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Pathways to Professions Research in Ireland and the UK has highlighted that access to established graduate professions and careers continues to be dominated by students from higher socio-economic groups. Our Pathways to Professions Programme aims to level the playing field for our students. Supported by a range of industry partners, this programme delivers tailored career guidance and school engagement activities along with relevant supports for undergraduate students throughout their degree course. There are three core “Pathways” Programmes; Pathways to Law, Pathways to Business and Pathways to Tech which work to address the unique barriers students may face when beginning their careers in each industry. Pathways to Professions: Law Pathways to Law was established in 2010 in partnership with the School of Law in Trinity. The programme’s core aim is to increase progression in higher professional areas for students from under-represented groups. Since its creation, over 400 Senior Cycle students from the greater Dublin area have participated in the programme which includes mock trials, guest lectures on campus, and an annual Summer School. Over the course of Fifth and Sixth year, students gain a comprehensive insight into what a future in the legal profession might look like. For students who enter Trinity through the HEAR Scheme or our Foundation Course, the programme continues for the duration of their legal studies. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of Ireland’s leading legal professionals, students receive financial support, mentoring, skills development, and career guidance, all of which allows them to consider entry into Law as a long-term career objective. This model is having a significant impact on access to the legal profession. It is also a model that is now being replicated across the University sector and in other professional areas. Pathways to Law provides a framework for the legal profession to engage strategically with issues of access for traditionally under-represented groups, and to put in place practical measures to ensure greater equity and diversity. Click here to play the video
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Pathways to Professions: Business Run in partnership with the Trinity Business School (TBS), Pathways to Business targets Senior Cycle and undergraduate students and seeks to enhance their interest in the theoretical as well as the practical application of Business Studies. In March 2021, TBS became triple-accredited (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB International) placing it in the top 0.6% of Business Schools worldwide. This programme is a key element of the Business School’s strategy to promote diversity and inclusion, and is structured across three core dimensions: Participation, Progression, and Promotion. The practical and financial support of private and corporate donors, many of which are Business School graduates themselves, has been vital to the success of the programme, and has facilitated a wide range of targeted interventions. In 2020/2021, 24 Final Year Senior Sophister Business students received a €4,000 scholarship which allowed a significant number to leave part-time employment and focus solely on their studies at a crucial time in their degree. Participation: Building awareness and mentoring of socio-economically disadvantaged and under-represented students at second level encouraging them to pursue Business Studies. Progression: Bridging the gap to a degree by providing specific and tailored supports to students from non-traditional backgrounds for the duration of their studies in Trinity Business School. Promotion: Providing advice and networking opportunities to support Access students in establishing a foundation for their career choices following graduation.
