Your teenager doesn't need to have it all figured out.
They just need someone who can help them see their career possibilities and map out their next steps to build momentum.
If your teenager is in TY, 5th year or Leaving Cert and neither of you quite knows what to do next, where to start, or how to make sense of all the options out there, you're in the right place.
Parents
You want to support your teenager but you're not sure how. Every conversation about the future seems to either go in circles or end in silence. You're watching them feel the weight of decisions that feel enormous, and you can sense the pressure building.
Maybe you've had your own experience of taking a wrong turn in your career, and the last thing you want is for them to feel stuck the way you once did. But you're not sure who to turn to, or whether it's "the right time" yet.
And underneath all of it is a quiet worry: what if they make the wrong call?
Teenager's
They're being asked to make big decisions about their future at a time when they know very little about what’s actually other there. The question "what do you want to do after school?" fills them with dread. They look around and feel all their classmates have it sorted.
They might be disengaged from school right now, not because they're lazy, but because they can't see the point yet. Or they might be working hard but still feel lost about where it's all leading.
Some are bursting with ideas but can't choose. Others can't think of a single one. Both are completely normal. And both are exactly who I work with.
"He left understanding himself so much better - his words! And with a clear path as to what is best for him in terms of subject choices and possible college courses."
Emma Fox, parent
WHO AM I
I'm Petrina. And I've sat at both sides of the careers table.
I'm a careers expert with over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, across Irish and international companies. I've worked inside organisations, watching careers grow and stall, and I understand how the world of work actually operates. Not just in theory, but in practice.
For the last seven years, I've worked full-time with young people across Ireland, from Galway to Dublin, Sligo to Waterford, helping hundreds of teenagers find a direction they can feel genuinely excited about.
I'm also a mum of three boys. So I know what this looks like from your side of the table too. The worry, the tiptoeing, the conversations that don't quite land. I get it.
What sets me apart from an in-school guidance counsellor isn't just experience. It's independence, careers knowledge and the time to give your teenager the individual attention they deserve.
Time and space that most teenagers never get: to figure out who they are, what they're good at, and where they could go.
Together, we have honest, practical, human conversations.
"She was very down-to-earth, kind, and genuinely supportive. She created a comfortable atmosphere without putting pressure on me, while still challenging me in a constructive way."
Leandra Roche, Student
WHO IS THIS FOR
Every teenager is different. That's the point.
This programme is designed for students in Senior Cycle, whatever stage they're at and whatever their situation. There is no "right type" or "right stage" of student when it comes to discovering careers.
Transition Year students
TY is the ideal time to explore what future careers options could genuinely interest them. We'll look at subject choices for 5th year ensuring they choose subjects that suit them and their aspirations. We start building awareness of possible directions, and use the space TY offers to explore calmly and curiously.
5th Year students
The best time to get a head start. We'll identify directions to explore, summer work experience, and plan for open days. Your teenager will have an early career direction to keep them motivated during 5th year and enter Leaving Cert year with focus and a sense of purpose, rather than panic about what comes next.
Leaving Cert students
Whether your teenager has too many ideas, not enough, or has already decided but isn't sure why, this is the time for them to get support. We'll help them understand their options, build plans for next year, research CAO or overseas options, and approach LC results day knowing there is always more than one route to where they want to go.
And it's not just about which year they're in.
I work with students of all academic abilities, including those who are neurodivergent or managing health or attendance challenges. Every session is tailored to the individual and we use different approaches to help them recognise their interests and how they can use them to their advantage in designing their future.
If you’re not sure whether careers support is right for your teenager, at this time, give me a ring. I’m more than happy to chat.
When teenagers can see a future that makes sense for them, something shifts.
They start to understand why school matters, not in an abstract way, but in a 'this connects to something I actually want' way.
That tends to do more for motivation than focusing on extra study support or grinds.
WHAT HAPPENS
A step-by-step process, tailored to your teenager
Step 1 - Before we meet: Online Career Interests
Your teenager completes a career interest profiler and aptitude assessment online, in their own time. These aren't tests with right or wrong answers. They're tools that help us understand how they think, what draws them, and where their natural strengths lie. I review everything before we meet so our time together goes straight to what matters.
