The months ahead are an ideal time to work out what kind of career you might like

Transition year is a great chance to explore your Leaving Cert options. You can get an idea of potential careers by organising work experience - and if you have an awful time on your placement you will, at least, realise what you don't want to do in life.

Record numbers of students are going on to third-level education. If you have an idea of what career area you wish to get into, it's important to choose your subjects wisely, depending on what course your have your eye on.

Even if you don't have a clue, transition year gives you the time to explore your options in a way that

proves difficult in fifth and sixth years.

Bearing that in mind, for the next few months Transition Times will be looking at different career areas. We will ask questions about what courses are available and what subjects you should choose to study for Leaving Cert that might help you with subsequent studies.

Work experience will give you an idea of what a potential career is like, so we will give you tips on how to get a good placement. We will also explore what kinds of people would be suited to a particular kind of career and what talents and strengths they need to complete the training process.

Transition Times welcomes your suggestions, so if you would like to see a career area covered in this section, do get in touch by e-mailing gfaller@irish-times.ie.