ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS

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.

LinkedInPortfolio

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.

Sinead McDonald HND in Digital Design and Technology (UX, UI) testimonial

Sinead McDonald

Visual Artist and Media Lecturer

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

Web Design – Advanced App & Web UI/UX Diploma (HND)  was a truly excellent reintroduction to education, giving the support and scope I needed to re-engage with learning, as I had been out of education for several years. The modules and assignments were both interesting and challenging, with a perfect mix of practical and creative that made the entire course a genuinely enjoyable experience. There was a lovely mix of group and individual assignments that allowed for a supportive peer environment; seven years after graduating I’m still in touch with my classmates, and they have proven to be a valuable network both professionally and personally. The teaching staff were wonderful, providing the learning and professional support that is only possible in a small-classroom environment. I went on in my education, enrolling in year 3 of the Creative Digital Media Degree at ITT and then an MA at NCAD. I’m currently writing proposals for a PhD. I now work as a professional visual artist and a media lecturer.

Gary Walsh HND in Digital Design and Technology (UX, UI) Testimonial

Gary Walsh

Digital Marketing Executive

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

DMH helped me benchmark myself against other candidates due to the wide range of topics I had covered from graphic design to website design and animation. Learning the wide range of software taught on the course allowed me to easily pick up other new programmes. I quickly moved from Junior Graphic Designer in 2013 to Website Manager and then into Digital Marketing Executive. To have both the practical skills I learned in the Web Design – Advanced App & Web UI/UX Diploma (HND) and the knowledge of how to promote it through Digital Marketing gives me a great edge in this industry. I now work for The Sales Institute of Ireland, where my designs are viewed daily by directors & CEOs. Our members include Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, Aviva, Social Talent and Microsoft. To get my position DMH was a defining asset to me with the ability to create all aspects of marketing from posters to websites. I would like to extend my gratitude to the DMH staff. You helped shape me to become who I am today and I will always be grateful for that.

Rory McQuilan Nolan HND in Digital Design and Technology (UX, UI) Testimonial

Rory McQuillan Nolan

Digital Designer in Isobar

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

The Web Design – Advanced App & Web UI/UX Diploma (HND) really helped me kickstart my career, I already knew where I wanted to be but knowing exactly what route was not as easy. The course gave a wide range of classes that give you a glimpse into most sections of the media industry. I quickly found out what level of perfection is needed to succeed in the business and I realised I needed to up-skill in some areas because of this! The teachers were some of the nicest and most talented people I’ve met, always there when and if we needed them. If a problem were to arise you knew you didn’t have to hesitate to ask! The smaller classes are more engaging and you learn a lot more than in a lecture hall with 300+ people. BCFE was the right chose in my opinion. I personally dropped out of NUIM to go here because of the recommendations I was getting from past pupils and could not have been happier with the results. The course helped me get to my current job as a Digital Designer in Isobar and for that I can’t recommend it enough!

Jody Briggs HND in Digital Design and Technology (UX, UI) Testimonial

Jody Briggs

Graphic Designer and 2D Animator

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

Having completed a Fine Art degree as a teenager, I decided at 25 to return to college to train for a career that would still allow me to be creative. I decided to enroll in Ballyfermot’s Web Design – Advanced App & Web UI/UX Diploma (HND) (DMH) to become a digital designer. I knew Ballyfermot had a reputation for being a school that taught its students usable, relevant skills. After two years in the digital media course, that is exactly what I got. The course opened up a new world to me and I quickly developed a passion for digital design that I draw upon today in my current career. I’ve been a professional graphic designer and 2D animator for five years. I currently work at Icon Clinical animating content for clinical trials. I owe that position to my time in Ballyfermot. DMH taught me the skills and knowledge I needed to enter the workplace as a viable job candidate. The teachers from each module gave me the help and direction I needed to make sure that after I graduated I was prepared for my new career.