A student entrepreneur at the University of Limerick identified a critical gap in higher education: many peers were leaving college without a clear direction. The existing guidance system failed to meet their needs. This observation led to the creation of CourseCompass, a platform that merges psychometric assessments with career resources for students and guidance counsellors to reduce dropout rates.
The platform’s founder, Stephen McKeon, developed CourseCompass based on a core principle: students should understand their strengths and potential career paths before enrolling in a program. Today, the tool offers multiple features, including psychometric tests adapted for different education levels—college courses, apprenticeships, and post-Leaving Certificate programs—as well as accommodation guides, detailed career profiles, and an AI-driven CV builder.
Beyond assessments, CourseCompass provides counsellors with tools to assign tests, track student progress in real time, and intervene when students show signs of struggle or dissatisfaction. The platform also includes anonymous eligibility checkers for financial aid schemes such as SUSI, HEAR, and DARE, along with a mock CAO application tool to help students prepare before submitting their official forms.
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The pricing structure ensures accessibility for both students and schools. While basic resources remain free, premium features like testing require payment. Schools, however, receive full access through grant funding, eliminating cost barriers for institutions.
From slime to solutions: McKeon’s early entrepreneurial roots
McKeon’s entrepreneurial journey began in his teenage years. At 15, he sold slime in primary school before moving on to protein ice popsicles in secondary school. He then took a job at McDonald’s, where frustration with the training program led him to create his own instructional videos. Corporate leadership later commissioned additional training materials, and by age 18, he was speaking at a company conference in Glasgow to 3,500 employees. This experience reinforced his belief in building his own solutions.
“My drive to work for myself has pushed me equally as much as I have wanted to solve problems,” he says. “I know what it is like to work under other people, so I have found it a huge breath of fresh air working for myself.”
His approach to problem-solving reflects this mindset. CourseCompass does not rely on a single standout feature but instead adapts quickly to emerging needs. When students faced difficulties finding university accommodation, the team developed campus-specific guides. The company’s strategy is straightforward: listen to user feedback, identify gaps, and act accordingly.
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For now, CourseCompass operates primarily on grant funding rather than external investment. The most recent recognition came in 2026 when McKeon won the University of Limerick’s Student Entrepreneur of the Year award, securing €5,000. While the broader Irish startup ecosystem supports early-stage founders, Limerick’s local scene remains smaller in comparison.
Tailored tools for every education stage
The system’s versatility extends across education stages. The Subject Interest Test guides younger students in aligning their Leaving Certificate choices with future career paths. PLC Compass assists those in post-Leaving Certificate programs, while Apprenticeship Compass connects apprenticeship seekers with relevant opportunities. College Compass provides course recommendations based on psychometric results, helping students make informed decisions before committing to a path.
The platform’s development reflects McKeon’s commitment to addressing real-world constraints. The Career Investigations series includes over 60 career profiles, complete with salary data and automation risk assessments, empowering students with informed decision-making. The mock CAO tool lets students practice applications before submission, while campus-specific accommodation guides resolve a common challenge for first-year students. Each addition stems from direct user feedback, ensuring the platform evolves with their needs.