Frequently Asked Questions
How does Pathway help with the CAO?
Pathway has proven to be immensely beneficial for Irish students when it comes to completing their course choices linked with the CAO process. Students can take the Pathway Survey before it is time to complete the CAO application form, where they will receive their list of recommended course options to choose from, ahead of time. Whilst the CAO process asks for ten courses, Pathway provides twelve, facilitating a discussion with parents, career guidance counsellors and students to help validate the student’s decision. This means that students are ready for their first deadline in the course selection submission on the CAO platform.
Is Pathway easy to understand?
Yes, the pathway report was specifically designed with students in mind, so it is easy to understand, whilst also being engaging.
How long has Pathway been in operation?
Pathway has been in existence and operating since 2017.
What happens after I do the questionnaire?
After you complete the questionnaire, you will be emailed a copy of your report, which discusses each recommended course in detail and outlines career options upon completion of the course. In addition to this, it provides an in-depth description of the strengths and potential areas for development in your personal decision-making style.
How was the Pathway program developed?
The Pathway Program was developed between 2017 and 2020. Founded in the academically-validated decision-making styles inventory model, the algorithm was further developed to augment students’ passions and interests in life, together with favourite subjects and hobbies that could be incorporated into their careers. The algorithm went through various stages of rigorous testing and received a great deal of input from students, who had a huge say in the final version of the software design, consistently providing feedback on how we could improve the product to better suit their needs. This is how the message came about, “developed for students, with students”.
Who is the target audience for Pathway?
Pathway is designed to help students at various stages of their academic journey, from secondary education, all the way through to college graduate level and beyond. This includes students from within your own families, staff families, or from the families of communities you work in.
Academic Validation
Download our academic validation paper here: The Pathway Model Explained (PDF)
How soon after doing the questionnaire will I receive my results?
Once you complete the questionnaire and input all the information in the necessary fields, you will have immediate access to your Pathway report.
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What is Pathway?
Pathway is an online career planning tool that is designed to help students in the decision-making process when looking at third level education and potential future careers. It takes into consideration the student’s favourite subjects in school, their hobbies and interests and things they are passionate about, and combines this information with the student’s decision-making style.
How will I benefit from Pathway?
Pathway provides students with guidance and clarity on the career path best suited to them, by clearly outlining the 3rd level courses which are specifically analysed in accordance with the student’s decision-making style, interests and preferences, and tailored to each student’s needs.
How long will it take for me to the the Pathway questionnaire?
The questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. All the questions are about you, your likes and dislikes, your passions and ambitions, so it is a really fun questionnaire to take!
What if I am not interested in the courses the Pathway report has given me?
Pathway focuses on providing you with the results that are best suited to your interests, passions, and favourite subjects in school. It’s always your choice how you go forward. You don’t have to go down the path suggested by Pathway, however, the report will help develop several new ideas for discussion and provide you with a broader set of options for your future career.
