ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS

Leona

Leona Rogers

Graduate

SPN Nursing Studies Level 5

My Experience in BCFE

The first couple of days I was so nervous returning to college to do a course as a mature student in my 40s, as I did not know anyone, but I soon made friends within our class-group.

I had no experience of using a laptop for completing assignments, but I soon learned with the help of the fantastic teachers. They showed me how set up folders and how to download notes and submit my assignments online. I had the best time ever and I was so emotional leaving. If I can give new mature students some advice, if you are worried about how tough it might be or how it might be in a class with younger students please don’t stress. The help I got from my teachers and classmates was brilliant, so a mixed group worked out very well.

The teachers in BCFE are the best I have ever had, so very helpful. They encourage you to work to your potential, and support each student throughout the time they’re here.

Please do not give up on your dreams.

Dylan Robinson receives award

Dylan Robinson

TUD Student of the Year

BHND HND Business

BCFE’s Business Course and modules played an instrumental role in preparing and equipping me with the skills, knowledge and tools to be successful when I entered TUD. The catalyst of this preparation is the atmosphere, and environment within the college, but more importantly, the lecturers that teach and devise these modules. The care and commitment all lecturers and staff show for students such as myself, pushed me and motivated me to perform to my full potential during my time in the college, even at times when I was lacking self-belief. The commitment and belief they show in students such as myself motivated me to be successful when entering TUD, as I felt I owed it to not only myself, but also equally to them and the college.

Anthony Norton Holohan

Marketing Assistant

DMH Web Design – Advanced App & Web UI/UX Diploma (HND) Level 6 Higher

Ballyfermot College was an amazing experience of what freedom and creativity higher education would bring. I studied there from 2014 to 2017 for both a one-year PLC course and two-year HND course in Digital Media.

One thing I can say about my course is that it was very much practical with theoretical classes for basic instructions so as someone who struggled with exams, continuous assessment was so much more engaging. The tutors were all excellent and so friendly and warm, always ready to help us when we had questions or difficulties.

Through BCFE, I got my foot in the door in the digital media industry by progressing into TUD in Blanchardstown and from there graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. I now work in marketing in General Paints Group, Colourtrend and helped with the launch of our new selection of colours for our Contemporary Collection.

I couldn’t have gotten where I am today without first gaining experience in Ballyfermot. Along with the experience was the people I met at my time in BCFE that made my time there that much more enjoyable.

My advice to new students? Just enjoy your time there and make sure to make some friends along the way. You never know who will be a contact in the future, and some may be your friends for life.

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Marc Murray

Director - Upfront Digital

DMH Web Design – Advanced App & Web UI/UX Diploma (HND) Level 6 Higher

My time in Ballyfermot was unforgettable and invaluable. The Advanced App & Web UI/UX Diploma course was really practically focused, and left myself and my classmates at a distinct advantage in the practical work when we moved on to our degree level courses.

I’m now in year 3 of running my own web design and marketing agency, Upfront Digitaland the BCFE work experience and team work program coupled with our tutor Vivienne’s approach to teaching had me really well equipped when starting out with my business. Vivienne applied much of what we learned to their real world applications, and framed everything in a practical and relatable fashion that meant when we were learning more complex areas everything felt grounded and understandable.

While the course was focused on website design & development, we were given plenty of opportunities to develop a well rounded experience of the digital media landscape, from 3D modelling to illustration and graphic design. This wide range of experience has been instrumental in helping me communicate with other digital media practitioners across projects. If you love learning new things, keeping on top of a fast moving industry, and applying creative solutions to complex problems then Digital Media in Ballyfermot College Of Further Education is for you.

Dylan Lewis

UX/UI Designer

DMH Web Design – Advanced App & Web UI/UX Diploma (HND) Level 6 Higher

It’s been a few years since my studies at BCFE but it was the first stepping stone on my journey to becoming a professional UX/UI Designer at SURPASSPORT where I help create sports applications for both mobile and desktop.

What I learned at BCFE has been invaluable to me as I continue to develop my skill set. When I first began the course I didn’t have any experience in digital media and was quite nervous about how I would do but I learned so much in just two years and Vivienne especially, instilled a love for creating digital media in all forms. During my time there I learned the fundamentals of user interface design and development, graphic design, animation and a host of graphic design software tools that I continue to use today.

