On the third episode of Growing Minds, Sarah McIntosh speaks with Emily McDonnell, a first-year student who followed her passion in agriculture when it came to the CAO application.

In the latest episode of our new podcast series Growing Minds, aimed at secondary school students and those pursuing agricultural science at third level, we look at the CAO application.

Last April, Emily McDonnell from Roscommon was studying for her Leaving Certificate exams while trying to decide what course to study in college.

She reached out to careers and education journalist with the Irish Farmers Journal Sarah McIntosh on Instagram for guidance on courses and college life.

As a result, Emily followed her passion in agriculture and decided to study at University College Dublin. She didn’t feel much pressure around the CAO or points as her guidance counsellor helped her to explore all her options.

Course

In this episode, Emily advises current sixth years who are trying to decide what course to study at third level to pick the course that is right for them.

“At the end of the day, if you're doing something you love, you will get fulfillment from it,” she says.

They also outline the wide variety of courses available and different pathways outside the points race.

Take a listen below: