Student Learning Journal - Module 13 - Post Leaving Certificate

Life as a College Student

The transition from school to college is an exciting and challenging time for most students. Your success is now completely in your own hands. Further and higher education are independent learning environments and academic success involves a lot more than just attending all your lectures and tutorials.

College life requires good organisation, time management skills and self-discipline. College days can be irregular in terms of how many hours are spent on a given day in the lecture hall, classroom or laboratory, especially with the increase of modularisation and choice of subjects.

A large proportion of your time will be spent studying in the library, where you will investigate in depth the topics that your lecturers will have outlined. It makes good sense, therefore, to formulate a personal study plan at an early stage so that you can settle into a productive routine. College is also about getting the mix right. It can be a forgettable experience if too much time is spent exclusively on either social or academic pursuits. Try to involve both elements in sensible

Life as SAMPLE

measures from the start so that when the assignments start flying at you from all directions, it’s not such a mental struggle to hit the books.

If you make full use of the learning opportunities in college, there will be few limits to the success of your future career. But aside from the material benefits, further education will also help you to develop and mature as a person capable of making critical decisions for themselves and becoming an engaged member of society.

The following pages will explore some of the ways to help you cope with this transition, look at some key points for consideration and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle as you progress through college.

The Learning Process Learning

So, let’s start with the most important aspect: how to become a more independent learner.

There are three simple steps you can follow to ensure effective learning over time . . .

Step 1 – Understand

Classes on your course help you to increase your understanding of new information. Your course instructors explain new concepts and key points in class so you must be attentive and actively engage in this part of the learning process.

Step 2 – Organise

After class you must organise and store this new information in a structure which allows you to recall it with ease. Later in this section you learn how to organise the information using Mind Mapping, a powerful learning tool.

Step 3 – Recall

You are tested regularly to ensure that you successfully recall the new information. Later in this section you learn about the most effective tools to assist in recalling information.

“Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.”

Learning Foundations

Just as a house needs a solid foundation in order to remain stable, you also need a solid foundation for learning. This section gives practical advice on the three key foundations of the learning process, which are: Motivation, Time Management and the Learning Environment.

Motivation

Many students love learning and are therefore highly focused at all times. Others do their homework to avoid detention! However, the students who achieve the greatest success are those with a high level of personal motivation. The real key to successful learning is to understand the reason for doing it. What is the purpose? How will I benefit? If your reason why is strong enough then you will find a way to achieve it, no matter what. You must establish a reason as to why you want to achieve good results. Once you understand this, motivation is easy and results quickly improve.

Time Management – Recall over Time

When you learn something new in class you may forget about 50% of it by the time you go home. This forgetfulness is normal, but highlights the importance of regular review. When you review your work regularly your recall is significantly enhanced. The chart below shows how your recall diminishes over time and how regular review enhances recall.

From the chart you can see that without review you are lucky to remember 10% of what you have learned after 3 months (red line in the chart below). This explains why many people get poor results in their exams. However, if you review the material on a regular basis you dramatically increase your recall (blue line in the chart). You can easily recall 90% and more of what you have learned. But the most important thing to note from the chart is that your long-term recall actually increases! That’s right, if you review on a regular basis you will start to remember more!

Review Periods

To ensure new information is ready for recall you must review it 5 times. These 5 reviews should take place after 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after the initial learning. These time periods coincide with the largest drop in recall.

1 hour

At the end of every class review the key points for 2-3 minutes.

1 day

Start your evening study with a quick review of all that you learned during the day. If you understood what you learned, it takes no more than 5 minutes per subject.

1 week

At the end of the week, spend 1 hour reviewing your week’s work.

1 month

This is one of the most important reviews you can do. Spending 30 to 60 minutes per subject at the end of each month. Plan a Saturday at the end of each month for this.

3 months/term breaks

It is vitally important that at the end of each 3-month period you sit down and review all you have learned. Most schools have end of term exams (Halloween, Christmas, Easter and summer), so in preparing for these, complete a full review. This is why exams are so important and essential for long-term recall. If your school doesn’t hold these exams you must still do the review.

Following these review periods ensures effective learning. It increases your motivation and improves your results, ensuring you do it more and more, as we all like doing things we are good at.

Time Planning

All successful students manage their time effectively and efficiently. Time management is improved if you follow the simple rules below:

1. Plan: You must have an overall plan for learning. Divide each subject into its main sections using a Mind Map. This allows you to plan what you want to achieve in each learning period.

2. Goals: It is important that in each study session you establish a goal. Measure your study in terms of what you want to achieve, not the length of time you are spending at it. Saying “I did four hours’ study last night,” is not as good as being able to say “I learned about the conditions that brought about the First World War.”

3. Timetable: Draw up a weekly timetable including study, fun and social time.

4. Action: Commit to what you are doing by understanding your reason for doing it and then take action. Do it now!

Learning Environment...

• If possible, set aside a fixed place for study; it could be a desk in your room, in a study room or in a library.

• Your study area should be quiet and free of distractions like radio, TV and people. Your study area should be adequately heated and well lit. You should have a comfortable chair and a desk at an appropriate height.

• You should organise all your books and materials around your study desk so that you do not waste time looking for things.

Learning Tools

Once you have a solid foundation for learning, you can start to build up your knowledge in your chosen subject. In this section you are given some learning tools to greatly assist you in the learning process. The three tools explained here, SQ3R, Mind Maps and Mnemonics, all improve your learning ability.

SQ3R is a strategy for making the best use of reading and taking notes while doing so.

S stands for Survey

This means you quickly scan through the text to find out what the chapter is about. You need to read:

• The Title of the chapter.

• The Introduction, to get an overview of the information contained in the chapter.

• The Headings, which outline the specific topics covered in the chapter.

• The Summary, to find the main points made in the chapter.

Q stands for Question

• Use the questions who, what, where, why, when, and how to extract information from the chapter.

• What are the key points in this chapter?

• How does this information link with knowledge I already have?

• Why is this important and where would it be used?

R stands for Read

In this step, you read the piece to get the answers to the questions you just asked.

R stands for Recall

Attempt to recall the information you have extracted from the chapter. Do this at the end of each hour. If you do not recall, you remember only 30% of the material you have read!

R stands for Review

Attempt to recall the information within 1 day of reading it. Then follow the other stages in review periods of 1 week, 1 month and 3 months. In this way, it will enter long-term memory and will be recalled.

Mind Maps

Mind Mapping is a note-taking technique that allows the user to record the main points of a lesson, chapter or book using a combination of words and symbols that are easily understood by the learner. Mind Maps were created by Tony Buzan in the 1960s and are now used by millions around the world.

Rules . . .

There are a number of important rules you must follow in order to create a Mind Map.

1. Start with a blank sheet (A4 or A3 preferably without any lines on the page) and some coloured pens.

2. Use a Central Image: Place the central image under the main heading in the centre of the page. It must reflect the main theme or idea of the topic. Everything branches out from this image. This is called radiant thinking. This is extremely important because this is actually how your brain works!

3. Use Hierarchy: Decide on the main divisions of what you want to learn. As you develop your Mind Map from the centre, branches should become thinner, with less emphasis and smaller text.

4. Use Images: Most people remember in pictures, so it is important you use images as much as possible.

5. Use Colour: Colour stimulates the brain and aids memory.

6. Use Association: Each branch must have an association or a link to the one before.

7. Use Single Words: Do not use more words than you have to. One word can easily describe a major point.

For each subject you study, create a Mind Map which shows everything you need to know. Then for each section you can create individual Mind Maps. At the end of the year you should have no more than 10-20 Mind Maps for each subject. Can you imagine if everything you needed to know before an exam was on 10 colourful and easy to remember pages?

Example of Mind Map: This Mind Map was created by James Lee to help him pass his exams. Taken from “The Mind Map Book” by Tony Buzan.

Accommodation Accom

Now that we have looked at ways to improve your learning, here are some simple tips on the more practical elements of organising your life, from looking for accommodation to managing your finances.

Here are some questions to consider when deciding where you should live while undertaking your course:

The Area . . .

• Is the area you are looking at convenient to college?

• Is there a regular public transport route to college?

• Is there a cycle path the whole way to college?

• Is the area safe and is there adequate lighting on your street, hall or stairwell?

Viewing a place . . .

Whether it’s your first time out of the family home or you reckon you’re a seasoned pro at the house hunting game, here are a few tips I’m sure you’ll find handy:

• Are there any signs of dampness/ mould?

• Is there proper ventilation and do the windows open?

• Will it be easy to heat? Are there draughts or high ceilings?

• What will it cost and in whose name are the bills?

• Is there enough furniture?

• Are there enough electric sockets?

• Are the cooker, fridge and other electrical appliances working?

• What way is the water heated?

• How do you pay for electricity/ gas/phone?

• Is there cable/digital TV and who pays the bill?

• Is there a safe place to put your bike?

• Is there an internet connection available?

Types of Tenancy . . .

Leases

Leases are legally binding agreements between a landlord and a tenant. It is usually in effect for a set period of time. Read any lease thoroughly before you sign it – including ALL the fine print. You can only be asked to leave during the time specified on your lease if you break a term of it, though you are still entitled to formal notice. If you decide that you want to move out before your lease is up, you may have to forfeit the deposit.

Digs

In digs-type accommodation you share accommodation with the owner-occupier. There is no legal prescription or contract, and you are essentially a guest in the owner’s accommodation.

