THE wait is over and the results are in. Whether you’ve surpassed your expectations or have been left feeling disappointed our Options supplement is filled with choices and advice for what to do next.
If you’re not sure what your next move should be then rest assured you’re not alone.
With 31,600 entries to A-level and 45,751 entries to AS this year many students will be facing decisions over the next few days that could affect their future careers.
Encouraging students to think carefully about what to do next the minister for Employment and Learning Stephen Farry said: “The importance of making an informed decision following exam results is imperative to effective career planning.
“Taking time now to explore options will pay dividends in the future.” If you achieved the grades you needed to get a place at your chosen university then congratulations, our guide to making the leap from school to uni will help prepare you for the transition and offer advice on what to expect next.
However, if you haven’t got the grades you were hoping for then all is not lost.
This is a golden opportunity to think about what you really want to do. If university is definitely the path for you then there may still be places available through clearing and you should waste no time in phoning the Ucas Exam Results Helpline 0808 100 8000 for free advice.
If you’re certain of the course you want to do but didn’t meet the requirements then you may decide to redo the course and apply again next year, in this instance you should speak to your teacher as soon as possible.
Or maybe you’ve decided that you’d like to make the move into the world of employment via an apprenticeship or management scheme or perhaps take a gap year and go travelling.
Think about volunteering abroad
They say the best things in life are free and it’s not far from the truth. Volunteer work abroad can be a life changing experience. Whether it is summer volunteer work or a paid programme, the benefits of volunteering are fantastic – as well as having a great time doing something different, you experience a new culture, make new friends and even learn a foreign language while doing something meaningful.
In Northern Ireland, there are many different organisations you can opt to volunteer with — including the European Voluntary Service Programme (EVS)through the new Erasmus+ programme.
Through the schemeall fares and expenses are paid and it can last anywhere from two to 12 months, and is not limited to working in Europe.
The scheme is only open to people aged 17-30 who are part of a volunteer organisation, and the organisation will need to apply on your behalf. The next deadline for applications is October 12014. Visit http://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-create/.
Plan a gap year
With so much choice, planning a gap year has become a bit of a minefield. But if you fancy living, working or studying abroad in another European country, the British Council offer a free information service covering work, study, travel and volunteering opportunities. The website, EurodeskUK, will point you in the right direction on anything from visas and learning a new language to youth work and finding a job.
Think about a work placement
Increasingly, employers favour experience over qualifications, and this can be achieved through either an internshipor apprenticeship.
Work experience placements or internships have increasingly become an established stepping-stone to employment for students and graduates.
The British Council offers internships, both at home and abroad, including the Generation UK internship programme and British Council Internship scheme. For more information on apprenticeships visit www.delni.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsni.
If you’re still not sure then speaking to a teacher or careers adviser may help. The Careers Service provides free, impartial advice to help you make a decision about your future career path, visit, www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/contacts/contacts-az/careers-service to find an office near you.