I’d recommend this course to anyone who is thinking about a career in this sector and there is genuinely no better place to begin than at BCFE. The college is also a very enjoyable place to be and the tools offered to students are exactly what is needed to get the best from the course. I found the double monitor set up in the classes helped a huge amount with productivity and the campus stays open late so that you can make use of the facilities to get your work done. I’ve also met many friendly people who I got along with very well and having a group of classmates that you can ask for feedback from (as well as lecturers) helped me immensely. As long as you have the commitment to do your best during the course, you’ll achieve great results!

Erica Hogarty

Graphic and UI Designer

DMH AGH MPM Web Design – Advanced App & Web UI/UX Diploma (HND) Level 6 Higher

I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the help and support offered by the tutors at Ballyfermot. I completed 3 courses during my time here, AGH Graphic Design, DMH Digital Media and a BA Hons Degree in Media Production Management, where I’ve met lifelong friends, had the opportunity to partake in an Erasmus programme in Finland and in my final year received Student of the Year award.

There’s a real sense of community in the college. Even the college porters are great craic. Having smaller classes definitely guarantees a more personalised experience letting you benefit from one-to-ones with your tutors. Not only do they teach you the theory behind the course you’re studying, but also prepare you with the practical skills to succeed in an industry environment. The tutors on each course are extremely talented, passionate and easy-going. Their positive classroom atmosphere was incredibly motivating and engaging, where you were never afraid to ask silly questions. Even after graduating, I am still in contact with a handful of tutors who I am forever grateful for.

I cannot recommend Ballyfermot enough. I will always cherish my years studying here.

Yvonne Byrne

Graduate

SVC Social Care Studies Level 6 Advanced

My own personal journey does not end with this course. This course and the Mental Health Awareness module has begun my path towards my end goal; with such information, advice and guidance I am forever grateful for the opportunity to grow professionally and personally. Even with such a difficult time of Covid19, I was able to receive a positive education in the comfort of my own home. I am disappointed I could not engage with the public during weeks of placement; however, I know the extra information disseminated during that time will stand to me in my career as it progresses. I am grateful for the insight and knowledge I now possess from this course and will not only implement it in a professional manner but also personally. Life comes with hardships and while it has no instructions; I strongly believe we all deserve the necessary tools and guidance to deal with any and all challenges we face. Thank you BCFE.

Gloria Odigie

Family Carer

SVC Social Care Studies Level 6 Advanced

Hello all, I am Gloria Odigie, a family carer, I just finished studying Advance Social Care, Level 6, SVC, Ballyfermot College of Further Education. I returned to college having put my Nursing on hold to care for my loved ones. This course is an asset to me in that it has transformed my entire life about social model of caring for a client on a person-centred approach having believed in biomedical model approach for patients’ treatment and recovery for several years. I have come to understand that social care entails a multi-disciplinary team of holistic plan for a child, young people, and individual. My learning experience about the issues of mental health illnesses and various treatment approaches, care of people with disabilities and how to support them to self-care, independence, and recovery with the enablement to conquer the societal stigma, labelling, discrimination is of great benefit to me. Talking about rehabilitation of people with disability, the trainings, programs, education, along with awareness campaign does really support and promote social inclusion. The importance of self-care and setting a realistic goal for a better future cannot be over-emphasised because skills development helped me in all my academic works. I look forward to supporting children, young people, adults and their families with practical assistance and emotional support of a holistic approach that uses their strengths, talent, and gifts rather than their disabilities. I appreciate all my classmates, tutors, and the entire staff of this college for their inclusiveness. I will recommend Ballyfermot College for anyone wishing to further educate themselves. Thank all.

Dean Marshall

Graduate

SVC Social Care Studies Level 6 Advanced

I am currently studying my Level 6 Advanced Cert in Social Studies in Ballyfermot College, approaching the end of the college year brings time for reflection both personal and professional and in that reflection, I have looked at how accommodating this college has been to my needs as to the needs of my classmates. Studying during the time of covid isn’t an easy task although the team at BCFE have evolved completely to the situation and have made necessary arrangements to suit students such as extension deadlines on assignments, shorter classes to reflect the needs of parents within the class and have provided elements of wellbeing, positive mental health and a high quality of care to all students during times of stress, unease and uncertainty and I could not recommend this college enough to others.