One’s education is rarely complete these days after completing an undergraduate degree. Ireland has a highly qualified workforce and, in order to compete, one needs to ensure that they are well qualified.

After completing an undergraduate degree, one usually chooses to specialise, as gaining employment with a basic degree can be difficult. Usually, undergraduate degrees are only seen as an introduction to the subject matter in which they are studying. Therefore postgraduate studies are important.

However, students can struggle when choosing what to specialise in. Ireland is a culture whereby we are almost obsessed with job titles. We are all too familiar with being asked ‘What do you do?’ therefore specialising is almost seen as a given. Choosing what postgraduate course to apply for can be a difficult task. No longer can one take the risk on pursuing further studies without having a plan in place. No longer can one be searching aimlessly; they need direction.

When considering a career path, one needs to ensure that they have given careful consideration to their choices. Often people do not understand what careers they can, in fact, pursue after completing an undergraduate degree. Some individuals believe that because they have studied Social Care they cannot transfer into business and vice versa. This is a false belief and making such a transition can in fact be easy if one knows the route.

Therefore, the most important advice is not to rule anything out and not to assume. If you are uncertain on taking the next step educationally then it is imperative that you seek advice. By contacting Galway Careers Clinic, our experts can run various tests identifying your career interests and aptitude and abilities thus equipping you with reliable results which will help you in deciding on a future career.

When choosing a postgraduate degree, ensure that you have carefully viewed the various job opportunities and titles that you are qualified to undertake upon completion. Look at how these match your overall plan. It is important to bear in mind that some careers do not require postgraduate studies. It is important not to complete a postgraduate course just for the sake of doing it. It is important to look at how the postgraduate course will aid you in your chosen career.

For further information o career guidance and educational issues, contact Clodagh A. Higgins of Galway Careers Clinic, Salthill, Galway on 091-581234 or galwaycareersclinic@gmail.com or alternatively visit www.galwaycareersclinic.com.