Oral Tenancy

An oral tenancy is a tenancy agreement made verbally and with no paper contract. It is of equal legal standing to a written contract, but it’s much better to have a written agreement. If you’ve accepted keys, or you’ve handed over any cash, a contract is automatically in place.

If you are living off campus, the cost of travelling to and from college can be quite high. One easy way of getting around this is by purchasing a bicycle.

What type of bicycle do you want?

Road bikes are designed for paved streets and suited to people travelling long distances at high speed. Mountain Bikes are a more durable affair designed to be quite comfortable to ride. Hybrid bikes are a mix of the two, giving a faster ride than a mountain bike and more comfort than a road bike. Cruisers are designed for the cyclist who is unconcerned about speed and enjoys cycling in comfort. They are generally more simple mechanically and easier to maintain.

Are there any features I should consider before I purchase?

1. It is important that the bicycle should be the right size for you. To check this, you should be able to just touch the ground with your feet when you sit on the saddle.

2. Make sure that the brakes are fully operational and are well tuned.

3. Make sure that the brake pads aren’t well worn as you don’t want to have to replace these within a few weeks of your purchase.

4. Take a test ride and ensure that you can switch smoothly between gears. Six gears should be about enough for any journey.

What are the most important accessories I should consider?

For safety, you will require a helmet and some reflective gear.

You need some reflective clothing when cycling at night.

You are legally obliged to have a red light on the back of the bike and a white light on the front when cycling at night time in Ireland.

For security, you will require a good lock.

Maintaining your bicycle . . .

You can save yourself a lot of money in the long run if you take good care of your bike.

• Regularly inflate your tyres. Bicycle tubes are made of butyl rubber, which is slightly porous and thus the tyres tend to deflate over time.

• Lubricate the different parts regularly. The chain and the break lever will need to be lubricated most often to keep them in peak condition.

• If you want to prevent rust and corrosion, you will have to store the bike inside.

12 POINTS FOR SAFE CYCLING

1 Look behind and signal in good time before turning.

2 Obey all traffic signs – a red light really means STOP.

3 Don’t weave in and out of slow-moving traffic.

4 Keep well away from trucks and buses, especially near a corner.

5 Never hold on to a moving vehicle.

6 No headphones – you need to hear as well as see.

7 Never cycle more than two abreast – single file is always best.

8 Have your bicycle serviced regularly.

9 Cycling at night – make sure you have a front light, a back light and a rear reflector.

10 Wear a reflective belt.

11 Wear a cycle helmet at all times.

12 In poor road conditions reduce your speed for added safety.

Financial Help Financial

Maintenance Grant

SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland’s single national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students in approved full-time third-level and further education courses in Ireland and also, in some cases, funding for students studying outside of Ireland.

Support is available to all types of students, from school leavers to mature students returning to education. Visit susi.ie for more information and to check your eligibility for a grant.

Family and/or personal income is a key factor that will be assessed when you apply for a maintenance grant.

If you think you are eligible for the maintenance grant, you should apply for it as soon as possible after the application process opens, usually in mid April each year. You must not wait until you receive an offer of a place or enrol in college.

Fees

SUSI grants can cover all or partial fees for third level depending on eligibility. SUSI does not cover fees for further education (PLC colleges). PLC registration fees must be paid but there is a waiver of the €200 Government PLC Levy if you are an Irish citizen/EU national and are:

• A full medical card holder in your own right, or are the dependent child of a medical card holder

• Eligible under the student grant scheme

• In receipt of either the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) or Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) allowances.

Scholarships

There are many academic, sporting and access scholarships available to prospective students. You should check the website of the college you are applying to for information. For example, the UCD ‘Ad Astra’ offers scholarships in the areas of Academic, Elite Sporting and Performing Arts. The closing dates for scholarship applications differ, so check the college websites early in the year prior to entry.

Information on Access Scholarships is usually available under the Access section of the college website. Examples of this are the PATH Scholarships, 1916 Bursary and Open Learning Scholarships. These aim to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups entering third level.

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a college and university scheme that offers places on reduced points and extra college support to school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are resident in the Republic of Ireland.

The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a third-level alternative admissions scheme for school leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second-level education. There are 25 third-levels participating in the HEAR/DARE scheme. More information can be found on the dedicated website www.accesscollege.ie. Again, early application in the year prior to entry is important.

The Student Assistance Fund

The Student Assistance Fund provides financial support to full or parttime students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. Students can apply for the Student Assistance Fund to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties. The Fund is designed to provide a source of financial support in addition to a SUSI grant. The Student Assistance Fund is available to help with costs such as: books and class materials, rent, heating and lighting bills, food, essential travel, childcare costs and medical costs. Students on full- or part-time courses leading to a Higher Education award (National Framework of Qualifications level 6-10) in Irish universities, institutes of technology and other approved colleges can apply.

