Further Study …… What’s right for me? Marie Kielty Careers Advisor ITT Dublin

What influences you? Course demands What courses interest you? Selection procedures Methods of study Job prospects Further considerations….

Course Demands…. Taught v’s Research FT, PT, Distance/eLearning 9 months – 4/5 years Exams v’s Independent study / Thesis PG Cert / Diploma / Masters / PhD… Convert to a “new” area / specialism….

Courses of Interest Course(s) Current specialism / Hybrid / Conversion Location Dublin only / Nationwide UK / Europe / Rest of world

Selection Procedures College results ….. Application Form and/or CV Interview (Group and /or Individual) Skills Assessment (practical) Other criteria e.g. - Personal Statement - Projects from college

Methods of Study Full-time Part-time Distance / Online Modular

Job/Career Prospects Occupational Profiles: Choice….. More than 10,000 job titles www.gradireland.com / www.careersportal.com / www.prospects.ac.uk Current opportunities - LMI trends… www.careersportal.ie Choose Careers & Jobs – Section on Labour Market Information Various Reports : http://solas.ie/researchpubs.aspx www.ibec.ie www.skillsireland.ie Transferable skills / Employability…..

Employability….? “Employability can be defined as a set of attributes, skills and knowledge that makes graduates more likely to gain employment and be successful in their chosen careers to the benefit of themselves, their employer the community and the wider economy.” {GradIreland / Postgradireland Directory 2016, page 116} Essential v’s Edge ahead? Teaching / Law …….Journalism / Politics

Further Considerations…??? How many hours per week? Will I be able to hold down a part-time job? Financially feasible v’s Investment in your FUTURE Committed? Defer for a year?

Popular Reasons for Pursuing PG Study Enjoyment of subject at undergraduate level Need it to pursue chosen career Want to convert to a new career area Don’t know what I want to do ….give me time Lecturer’s suggested this option Opportunity to study / work abroad To get a JOB

Benefits for you…. Opportunity to specialise at a higher level Gain more relevant work related “transferable skills” May gain Work Experience Salary usually increases Superb networking opportunity

Benefits FOR Employers ….. Value the advanced knowledge and skills developed Demonstrates determination to succeed Some employers will fund further study / professional qualifications

Postgraduate Options …. Conversion Courses Higher Diplomas Employment Sector Masters Taught or Research PhD’s (3 – 6 years) Show link with industry Progression from Degree, P.Dip/MA/PhD - Employment

Full time enrolments on PG Courses Postgraduate by Programme Type 2014/15 PG Number % of PG FT Enrolments Ph. D. 6,800 31% Masters (Research) 1,145 5% Masters (Taught) 11,113 51% Diploma 2,673 12% Certificate 86 0% Occasional 88 0% Professional Training 19 0% Postgraduate Total 21,924 100% http://www.hea.ie/sites/default/files/hea-key-factsfigures-2014-15.pdf

Part time enrolments on PG Courses Postgraduate by Programme Type 2014/15 Postgraduate Number % of PG PT Enrolments Ph. D. 1,358 9% Masters (Research) 303 2% Masters (Taught) 7,279 48% Diploma 3,363 22% Certificate 1,817 12% Occasional 373 2% Professional Training 648 4% Postgraduate Total 15,141 100% http://www.hea.ie/sites/default/files/hea-key-factsfigures-2014-15.pdf

Check with Individual College website(s) Course Fees…. Check with Individual College website(s) Postgradireland Directory – Costs and Funding Examples: Graduate Skills Conversion Programme (~ €2 -3K) {sometimes fully funded / subsidised) Research degrees ~ €4,000 + Taught Masters programmes ~ €5,000 to €15,000+ EU / International Fees apply

2. Have you a genuine interest in the course Are you suitable? You can be shortlisted from Application Form /online application: 1. Have you the desired entry requirements e.g. results/modules 2. Have you a genuine interest in the course 3. How have you confirmed this interest to yourself and selection committee: e.g. work experience, shadow work, contact with professionals working in this field, knowledge of course content, spoken to past students etc. 4. Can you demonstrate the skills/abilities required that make you a suitable candidate for this postgraduate course 5. Can you demonstrate how this postgraduate course fits into your career objective ? Why YOU ???

Applications are all based on evidence! Have you analysed the application? Are you clear on what skills, qualities and experience are essential for this course and ultimately for this career Your past is evidence of your future potential. Essential to draw on your past experiences to demonstrate your skills/experience in this field Are you using the right language (key words can often be found in the college/course prospectus or web site) Use the language of your degree - business e.g. Evaluated… Analysed… Reconciled….Designed…..

Postgraduate Study Abroad …… Start planning up to 2 years in advance…. Opportunity to study in an institution with an excellent reputation worldwide Further study in a specialised subject area Opportunity to perfect a foreign language Gain life experience in an international / multicultural environment

Postgraduate Study Abroad? https://gradireland.com/further-study/advice-and-funding/advice http://www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate_study.htm

Country Specific Information. https://www. prospects. ac

www.education.ie www.education.ie (Department of education) http://www.education.ie/en/Learners/Services/Scholarships/

Questions….