Step 2 - The Consultation
This is where the real work happens. We meet in person or online for 90 minutes, and I spend time really getting to know your teenager - their interests, their strengths, what excites them, what worries them, what they value and what really matters to them.
We look at what makes them unique and begin to explore the careers and pathways that could genuinely suit them.
We consider all the options: college courses, apprenticeships, traineeships, PLCs, work experience and routes beyond Ireland too. And crucially, I help them see that there is almost always more than one way to get to where they want to go. Which means points aren't the whole story.
Step 3 - Parental Involvement and Debrief
At the end of the session, I bring you in as a parent. You'll hear what we've explored, what your teenager is excited about, and what the next steps look like. This isn't a handover. It's a conversation. You know your child better than anyone, and that matters.
Within three working days, you'll both receive a detailed written report summarising the session, the key insights and a practical action plan (with next steps) tailored to where your teenager is right now. And I'm available on email if you have any further questions.
"The detailed report we received afterwards was excellent and really helped us as parents to support her. What impressed me even more was the genuine care and follow-up, both after the session and again before the Leaving Cert results.
That personal touch made all the difference."
Maggs O'Dea, Parent
WHAT CHANGES
This is what parents tell me afterwards
No two students leave with the same plan. Here’s what parents and teenagers tell me, in their own words.
• They leave knowing themselves better - often for the first time
• They stop feeling like they're the only one who hasn't figured it out
• They can see a future that belongs to them, not one that was handed to them
• They feel motivated, because they can see what they're working towards
• They stop letting the Leaving Cert and possible CAO points define them, and the stress starts to lift
• They recognise strengths they didn’t value before and see how they can shape their future
• Parents feel informed, involved and finally able to support in the right way
• The conversations at home change and we can all breathe again
"My daughter left her consultation today so happy and a completely different person coming out than going in. When I was invited to join the session I noticed the moment I walked into the office a different girl sitting forward in the chair and smiling broadly."
Gerry Collins, Parent
"I cannot thank Petrina enough for the support and guidance she gave my daughter. She guided her through the entire process - from identifying the right course, to preparing a strong application. This support and expertise resulted in my daughter securing a place in a college course that genuinely excites her and suits her abilities."
Aoife Kelly, Parent
FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD
Still here when you need me
For students who've already done the Careers Discovery Programme and are finalising CAO decisions, applying for apprenticeships or exploring overseas university options, I offer a one-hour Follow-On Consultation.
This is a focused session for fine-tuning. You've done the groundwork. Now we sit down together and make clear decisions, based on your research to date, your aspirations and what’s genuinely realistic for you and your family.
"Petrina explained to me that there is nothing you can't achieve and there are always alternative routes to get into a course even if it means exploring different paths."
Caragh, Student
INVESTMENT
Straightforward pricing
Careers Discovery Programme - €279
Includes career interest and aptitude assessments, up to 2-hour one-to-one consultation with parental debrief, and a detailed written report with clear next steps.
Follow-On Consultation - €120
For students getting closer to completing Leaving Cert, a focused one-hour session may be needed to weigh up final options and move forward with confidence.
"I cannot recommend this service highly enough. Without doubt, one of the best supports we could have given her at such an important time.
Truly an outstanding service."
Maggs O'Dea, Parent
READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP?
Let's discover what their future could look like
Booking is straightforward. Click below to choose a time that suits you on my calendar, and fill in the short form. Just share a little about your teenager and what’s on your mind.
If you need more information,
• Read through the FAQs page
• If in doubt, ring or whatsapp: 087 908 9393
• Or drop me message with any specific questions
One-to-one consultation meetings are available in person in Tuam, just off the M17 motorway or online. I work with students right across Ireland from Dublin to Donegal; Kerry to Louth, with many travelling for in-person sessions.
Your teenager has more going for them than they realise.
Let's help them see it.
Ready to take the first step?
Get in touch and let me know what's worrying you, where your son or daughter is at, and we can figure out if working together is the right fit.
No pressure, no jargon, no generic advice.
Just an honest conversation.
Ready to take the next step?
Let's talk about where your son or daughter is right now. What stage are they at, what's worrying you (and them) and what decisions do they need to explore?
No pressure, no jargon, no generic advice. Just an honest conversation.