Back to Education Allowance

The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) allows people in receipt of certain social welfare payments to retain those

payments whilst participating in approved full-time courses in further and higher education. The BTEA allows qualifying persons to return to full-time education in approved courses while continuing to get income support.

Cut backs, cut backs and more cut backs...

You’re out from underneath the parents’ roof, you can stay out as late as you like, eat whatever you want. Then three weeks into the new semester, you’re making your daily visit to the ATM when you’re shocked to see the words ‘Insufficient funds’ flash up on the screen. You’re going to have to make the dreaded phone call home for funds. Here’s some advice that you should consider taking on board if you don’t want this to happen.

• Don’t rush out and buy books straight away; wait a week or two and see what is essential.

• If you are buying a book, consider getting it second hand.

• Bring your lunch to college with you.

• Try to buy your groceries in larger stores like Dunnes, Tesco, Lidl etc.

• When shopping, look out for special offers. Make sure to use your student discount when you’re shopping.

• Try and cut down on eating out. Try to cook in large quantities to save money.

• If you are travelling by bus or train regularly, use a student travel card.

• Be careful not to waste electricity or gas, especially on heating as this is generally a sizeable chunk of your house bills.

• If you recycle properly, there should be very little waste going into your black bin, meaning less money to be spent by you.

• Study hard and attend your lectures. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Stress Stress

Stress is perfectly natural and you will never be able to eliminate it from your life. Everybody on every course will experience stress from time to time. Here are some simple tips which can help limit the impact of stress on your life; however, it is always good to know what supports you have around and if you ever need to talk to somebody, make sure you do. People are there to help.

So what can you do?

• Eat healthily. (We will have more on this later).

• Avoid caffeine and drink plenty of water.

• Don’t use drugs, alcohol or tobacco.

• Get a good night’s sleep.

• Go to assertiveness classes.

When you can express your feelings and concerns confidently, your chances of dealing with them increase.

• Learn how to cope. Get used to how much work you can do before you get stressed, and try to keep your workload constant, steady and never overwhelming. Do not leave work until the last minute.

• Take a break. Listen to music, talk to a friend, or go for a walk. Remove yourself from whatever is causing you stress and put it in perspective.

Having supportive relationships is the best defence against stress. Being able to talk to your parents is particularly important. Together, you and your parents can come up with a plan to deal with the issues which are causing your anxiety. If you believe you are unable to cope with your stress and can not talk to your family or friends, talk to a doctor or counsellor. Do not go through it alone.

Simply breathe your troubles away . . .

Follow a relaxation routine every day to help you eliminate unnecessary worry and live a healthier life.

Breathing: One of the easiest ways to relax when it is all getting on top of you is to take a minute, calm down and breathe. Try to breathe deeply to take in more oxygen. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Do nothing other than concentrate on your breathing for a few minutes and feel your worries disappear.

Lie back and relax: Lie on your back and take a few deep breaths and focus on different parts of your body, from your toes to your nose, releasing any muscular tension. When you are finished, stay still for a little while and just focus on your breathing.

Exercise: An effective way of reducing stress and a great way to relax. Yoga is another relaxation technique which combines a mind and body workout to de-stress your life.

Visualisation: Take advantage of your imagination and concentrate on images which make you calm. Remember a scene in which you were extremely happy or content. Relax and imagine you have returned to this location.

Meditation: This is a way of concentrating which allows you achieve greater relaxation by focusing on an image, a breath, or a phrase. Learn to channel all of your energy and attention from the countless number of thoughts going on in your head onto that one object. When you notice your attention is straying onto other thoughts, simply bring it back to the object of meditation.

Young adults have to cope with a lot of stress: school workloads, exams, part-time jobs, demanding families, friends and relationships. It can be hard to find the time to deal with all of these things and it is easy to get stressed.

Food Food

A healthy lifestyle is all about making small choices which add up to having a major and positive effect on your life, such as your health and your ability to concentrate. One of the first steps to a new and healthier you is following a healthier eating plan. This is not about crash diets, starving or depriving your body, but instead involves making positive choices about your food and lifestyle.

Eating habits

Eating sensibly involves more than just your food choices. Apart from what you eat, how AND when you eat also has an impact. By adhering to the following tips you will keep your body healthy.

Never skip meals, especially breakfast.

Starting the day with a good breakfast gets your body going and maintains your concentration for the day.

Eat smaller amounts more frequently. Eat slowly and enjoy your food. Eating big meals makes you feel tired and over full. Four or five small meals are better for you than three large ones.

Drink plenty of water to keep your body healthy. Aim to drink eight glasses of water a day. By drinking plenty of water you are less likely to feel hungry.

