Career Investigation (Leaving Cert LCVP): Revision Notes
Career Investigation
Overview
The career investigation is a detailed written report of 300-600 words that explores a potential career path you might pursue after finishing school. This assignment tests your ability to gather reliable information from multiple sources, understand key aspects of your chosen profession, and reflect thoughtfully on whether the career matches your personal strengths and interests.
As one of the core portfolio items, examiners expect your investigation to demonstrate clear organisation, factual precision, and genuine personal reflexion. This isn't simply about collecting facts - you must show evidence that you've carefully considered whether this career suits you.
The career investigation requires both thorough research skills and honest self-reflection. Examiners are looking for evidence that you've genuinely engaged with exploring this career path, not just collected basic information.
Key Requirements
Your career investigation must include:
- Multiple information sources - Use at least two different sources, with one ideally being a direct interview
- Comprehensive career details - Cover entry requirements, training pathways, skills needed, and career prospects
- Personal evaluation - Reflect honestly on your suitability for this career path
Primary Research is Essential: At least one of your sources should be primary research such as an interview with someone working in the field. This demonstrates genuine investigation effort and provides valuable first-hand insights.
Recommended Structure
1. Title and Career Chosen
Begin with a clear title stating your chosen career, followed by a brief explanation of why you selected this profession for investigation.
Example Opening: "I chose to investigate the career of a chartered accountant because I enjoy working with numbers and problem-solving, and I am considering a career in finance."
2. Description of Career
- Write 3 sentences describing the type of work a person in this career would do.
- Each sentence must cover a different aspect of the job.
3. Skills and Qualities
List the key abilities required for success in this career, linking these to your own strengths where possible.
Examples include:
- Technical skills specific to the profession
- Communication and interpersonal abilities
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Attention to detail and accuracy
4. Qualifications and Training
- Give two different pathways into the career.
- For each pathway include:
- Entry requirements (Leaving Certificate subjects, points, grades).
- Course title and level (e.g. Diploma, Degree).
- College name and location (write in full, no abbreviations).
- Length of course.
- Subjects studied (summary only).
- End qualification (e.g. BA in Accounting, Level 8).
5. Interaction (Research Activity)
- You must show evidence of interacting with an adult outside the classroom. Examples:
- Work shadowing.
- Visiting an enterprise.
- Interviewing a person working in the career area.
- Attending a careers fair, college open day, or guidance event.
- Be specific: give the date (with year), the name and title of the person, and the outcome of the interaction.
6. What I Learned
Summarise what you discovered about:
- The career itself (e.g. pay, prospects locally, nationally, internationally).
- Yourself (aptitudes, interests, suitability).
- Link to Leaving Certificate subjects that support this career.
7. Evaluation
- Of the Career: Are you still interested in this career? Yes/No — explain why.
- Of the Process: What skills did you develop by carrying out the investigation (e.g. research, interviewing, organisation)?
8. Sources Used
List all sources consulted, including names of people interviewed, websites accessed, and any printed materials used.
Format these properly and ensure all sources are reputable and current.
What Examiners Look For
Key Assessment Criteria:
- Clear organisation - Easy-to-follow headings and logical structure
- Detailed information - Each section contains specific, relevant details
- Evidence of genuine research - Particularly primary research like interviews
- Thoughtful personal reflexion - The suitability section shows honest self-assessment
- Professional presentation - No spelling or grammar errors
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Critical Warnings - Avoid These Pitfalls:
- Copying directly from websites - This results in lost marks
- Using generic traits - Avoid listing qualities like "hard-working" without connecting them to the specific career
- Missing the reflexion section - Many students lose marks by inadequately addressing their personal suitability
- Ignoring current requirements - Entry requirements change frequently, especially for regulated professions
Practical Tips for Success
Essential Success Strategies:
- Choose a career that genuinely interests you - Your enthusiasm will show in the quality of your research
- Arrange interviews early - This avoids last-minute stress and provides valuable primary source material
- Take detailed notes during interviews - These can be quoted directly in your report
- Use official, reliable sources - Avoid random blogs or outdated information
- Stay within the 300-600 word limit - Under-developed reports lose marks
- Draught in bullet points first - Then expand into complete sentences for better organisation
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- The career investigation is worth significant marks as a core portfolio item
- You need at least two sources, preferably including an interview
- Personal reflexion is essential - examiners want to see self-evaluation, not just facts
- Keep information current and accurate - research salary and training requirements for this year
- Clear structure and professional presentation are crucial for maximum marks