What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
For my Leaving Certificate I studied the three compulsory subjects: English, Irish and Maths. I had a great interest in science so I chose to do two science subjects - Biology and Chemistry. I wanted to keep as many options open as possible as I wasn't 100% sure what I wanted to do on leaving school so I chose one business subject - Economics and I chose a language - French, in order to keep all the universities open also.
In hindsight I think this was a good selection of subjects as it kept a lot of doors open while also allowing me to chose subjects I liked and did well in. I eventually went on to do a science degree so my 2 Leaving Certificate science subjects came in handy. Once I had my degree this allowed me to teach and subsequently do my postgraduate in Guidance Counselling.
What is your education to date?
I did my Leaving Certificate followed by a B.Sc. Science Degree.
I then did my postgraduate Diploma in Education which allowed me to teach in secondary school. After a number of years teaching I returned to university to study for a postgraduate diploma in Schools Guidance and Counselling which allowed me to practice as a Guidance Counsellor.
In recent times I also completed my Masters Degree in Education.
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
In order to practice as a Guidance Counsellor and become a member of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors it is compulsory to have a postgraduate qualification in Guidance Counselling. These are currently on offer in a number of universities in Ireland.