Try to combine healthy eating with an exercise and activity plan for all round good health.

Healthy Food for Life

over

For adults, teenagers and child

Get Active! T o mai n tain a heal t hy w e igh t, a d ults need a t leas t 30 minu t e s a d a y of m odera t e activity on 5 d ays a wee k (o r 150 m inut e s a week) ; child r en n eed to b e active at a mo d erate t o vi g o r ous lev e l for at least 60 m inutes every da y

Drink a t least 8 cup s of fl u id a d ay –wat e r is b es t

e v i t c a e r a n e r d l i h c l l a t a h t l a i t n e s s e s i t i s a n e r d l i h c e v i t c a n i r o f e n i l e d i u g o n s i e r e h T

Exercise Exercise

Motivation is the key Commit yourself to being healthy. See exercise as part of your daily routine, like eating and showering. Make the time by giving up a TV programme you usually watch, and exercise during this time instead. Reward yourself. Set weekly, achievable goals and reward yourself at the end of the week. Remember why you started exercising in the first place. By focusing on improving your health, you will

Exercise...

• Helps you to have a healthy heart

• Helps maintain a healthy weight

• Helps to build strong bones

get the motivation to maintain your exercise programme. Team up with someone in a similar position. Get a friend or family member to exercise with you. Having someone with you will encourage you to exercise even on the days when you want to give up. Play some music while you exercise. The beat will encourage you to keep up the pace.

• Improves your strength and flexibility

• Improves your mood and emotional wellbeing

• Helps your confidence and self-esteem

• Is a great way to meet new people

• Improves your posture

• Helps you to deal with stress

• Gives you more energy

Going up in smoke!

If you are committed to becoming healthy and working hard to have healthy skin, bones, lungs and heart, then you must take a stand against peer pressure and avoid smoking. Apart from the other negative effects of smoking such as bad breath and yellow stained teeth, smoking seriously damages your inner health, especially your lungs and heart.

One step at a time

If you haven’t exercised in a while, start slowly with gentle exercise like walking or swimming. Gradually build up your exercise without causing too much strain.

Just a little bit

From as little as a couple of ten-minute exercise sessions a few times a day, you can improve not only your physical strength and have a healthy body, but you can also benefit your mind and help reduce stress.

...and it’s free!

You do not have to join a gym to get fit. Simple everyday changes soon add up. Try:

Walking

up stairs

Getting off the bus one stop early and walking the rest of the way

Having some fun and trying something new – like roller blading or salsa dancing.

Up to Third Level!Third

Whether you started a PLC course with the intention of using your award to go straight to work, or whether you are enjoying your PLC course so much you are considering going on to do a degree, the possibilities for you are endless thanks to the Higher Education Links Scheme.

Under the Higher Education Links Scheme, thousands of places are reserved for students who have achieved the equivalent of QQI Award Level 5, i.e. PLC course qualifications.

This scheme gives PLC students a second chance to get a place in a college or university if they did not get the points in their Leaving Certificate. The PLC courses also give students a head start for further study and a greater insight into what is involved in future courses.

PLC students can progress to third level in 29 institutions, including some of the institutes of technology,

universities and private colleges, for example, DCU, DIT, IT Carlow, Mater Dei College, National College of Art and Design, NUI Maynooth, IT Tallaght, University College Cork and University College Dublin. There are countless opportunities available to PLC students wishing to go on to college. For example, students completing the QQI courses in Nursing Studies or Community Health Services Courses can go on to one of 10 institutions which offer places on the Honours Degree programmes for Nursing, including Dublin City University, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Limerick.

Third Level Courses

For a full list of third level courses available in Ireland see www.qualifax.ie

The best score for each applicant is calculated and the results are forwarded to the CAO in July of each year.

You can calculate your score using the free online points calculator at www.careersportal.ie/qqi/, which is based on the following scoring system:

Each level 5 and level 6 component is scored:

3.25 for a Distinction

2.16 for a Merit

1.08 for a Pass

This number is then multiplied by the individual component credit value to a maximum of 120 credits (a total of 390 points).

Did you know?

For many third-level students, the number one reason for “dropping-out” is a lack of research into their chosen course. PLC students enter into third level with experience and a commitment to succeed.

Application Process

To follow on from PLC to third-level education you need to find a course available through the Higher Education Links Scheme, and check that the PLC course you are doing allows you entry to this course.

You can then apply to the Central Applications Office (CAO) in the normal way. Your application form must be returned by the 1st of February.

The next and most important step is to get the required marks in your PLC modules. Most third-level institutions offer places to students with a number of distinctions in certain modules. To see how you qualify

for your chosen course visit

www.cao.ie

The CAO calculates your points by looking at your best eight modules using the marks system. The places reserved for QQI applications are offered in ranked order until the reserved quota is complete.

