Siobhan, Galway (parent of TY student, online), 2021
"We were very fortunate to be able to avail of the service offered by Liam and grateful for the recommendation. My daughter was very confused and uncertain in terms of what she should choose for her subject choices for Leaving Cert. By completing the various tests in advance of our meeting, Liam was able to develop an insight into her personality and her likes and dislikes and narrow down the list of subjects that would be most suitable and interesting for her to pursue for her Leaving Cert. His advice and analysis was invaluable in helping make the final subject choice decisions. I would definitely recommend the service and will be using it again for my next daughter when her time comes."
Elizabeth, Sligo (parent, in-person and online), 2020
“Dr. Liam Harkin was highly recommended to me, and both my children have availed of his career guidance service. My son was in third level when he sought Liam's advice and guidance on a career change during his first year. On completion of the online assessments, he had a consultation with Liam who navigated him in the right direction. As a result of Liam's professional advice and reassurance, my son hasn't looked back. He would have no hesitation in seeking Liam's advice on any higher level options he may consider in the future. My daughter also attended an online consultation with Liam in October of sixth year, after which she was more confident and reassured of her CAO options. Liam also has a great knowledge of the UCAS system. I consider Liam very professional and I would strongly recommend any student to contact him and invest their future in his career guidance expertise."
Karen and Hervé Rouxel, Sligo (parents, in-person appointment), 2020
“We have been fortunate to avail of Liam's career guidance input for both our children. What we valued most is the preparation that Liam invests in compiling the results from the assessments, and using his vast experience to guide one's child in the right direction of subject choice. Liam is skilled in crystallising one's opinion on their child's subject choice, which is encouraging. Liam is generous with his time and is available for any follow-up questions post-meeting. We would highly recommend Liam as a consultant for career guidance, and have done so in the past. This is an excellent investment for the educational future of anyone's child".
Desmond, Leitrim (Leaving Cert. student, in-person appointment), 2019
“After travelling a long way, I can say it was a well worth consultation with Liam to discuss my career, CAO, UCAS and European course options. After completing a number of career interest tests in advance of our consultation we had ample time to discuss all career paths and course options suitable for me. Liam compiled a very accurate and thorough report showing a true representation of my career interests. His impeccable knowledge about all course pathways and career options in Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe is incomparable and of a much higher quality to my own guidance counsellor in school. Liam is a mine of invaluable information”
Emma, Donegal (parent, in-person appointment), 2019
"Choosing subjects for Senior Cycle can be complicated and at times overwhelming and we were delighted to receive a recommendation to visit Liam Harkin of Future Options. The process was clearly explained, and we had no hesitation booking an appointment with Liam. The preparatory work my son had to complete before the career guidance session was very manageable and it allowed Liam to give us a very detailed and comprehensive overview of my son’s interests, motivators and personality traits. Liam guided us through all elements of his report detailing possible future career choices and some courses which would be particularly suited. His advice on subject choices not only took consideration of entry requirements but also included subjects which would complement my son’s possible college courses or future career options. Liam’s presentation of his very thorough report helped us decide on subject choices for senior cycle and I would highly recommend his services to anyone wishing to receive any form of career guidance. Thank you, Liam, for making the experience so straightforward and so worthwhile! "
Aileen, Sligo (parent, in-person appointment), 2018
"Our visit to Liam proved very beneficial to my son, a fifth-year student. Liam carried out a detailed assessment of his interests and priorities and linked this to areas of study and possible careers. He advised on available courses both in Ireland and abroad thus providing realistic options for future study. This has awakened an enthusiasm and awareness which is invaluable to my son as he moves towards the Leaving Cert. We thank Liam for this and would highly recommend his service."
Ann, Sligo (parent, in-person appointment), 2018
"I contacted Liam last year when my son was applying to UCAS and needed help and guidance with writing his personal statement. Firstly, Liam provided him with excellent guidelines on how to write a personal statement, including the 'do's and ' don'ts'. He then reviewed and edited my son's draft statement and gave tips on redrafting. All of this happened quickly and efficiently by email. Liam then reviewed the final draft. It was great to be able to do all this without having to make the long trip to Donegal! My son was successful in getting a place on his chosen course. I would highly recommend Liam's service.”
Kieran, Mayo (third-level graduate, online), 2017
"I went to Liam in 2017 as I was stuck in a rut. I had a degree already and I also did a Masters and was in my first job contract. The job was related to my Masters but I was finding it a bit boring and I was not being challenged at all. Liam did some career tests and I found out that I had gone in a slightly different direction than the one I should have gone in. I never did any of these tests at school. He showed me two other possible career directions with my Masters. He showed me several real job possibilities online that were currently looking for employees. He then tailored my CV to these jobs and helped me with answers to interview questions. Most of the interview questions I was asked were ones that Liam had gone through with me. I passed an interview three weeks after meeting Liam and I started my new job 5 weeks after that. I am really grateful for all the help you gave me in getting to this stage, only for you I would still be stuck in my old job."
Ellen, Roscommon (parent, in-person appointment), 2016
"Liam was highly recommended by a friend and last year I brought my 15 year old daughter Katie to see him about her options after the Junior Cert. She wanted to do Transition Year, but I was pushing for her to go ahead with the Leaving Cert. I think the appointment benefited me more than my daughter as Liam explained how he saw TY as being a good fit for what she wanted to do. He explained that the work experience in TY would help her write a good solid personal statement for UCAS. As she may need to go to the UK where the points are lower, I was glad to have got this advice in time. Thank you Liam and we will probably book another appointment when Katie is in Sixth Year."
Elaine, Donegal (parent, in-person appointment), 2015
"Dr. Harkin has a lovely warm way with him and made my daughter who is quite shy very comfortable. We came to him as she was completely confused about her CAO. Liam met both of us for an hour and a half and we left with some realistic suggestions which we would never have thought of ourselves. This gave Ciara a much needed focus for the rest of Sixth Year and helped her concentrate on her study as she now had a real goal. Thanks again Dr. Harkin."
Imelda, Sligo (parent, in-person appointment), 2015
"My daughter was in Transition Year when a friend of mine recommended that we contact Liam about getting some help choosing her subjects for her Leaving Cert. My daughter is not hugely academic but through various paper and online tests, Liam was able to pinpoint the subjects that he felt would be most suitable for her. Unfortunately, one of the subjects he recommended was not available in her school as it is a small one but she was very happy and contented with the other suggestions and has now approached Fifth Year with a new spring in her step. I can only recommend Liam and wish I had heard about him for my two older children."
Caroline, Sligo (parent, in-person appointment), 2013
"Liam met with my son who was interested in applying to UCAS for veterinary studies. Liam talked him through the whole process from start to finish. He helped him narrow down his choices and prepare his personal statement. I can honestly speak for my son when I say that Liam gave him the knowledge, confidence and energy to concentrate on his UCAS application that was not available from the guidance counsellor in his own school. I am delighted to say he was ultimately successful in getting into a veterinary college in the UK. I cannot thank him enough."
Peter, Leitrim (parent, in-person appointment), 2011
"It was a long drive up to see Dr Harkin in his office from where we live in Co. Leitrim, but I have to say it was definitely worth the time and effort. Dr Harkin gave my son excellent feedback on his tests results and pointed him in the right direction for his UCAS application. He went on to study in England and has never looked back."
