Mary Hickey Career Consultant

24/08/2026

1. Why do you think you need to repeat the LC? Why, Why Why?

2. If you repeat do you think you can change anything about the way you performed (to improve your performance) from the previous year? Reflect deeply, seek advice, can you realistically improve your grades/points?
3. Are there any expected changes to the curriculum; bearing in mind if there are, you could find yourself doing 2 years work load in 1 year. Another possible issue could be that the English Texts could be different from the previous year.
4. Where will you repeat? Has your school availability for you to repeat? Do you want to return to your old school? Many students answer a big NO to this.
5. How will you feel seeing your friends / peers starting their Third Level journey?
6. Have you considered all options on your CAO; can any of these options allow you to progress to your preferred career via Post Grad Study? This is very important to consider, and in many cases, this option works out more favourable for the student than repeating the Leaving Certificate.

21/08/2026

19/08/2026

A big thank you to Mary Hickey Career Consultant for her kind donation towards our Family Fun Day! 💛

We really appreciate your support of our fundraiser!

20/07/2026

This year like every other year, I have worked with a number of clients who, for a variety of reasons, have decided to leave a college course.

It is important to remember that every student's circumstances are different. There are many reasons why someone may choose to leave a course, and we should never assume we know those reasons or make judgments about their decision. Whatever the reason, the decision is rarely made lightly.

During our first conversation, one of the most common statements I hear is, "I dropped out of college." Almost without exception, these words are spoken quietly, with sadness or disappointment. These words carry a strong sense of failure, and many students have already begun to see themselves in this manner.

Many students in this situation experience conflicting emotions: failure, relief, guilt, uncertainty, and they carry lots of weight on their shoulders. They feel they have let themselves and in many cases their parents down.

One of the things I work with the client on is how they talk to themselves about this big decision and help them to change the words they use to describe it.

Rather than saying, "I dropped out of college," I encourage them to say, "I decided to leave a course that wasn't right for me," or "I changed direction after realising this course wasn't the best fit."

This change of wording will not change what happened but it helps them to change the view they have of themselves. It helps them to see that they made an informed and right decision based on the circumstances they found themselves in.

This simple reframing of the situation allows them to take back some control and builds their confidence to move forward and reclaim the next part of their education/training/career.

What’s your thoughts on this ?

14/07/2026

Updated information about studying medicine in Ireland