For further information on the Higher Education Links Scheme, see www.qqi.ie

The table below shows examples of the type of courses available outside of nursing depending on the PLC course completed, including higher certificates, degrees and honours degrees.

Many third-level college courses will accept a PLC not necessarily related to that subject. For example, the Level 8 Honours Business degree in NCI will accept any discipline QQI Level 5 or 6 award course. You could do a QQI Level 5 in Sport, Arts, Drama, Science or another area of interest and apply to NCI based on your results!

3rd Level Institutions

UNIVERSITIES

Trinity College Dublin www.tcd.ie

University of Limerick www.ul.ie

Dublin City University www.dcu.ie

The National University of Ireland (NUI) controls four universities: University College Dublin www.ucd.ie

University College Cork www.ucc.ie

NUI Galway www.nuigalway.ie

NUI Maynooth www.maynoothuniversity.ie

NUI also oversees specialist colleges such as: The Royal College of Surgeons www.rcsi.ie

National College of Art & Design www.ncad.ie

Technological University Dublin www.tudublin.ie

In Northern Ireland, there are two Universities: Queens University in Belfast www.qub.ac.uk

University of Ulster in Coleraine

www.ulster.ac.uk

INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY (ITs)

Athlone IT www.ait.ie

Cork IT www.cit.ie

Dundalk IT www.dkit.ie

Galway-Mayo IT www.gmit.ie

IT Carlow www.itcarlow.ie

IT Sligo www.itsligo.ie

Limerick IT www.lit.ie

Letterkenny IT www.lyit.ie

Tralee IT www.ittralee.ie

Waterford IT www.wit.ie

Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology www.iadt.ie

COLLEGES OF EDUCATION

There are several Colleges of Education for primary school teachers in Ireland including:

Mary Immaculate College

www.mic.ul.ie

The Marino Institute of Education

www.mie.ie

St. Angela’s College

www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie

INDEPENDENT AND PRIVATE COLLEGES

All Hallows College

www.allhallows.ie

American College Dublin

www.iamu.edu

Carlow College

www.carlowcollege.ie

Dublin Business School

www.dbs.ie

Griffith College Dublin/Cork/LImerick

www.gcd.ie

Irish Management Institute

www.imi.ie

National College of Ireland

www.ncirl.ie

Portobello College Dublin

www.portobelloinstitute.ie

College of Computing Technology

www.cct.ie

Dorset College

www.dorset-college.ie

ICD Business School

www.icd.ie

Galway Business School

www.galwaybusinessschool.ie

Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences

www.ichas.ie

St. Nicholas Montessori College

www.smsi.ie

Sarah’s Story

Sarah Byrne wanted to be many things while she was at school. Every other week she changed her mind about the direction her future would take.

“But no matter how many times I changed my mind, one career was always there and that was nursing.”

In school, Sarah’s Career Guidance Counsellor outlined the options available to her through PLC courses. She decided to do the Nursing Studies course in Marino College.

“The course was a great way for me to see once and for all if nursing was for me. If it was, then there were clear paths I could follow to get my degree.”

Within the first week, Sarah knew that she had made the right choice.

“When I was in school I was a bit scared thinking I would not be able to do a degree in nursing. You hear the word ‘degree’ and think it would be far too difficult for someone like me.

But I was good at it. I enjoyed the subjects. And once you enjoy what you are studying, sure that is half the battle.”

The course not only allowed her to advance to degree level but gave her a head start in other ways.

“Before I started, I wasn’t expecting to be studying anatomy, psychology, human development and loads more. I was also able to do some work experience in hospitals and saw first hand what was involved in my chosen career. When the summer came I got all of the distinctions I needed and I got an offer. I was over the moon.”

And her delight did not end there.

“When we started in college I had a head start over those coming straight from school. The PLC really stood to me.”

Sarah completed her degree in 2014 and is now a qualified nurse.

Keep Going! Keep

After your PLC course, your journey has only started. You will have a much better insight into what you want to do with your future and you can then go on to further education and training. College progression, however, is only one option for students. Due to the practical nature of PLC courses, you will be in a good position to get a job in your area of interest. After your PLC course, you may even decide to set up your own business.

It is estimated that 80% of PLC students find work within a year of finishing their course, while many others go on to further education. These high figures show how successful PLC courses are in preparing students for the future.

Did you know?

However, given the relaxed and friendly environment of the PLC sector, you not only get to learn new skills, but have a lot of fun along the way.

PLC students can apply for a maintenance grant, which is means tested on your or your parents’ income. To check your eligibility for a maintenance grant, please check out www.susi.ie. A SUSI grant will not cover your registration fees, but you may be exempt from paying the €200 Government levy as mentioned earlier in the booklet under the section ‘Financial Help’.

