fair play seriously. It's really good you've gone to see career guidance. I generally find them to be a bit dangerous as realistically they can't advise you through the feeling process of what you want to do, although they can mention the practicalities.

Looking at your OP, I really would not rule out taking a year off to work or doing a general education type PLC. I really wish I did take a year to 'find myself' and get some more work/life experience. I was quite naive and maybe it would have been best. I always noticed in college people who started in college say 20/21 seemed to just excel more with having more life experience when putting the work in.

When I look back at starting college, I was so naive and maybe didn't make the most of the experience but I think I made the best decision at that time to continue studying my favourite LC subjects (languages). In reality, while I don't have a career that stemmed from it, I did become fluent (with a lot of my own hard work) in 2 languages, got to live abroad during summers and for a full year. Maybe it might just be a good idea to focus on subjects you think you would like to continue with? That may not be necessarily medicine but it could be science if you like it in school? Even music if you are interested in that area? Maybe an arts or science omnibus degree would be right for you at this stage in one of the NUIs? Try different subjects, take more credits in one if you work out you wanna pursue that postgrad conversion course or masters?

I know arts always gets the joke for lack of employability or direction. I think most areas of study get their share of 'well you won't do X y or z now'. But you're better off studying something you like that makes you happy and will foster skills you will bring to any new career path. Maybe that's just what you need now before sussing the whole career thing.

I studied languages myself but I still think maybe psychology would be cool or social work would be a fulfilling study path which could lead to a very fulfilling job helping others. I have that aspect of wanting to help others and not make some guy richer attitude too, esp after having worked in the corporate world. I think I have come to accept you just need to give things a try and sometimes the best decision for now is perfectly valid. It's a cliche but sometimes you have to believe in the journey. Enjoy yours!

TheBiz

This is where I'm at atm.
Most conversations with my parents end in arguments, and school feels like a blur between wanting to go home and/or wanting to ask someone to the grad.

I just know that I want to do something I deem worthwhile, and I may be naive, but I want to live a life worth living, I have no intention to work the majority of my time so I can spend my few leisure hours as I wish.
I want freedom, I want to have control over what's happening and I want for work to not feel like work, I want to do something I love.

I'm not looking forward to college, when others say 'I can't wait to go to college' I say 'yeah I can't wait to get out of this place', I'm smart. My parents assumed I'd always go onto further education but I've no intentions of sitting into 4 years (and a lot of money's worth) of a degree I'm not that pushed about.

I'm considering getting an entry level job (bottom rung in a business) and moving out, for a year atleast while I find
A-something I want to study,
B-A business venture I want to try my hand at.
There's 101 things I want to try, I want to learn to programme/code, I want to preform live, I want to learn jewellery design and songwriting, I want to learn about ICT, SEO and about stocks/investing.

I just know I'm not in a great place at the minute and I'm sick to death trying to live inside expectations and what is seen as 'your best bet' as seen by those who took very few risks (read career guidance counsellor). I've always been a bit weird, I never quite slotted into a group and school, it's probably a sign too when your own parents call you 'odd' haha.

I may turn around in a week or two and change my mind but logically, it is the only way I can actively pursue what I want and ultimately be happy.

playedalive

Hey. It looks pretty obvious university is something you're not comfortable with. That seems like an instinct you should follow. I think the previous suggestion to do an office admin/secretarial course would be worthwhile to get some skills to get into the workplace.

I have to be honest. Finding a job that does not feel like work is quite a difficult ideal to fulfil, yet we are told by career people to do so. From being in different jobs (retail, hospitality,education, call centre) I have found pursuing your hobbies as much as possible and doing what you value is what makes the difference. So bear that in mind.

miezekatze

OP, one of my biggest regrets is not taking a year out after school to properly decide what I wanted to do. I was pushed into making a hasty decision when I didn't really have a clue what I wanted, and then ended up quitting college after a year because I hated it. I eventually found something that suited me and got a degree, but I often think I would have chosen better if I'd taken my time, and might have ended up with a better or more fulfilling career. So don't be pushed into anything, take your time!

