Jennifer Hession, Arts Management, IADT

Combined with the pressure of studying for your Leaving Cert, the stress of filling out your CAO application is far from ideal – especially when you’re convinced that your decision will be set in stone as your ‘forever career’.

Juggling these highly intense emotions is never easy – especially during a pandemic – but it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the world. In fact, this is only the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life.

Art was what I had always been best at in school, so I had an idea of exploring a career in art. But then, I stumbled upon the Arts Management course in IADT – something I had never even considered, because I was so caught up on the idea of a regular art course. On the IADT website, I found in-depth information about the course – including the requirements, the modules I would be doing each year, and my future career after graduation.

I put Arts Management as the first choice on my CAO application. Three years later, I’m still so thankful for making that decision, and I couldn’t be any happier.

At the end of the day, it’s okay to find your own way, at your own pace. It’s okay to take a year off, instead of going straight to college. It’s okay to go straight into work, instead of going straight to college. It’s okay to do a PLC course instead of a university degree straight after secondary school.

Whatever decision you make, all that matters is your happiness. Never let the pressure get in the way of that!