LOVE FOR a subject, job prospects and salary have topped the list of reasons given by students for their CAO choices, with most choosing college courses that involve the study of several subjects in an effort to broaden their career opportunities.
Nathan Lynch (18), from Dublin, a student at Terenure College said he hoped to study commerce and Spanish at University College Dublin. With fewer jobs now, “I didn’t want to just do business on its own, so I’m opting to study it with Spanish in an effort to broaden my options”.
The student, who achieved 460 points in his Leaving Certificate, said he hoped, by combining commerce with a language, he would be able to work abroad or work with Spanish.
Mark McMahon, a student at St Mary’s College in Rathmines, chose his course “as it would provide a good background for joining the Army”.
“I hope to study logistics and supply-chain management at Dublin Institute of Technology as I want to join the Army after college and those subjects are a key factor in the Army”.
For many students, subject interest and the experience of college were the main factors influencing their course choices.
Mia Shirreffs (19) from Naas in Co Kildare said money or job prospects did not influence her decision to list history at Trinity College Dublin as her first CAO choice. The repeat student at Rathmines College said: “There’s not many jobs out there now but if you really love something, you should do it. I’ve always been interested in history and want to work in a museum and you can get good money eventually if you keep at it.”
Stephen Kerr may have got 600 points in his Leaving Certificate, but the student of Templeogue College in south Dublin was more concerned about the release of his upcoming single Sideline.
The Falling Famous band member, who has enough points to do any course in the country, is choosing instead to follow his passions and has listed music and maths at TCD as his first CAO preference. “In the long run, I’m worried about the future of the economy and job opportunities. I don’t think there is any money in music unless you’re a rock star, but it’s my passion,” he said.
JJ Walsh, principal of Greenhills College in Walkinstown said students were looking to “get as well educated as possible in the belief that the best qualified will be hired when the economy returns to growth”.
Gráinne Milton, a repeat student at Rathmines College, said she was hoping to study veterinary medicine because of her love for animals and the career prospects.
“UCD is the only university in the country that does the course, so hopefully supply would be less than demand,” she said.