TheBiz

playedalive wrote: »

Hey. It looks pretty obvious university is something you're not comfortable with. That seems like an instinct you should follow. I think the previous suggestion to do an office admin/secretarial course would be worthwhile to get some skills to get into the workplace.

I have to be honest. Finding a job that does not feel like work is quite a difficult ideal to fulfil, yet we are told by career people to do so. From being in different jobs (retail, hospitality,education, call centre) I have found pursuing your hobbies as much as possible and doing what you value is what makes the difference. So bear that in mind.

I guess, I wouldn't be comfortable with university if I felt like I was settling on something for 4 years, or that I was wasting some of the defining years of my adult life.
My one worry about going straight into employment it ending up in a dead end job performing menial tasks.
I want to go work, learn and solve problems (start a business, make a product)

I've always felt if your going to take a big risk, do it when your younger, into your 30s and so on most people are beginning to settle in some shape or form.

I don't want to work for the sake of working, I want to build a life where I have the ability to step away and do something else, that the business and run independent of me, that I can take a trip to drive on the autobahn or take time off with family. I want freedom, control and a decent standard of living.

I feel university, unless I'm going into a profession that needs a specific degree then I could go work, earn some money, try the things I want to, learn from those already in the field and make an effort to be self employed and independent.

playedalive

TheBiz wrote: »

playedalive wrote: »

I guess, I wouldn't be comfortable with university if I felt like I was settling on something for 4 years, or that I was wasting some of the defining years of my adult life.
My one worry about going straight into employment it ending up in a dead end job performing menial tasks.
I want to go work, learn and solve problems (start a business, make a product)

I've always felt if your going to take a big risk, do it when your younger, into your 30s and so on most people are beginning to settle in some shape or form.

I don't want to work for the sake of working, I want to build a life where I have the ability to step away and do something else, that the business and run independent of me, that I can take a trip to drive on the autobahn or take time off with family. I want freedom, control and a decent standard of living.

I feel university, unless I'm going into a profession that needs a specific degree then I could go work, earn some money, try the things I want to, learn from those already in the field and make an effort to be self employed and independent.

I think entering the workplace in any company is going to entail some sort of menial tasks unless you are in management or have a specific specialised qualification. Try to keep an open mind on the workplace and job. Look it as a start. Try to not fall into ideals that your job has to not feel like a job. As I said we are told to do what we love and we'll never work. I think it's a slightly faulty ideal but it rings through if you find it. While work should be this way, I don't think it's true for the majority. However, work can be what funds the cool things we do outside like travel, gym, driving, eating out, amateur drama, home.

I think a part time study/work scenario would be great for you to find out what you like and what you value before commuting to a specific plan. Good luck

TheBiz

playedalive wrote: »

TheBiz wrote: »

I think entering the workplace in any company is going to entail some sort of menial tasks unless you are in management or have a specific specialised qualification. Try to keep an open mind on the workplace and job. Look it as a start. Try to not fall into ideals that your job has to not feel like a job. As I said we are told to do what we love and we'll never work. I think it's a slightly faulty ideal but it rings through if you find it. While work should be this way, I don't think it's true for the majority. However, work can be what funds the cool things we do outside like travel, gym, driving, eating out, amateur drama, home.

I think a part time study/work scenario would be great for you to find out what you like and what you value before commuting to a specific plan. Good luck

Ive no problem doing menial tasks as at the beginning, that's expected.
One thing I've realised is passion is not a career, it's a set of ideals that lead you to something that you would do even if you weren't paid.
For me that's being able to constantly learn what I want, be financially successful and to possess the freedom to make my own choices and enjoy life.

I want to learn about investing, not just in the stock market but in real estate and venture capitalism,I'd also love to try my hand at programming or atleast understanding things like SEO I want to be in a position financially where I do something enjoyable and challenging while being financially independent and possess the ability, if I wished to take time off and do other things that interest me.
I'd also love to be involved in startups, try one myself. Maybe in IT but not as a programmer..
I just want to feel like I would do my work even if money was of no concern. That's the aim. And I'm unsure of how realistic this is in general or especially if I wasn't self employed