Get the information, choose your course, then apply!

Nearly all colleges run ‘Open Days’, where you can visit the college campus and receive information on the courses it offers. Once you have given careful consideration to selecting the course you want to do, you will apply directly to the school or college offering that course. Depending on the course, you may be called for an interview, but do not panic. These interviews are friendly and informal, and allow you the chance to explain why you are interested in the course.

For those of you who want to go on after your PLC course and apply for further education, understanding the QQI Awards System is very important. The QQI Awards system involves a national plan by which all courses, from community or workplace training to PLC courses, certificates, diplomas, degrees and more, are awarded a QQI level grading. QQI Awards are nationally recognised and the system therefore simplifies and clarifies all training and education awards. It

enables students and employers to compare courses and see how they relate to each other, and also offers the opportunity to progress from one level to another.

The qualification you receive at the end of your course depends on the individual course.

In general, after a one-year course you receive a QQI Award, Level 5. These awards enable you to go on to courses in third-level institutions. To see if the PLC course you have chosen fits in to this system, contact the school or college offering the course, or see www.qqi.ie.

There is an option in many Further Education Colleges to continue on to do a QQI level 6 Award and then gain advanced level entry into some third-level colleges. In some Further Education College like Ballyfermot CFE, you can advance to a level 8 honours degree in some areas of studies.

QQI stands for Quality and Qualifications Ireland. It is an independent State agency responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training services in Ireland.

QQI Awards:

• are quality assured.

• are internationally recognised by employers.

• offer access to further and higher education and training opportunities.

How to get a job job

When looking for the job of your dreams, you have to stand out from the crowd. You have to market yourself, package yourself and promote yourself so you are noticed. Some companies may have to go through hundreds of CVs and shortlist only a handful of people to come for interview. Marketing yourself means making sure you are one of the applicants to get interviewed.

Your

Your CV is a powerful way of marketing yourself and is the first chance to make a good impression on an employer. Your CV shows your credentials to prospective employers and is your way of getting an interview.

In your CV, your work experience and educational qualifications are presented in reverse chronological order, i.e. the most recent first and work your way backwards. Use positive words to demonstrate what

you learned, and the type of work you did.

Apart from the information contained within the CV, it is essential that it looks attractive, is well laid out, simple to follow with the right headings, etc. Your CV should be no longer than two pages. Use a simple, clear typeface and make sure that your spelling and grammar are correct. Use short and simple sentences. Ask a friend or relative to proofread it for you.

That Little Bit EXTRA

Apart from your skills and experience, employers want to know what sort of person you are. When marketing yourself, keep in mind the skills which employers want: oral communication, time management, teamwork, multi-tasking, decisionmaking, problem-solving, written communication and presentation skills. If you think you are weak at any of the above, now is the time to develop these skills

If you take part in sports or after-school clubs or societies, say so your CV. If you do voluntary work or are active in your community in any way, employers will see that you are committed, mature and have the energy and enthusiasm to work for their company.

Look for gaps in your CV or identify weaknesses which may hold you back when you look for work. You might consider voluntary work, which is a great way of gaining work experience. Time spent travelling should be included as it shows a greater knowledge and understanding of the world and a willingness to learn and experience new things.

Cover Letter

While your CV is a collection of facts about your experience, your cover letter is more personal, and gives you the chance to show off a bit of your personality.

Write the cover letter specifically for the job. A ‘one size fits all’ cover letter will not get you noticed. Match each of the job specifications outlined in the advert with one line in your cover letter, briefly stating your skills and experience and why you should be considered for the job. This letter should be no longer than one page.

Dress for SUCCESS!

The last marketing task is successful packaging. How you dress for an interview adds significantly to the first impression of the employer towards you. Get your clothes ready a day or two in advance.

Women should wear a conservative suit and top, with smart shoes that are not too high. You do not want to trip when you walk into the room! Wear very little jewellery, make-up or perfume. Keep your hair neat and off your face.

Men should wear a conservative suit with a white shirt, tie, polished shoes and dark socks. Men should wear little or no jewellery. Keep hair neat and wear little aftershave.

The Interview! Interview!

If called for an interview, it shows that the employer is considering offering you the job, assuming you impress them at the interview. Here are some steps you should take to make sure the interview goes your way.

The more prepared you are for an interview, the more likely you will succeed. Preparation will help you to relax and be confident. Find out exactly where you have to go on the day of interview and arrive with enough time to calm down, freshen up and gather your thoughts.

Research the company so that you will feel comfortable and know what to expect. Prepare your answers to the most common interview questions. Be concise with your answers and never waffle, but always give examples

of work you have done and not just ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. Examples make your answer more believable and lively. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer, other than ‘how much will I get paid?’ such as:

• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?

