Choosing a course after the Leaving Certificate can feel overwhelming, especially when a student has broad interests but no clear career plan. This Breaking News education feature looks at how a sixth-year student with an interest in business, travel and meeting people can explore flexible options without rushing into a traditional degree.
The challenge facing many sixth-year students
Leaving Certificate students are often expected to make an important decision while still figuring out what motivates them. Some know exactly which profession they want to enter, while others are interested in several areas and do not yet have a specific course in mind.
For a student living in Ireland’s midwest who enjoys communicating with people, is attracted to international work and has a strong interest in business, the challenge is not a lack of direction. Instead, the difficulty may be identifying a course that keeps several pathways open.
This is a common concern in Irish education. A degree choice does not always determine one job for life, and many employers value graduates who can combine academic knowledge with communication, creativity, commercial awareness and the ability to understand different customers and cultures.
Business degrees are not the only route
A traditional business degree can lead to careers in marketing, finance, management, sales, human resources and entrepreneurship. However, students who are unsure about studying a broad business programme can consider courses that combine business with another subject or practical area.
Possible course directions
- International business: Suitable for students interested in global companies, overseas markets and cross-border trade.
- Marketing and digital marketing: Combines commercial thinking with communication, consumer research, branding and creative work.
- Business and languages: Can support careers involving international clients, tourism, trade and multinational organisations.
- Business information systems: Blends management with technology, data and digital transformation.
- Hospitality, tourism and events: May suit students who enjoy meeting people, organising activities and working in an international environment.
- Communications or public relations: Offers a route into media relations, corporate communications, content and stakeholder engagement.
These options can provide commercial foundations while allowing a student to develop interests beyond accounting or conventional management studies.
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Students and parents can also explore university open days and course information before making a final decision. Visit DailyDigest for further Ireland News and education updates.
Why transferable skills matter to employers
Employers increasingly look for graduates who can do more than recall technical information. The ability to work with others, explain ideas clearly and adapt to new situations can be valuable across many industries.
For someone interested in international business, useful skills may include:
- Confident written and verbal communication
- Teamwork and relationship-building
- Commercial awareness
- Problem-solving and creative thinking
- Digital literacy and data awareness
- Understanding of international consumers and cultures
- Organisation, presentation and negotiation
These skills can be developed through college projects, part-time employment, volunteering, student societies, work placements and travel. A course with an internship or placement year may be particularly useful for a student who wants to understand how a sector operates before committing to a long-term career.
How to narrow down the right course
Rather than asking, “What job do I want at 18?”, families may find it more helpful to ask, “What subjects, activities and working environments suit me?” A structured process can make the decision less intimidating.
- List genuine interests: Separate subjects the student enjoys from careers that simply sound prestigious.
- Identify preferred environments: Consider whether he would prefer an office, a campus, a hotel, an international organisation or a role involving frequent public contact.
- Compare course modules: Course titles can be misleading, so examine the subjects taught in each year.
- Check practical opportunities: Look for placements, study-abroad options, industry projects and language opportunities.
- Attend open days: Speaking with current students and lecturers can reveal how a course feels in practice.
- Review entry and progression information: Check the requirements, assessment methods and typical graduate pathways.
Students should also consider whether they prefer exams, continuous assessment, group projects or practical learning. The teaching and assessment style can have as much impact on satisfaction as the course name.
Study abroad and international opportunities
An interest in travel does not necessarily mean a student must choose a course specifically labelled international studies. Many Irish universities and colleges offer Erasmus or other study-abroad opportunities, while some programmes include placements with companies that operate across multiple countries.
When comparing options, students should ask:
- Is a semester or year abroad available?
- Are international placements part of the programme?
- Can students study a language alongside the main subject?
- Does the institution have links with multinational employers?
- Are travel and accommodation costs clearly explained?
These details can help turn a general interest in travel into a realistic academic and professional plan.
What if he remains unsure after the Leaving Certificate?
Not having a fixed career goal does not mean a student is falling behind. Some people make better decisions after gaining experience, speaking with guidance professionals or taking time to understand their strengths.
However, delaying a decision should be planned rather than passive. A student considering a year away from education should investigate structured options, employment, training, volunteering or further education. Guidance from a school career adviser, college access office or qualified counsellor can help identify suitable next steps.
Parents can support the process by asking open questions and avoiding pressure to choose a course solely because it appears secure or popular. The most useful conversation may focus on the kind of workday, colleagues and challenges the student can imagine enjoying.
Frequently asked questions
Does a business-related degree limit future careers?
No. Business graduates can move into sectors including technology, tourism, retail, finance, public services, communications and entrepreneurship. Career outcomes depend on the course, experience, skills and interests developed along the way.
Is international business a good choice for someone who likes travel?
It may be suitable, particularly if the programme includes languages, study abroad or work placement opportunities. Students should examine the modules and graduate pathways rather than relying on the course title alone.
What should parents do when a sixth-year student is undecided?
Parents can help by encouraging research, attending open days, comparing course content and arranging professional guidance. The aim should be informed choice, not pressure to produce a lifelong career plan immediately.
The key message for students and parents
The best course is not always the one that promises a single profession. For a sixth-year student interested in business, people and international opportunities, a flexible programme with strong communication, digital, commercial and practical elements may offer the right balance.
Breaking News education coverage often focuses on major policy announcements, but course decisions affect families in a more personal way. The most important step is to investigate options carefully, use official college information and choose a direction that supports future exploration. A student does not need to know the exact destination yet; he needs a realistic route that keeps meaningful opportunities open.
