TikTokNot only can you find great Leaving Cert exam advice on TikTok, it is also a go to destination for career and CAO advice. Meet Dublin based guidance counselor Donnchadh O’Mahony who first started posting to TikTok to share audience to 5th and 6th year students. Since he first started posting in 2021, he has received over 300K likes. If you're worried about your CAO or what to do after the exams in June, Donnchadh is the creator for you!
Q: Why did you decide to start using TikTok to share Leaving Certificate tips and career advice?
I had an instagram page setup but my students kept telling me you have to create a TikTok page because my target audience (5th and 6th years) are all on TikTok. I could believe it when my first video got 87k views. They were right.
Q: What are your main tips for Leaving Certificate students ahead of the exams? What is the one piece of career advice you want every student to know?
I am a massive proponent of sleep when it comes to performing well in exams. Studies show us that getting 8 hours of sleep the night before an exam is a lot more productive than pulling an all nighter. If you want to perform well, treat yourself like an elite athlete, eat well, stay hydrated and get enough sleep.
With regards to career advice; whatever your destination is, there are so many ways to get there. Don't overemphasise the Leaving Cert. There are so many routes to your dream career now.
Q: What else or who else are you loving on your TikTok For You feed? Are you following/liking any other teachers or Leaving Certificate content?
I love Justin Danger Nunley [@justin_danger_nunley] on TikTok and his random facts, but most of my follows are education accounts. Tadgh O'Donovan [@teachwithtadgh] is the Godfather of Irish teachers on TikTok and his content is great. Patrick Hickey [@thelchistorytutor] has the best edits of any teacher on TikTok and his videos are so interesting to watch. And finally @the_lc_team is a page I am part of which is basically 10 Leaving Cert experts sharing their tips.
Q: What has been the reaction from your students and fellow teachers since you started posting TikToks?
I am not sure too many teachers know I'm on TikTok, but students keep telling me I am always coming up on their FYP. As long as they are learning something, I am all for it!
Q: What advice do you have for teachers or other guidance counsellors who are interested in using TikTok to connect with their students?
I think a quick 15 second video with key information is an ideal way to learn and remember something. Some students like little soundbites and the information is not too overwhelming. If you are a teacher looking to reach out to students with information, it must be on TikTok because that's where they are.
Q: Anything else to add about your experience on TikTok to date?
I am always surprised that students watch and engage with my videos. I wasn't sure at the start that educational content would have an impact on TikTok, but it is an unbelievable way to reach students in a fun way.