• How will my responsibilities and performance be measured?

• Are there promotion possibilities in the future or the opportunity to fulfil other roles in the company?

Remember! Never complain about a past employer, teacher or lecturer. It makes you look unprofessional.

Prepare answers for the following common questions:

• Tell me about yourself.

• What subjects did you enjoy in your course and why?

• What was your least favourite subject?

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

• Why do you want to work for us?

• What can you bring to the company?

There are no wrong answers in an interview. Instead, the employer is just trying to see if you are the right person for the job by talking about your past experiences. First impressions count. Be friendly, polite and confident. Listen carefully to the question asked and make sure you understand what it is they want to know. It is better that you ask for clarification if the question

• Why should we hire you?

• What is the greatest challenge you have been faced with?

• How do you deal with confrontation?

• Where do you see yourself in two years?

• What can you do for us that someone else can’t?

is not clear rather than waffling on or going off on a tangent. Focus on all positive aspects of what you have done. Play down any negative aspects, but do not be flippant. You should do about 80% of the talking in an interview, but you should never interrupt the interviewer and when they talk, look interested.

• Smile as you enter the room so as you come across confident and relaxed.

• Your handshake should be firm and your greeting warm and genuine.

Body Language

You have to be conscious of every action you make in an interview to make sure you give off the right signals. Non-verbal communication is very important. Here are a few ways of making sure you behave in a way that is professional and will help you get the job:

• Sit up straight to show that you are interested in what they are saying.

• Make eye contact but do not stare at the interviewer/s.

• Use your hands when you are talking, while keeping calm and relaxed.

• Avoid touching your face and mouth as it makes you look nervous.

• Do not fidget, play with your hair, click your pen or tap your feet.

Do not bring your iPod, mobile phone, or chewing gum with you. Also, remember that cigarette smoke smells awful; if that is the first thing that the interviewer smells when you come into the room you are off to a bad start.

Cillian’s Career Success

Cillian O’ Riordan attended a secondary school in Galway and now lives and works in Dublin City. He is a good example of a PLC success story.

“I don’t know if I would use those words to describe me: ‘a success story’. But I do know that I am very happy with how things are going in my life so far.”

Cillian is very modest when asked about his job, but his modesty is misplaced.

“When I was in school I didn’t believe I would get the points I needed to go on to college, but I really wanted a good career. And to get a good career you need qualifications.”

Cillian started a PLC course in Media Studies after he did his Leaving Certificate.

“Learning about the media was very interesting but unlike most people in the class I did not want to be a journalist or a producer. I enjoyed the course, but come the end of the year I thought I had wasted my time.”

He did not give up on PLCs and the following year he started another course in Marketing & Advertising.

“This time, I knew right from the start that I had found the right course for me and I could really see myself working in the area. When I finished the course I started applying for jobs in marketing and advertising but got knock back after knock back. Many employers don’t recognise the value of PLCs and only wanted people with degrees. I found a company which was looking for people with marketing and media experience. All of a sudden the first PLC was no longer a waste of time.”

Working in the marketing section of a large media company, Cillian’s career has been very successful, and his work has been recognised and rewarded with promotions and bonuses. Cillian says:

“My employers have never regretted taking on somebody with just PLC experience. Others should follow suit and recognise the enormous talent coming up through PLCs.”

Brian’s Career Success

Brian Devoy is as likeable as people come; funny and charming with a big grin. As a child he knew his people skills and creativity were his biggest assets, especially when it came to supplementing his pocket money with the proceeds from his latest money-making venture.

“I was like a little Del-boy; I was inspired by the Only Fools and Horses character because I always had something up my sleeve. Jumble sales in my front garden, bob-a jobbing; you name it! Then in secondary school I did transition year and one of our projects was to set up a mini company. I knew instantly I had found my life’s calling. I was able to see how our idea really grew into a thriving success in our school. I knew then that I wanted to own my own business in the future.”

He decided that while he knew he had the work ethic, the personality and the sheer determination to succeed in setting up a business, he needed the technical know-how to make sure that he knew exactly what to do.

“I did a PLC course in Business Studies. I learned everything from how to write a business plan, finance to expansion and problem solving. At the end of the year I felt ready to start something myself. I did a lot of research and saw a gap in the market in flooring. Home DIY was really popular but wooden flooring was of poor quality and boring. I started importing exotic wooden flooring. The demand was massive and I had to take on extra staff. Now in its fourth year, the business is going well and I have never looked back.”

Despite his success, Brian knows that had he not done the PLC, his business could easily have failed.

“Your personality only counts for so much. You need the know-how and that means learning about business to make sure yours is one of the ones that succeeds.

New beginnings New beg ni in