Ideally students should choose courses based on three criteria - self-knowledge, opportunity awareness and ability to make the transition to the college they choose, says John Hannon, a careers adviser in NUI Galway.

Self-knowledge

Applicants assess their interests and abilities before applying for a course, says Hannon. It's essential to read the prospectus for each college. It's necessary to know more than the titles of subjects - ask a guidance counsellor, parent or, ideally, someone who has done the course or works in the job to explain what's involved and then discuss with them whether you would like or be able for these subjects.

Opportunity awareness

Applicants for courses hear of an £18,000 starting salary but be unaware they may be expected to work 17 hours a day to earn this. People generally love to talk about their jobs, says Hannon, so talk to someone already in the job.

Parents are the very influential in the choices made: it's important that they encourage applicants to research courses and work opportunities beyond the traditional reliables such as teaching, nursing and the civil service, he adds. The day of the permanent pensionable job is fading fast. Today's student needs to be able to adapt to changes in work, technology and of the people around them.

"Applicants also need to `keep their eye on the ball' after February 1st or even July 1st as new courses may become available - biomedical science in NUI Galway being an example last year."

Making the transition

"It's heartbreaking for students who have entered a course without adequate research - all kinds of pressure can come on the person when he or she is on the course. Often the problem lies with a poor choice of course or subjects. Often, too, the problem stems from homesickness, loneliness or poverty.

Money already spent, pride, fear, an inability to decide on an alternative, pressure to `stay put' can lead towards what feels like a terrible rut. Years later this may be remembered as a learning experience but support is essential when it occurs.

"Sometimes I find that all students need is a calm person to help look all the options. They may then decide the course they are taking is actually their best option at this time and discover that it can become a launch pad for their ideal career.

Other times students decide to change course - it's important they inform the relevant authorities, such as the faculty or grant authority (where applicable)."

Hannon explains that these students can avail of assistance from the counselling and careers services in the institution - however, they often need encouragement and understanding from parents and friends. It's often useful to remind people that it takes a strong and wise person who seeks help from others.