ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS

Jessica Maciel

Radio Presenter & Producer

MRH MPM Radio Programming & Production

I’m Jessica and I did the Radio Programming & Production Diploma Level 6 Higher National Diploma (MRH) course and then Media Production Management BA Degree.

Since I graduated in September 2018, I have been able to use all of the skills that I got from my radio course to help me progress in the industry. 

The 3 years I spent in the college helped me to open up as a person and meet and network with new people. Having lecturers that have worked in the industry was such a huge advantage and really prepared me for what was to come. 

I did my Erasmus in Spirit Radio in Helsinki, Finland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-dQ9B8iDgQ

I am now a Radio Presenter & Producer working with Spin 1038, 98FM, Today FM and BBC Radio 1

Emily Good

Designer with Conference Partners

AGH HND in Graphic Design

I would highly recommend the Graphic Design course at BCFE to anyone interested in studying or working in the field. It is an
incredibly diverse, challenging and rewarding progamme of study that went way beyond my expectations of what is possible to learn in just two years.

There is a wonderful variation in the different modules taught in the course; design history, typography, motion graphics, ideas generation, editorial to name just a few! Everyone has their own Apple Mac computer to work on and high quality printers are provided for printing up final projects. In terms of value, there is no comparison.

The teaching staff are fantastic! Their experience and  enthusiasm for the subject of visual communication is inspiring. They are generous with advice and always patient and encouraging. The dedication they show to teaching is really motivating. It is unique to find such willingness to share expertise and their contribution to the success of the course cannot be underestimated. From the beginning they in-still a great work ethic, which is vital when it comes to finding work in the industry.

I came to the course as a graduate of Fine Art. Having completed my degree almost ten years ago, I was nervous that I might find it difficult to use the computer software. This was never an issue, lessons were meticulously planned out and guidance was always available where needed for any students.

I was delighted to be able to start my career as a Graphic Designer as soon as I finished the course. When I started work I found that everything I learned at BCFE had fully prepared me for the job and I am so grateful for that.

If you want to be a Graphic Designer, DO THIS COURSE!!

Graham Moynes

Designer with O’Neills Irish International Sports Co. Ltd.

AGH HND in Graphic Design

I cannot recommend this course enough. Whether you are pursuing further education or, like I was, looking for a job in the creative industry, this course is invaluable. I went straight into employment after finishing the course and I found that I was able to apply to a wide range of jobs because of the versatile set of skills I had learned. The entire staff were always friendly and encouraging and always wanted the students to do the best they could. Above all, the course taught me how to think like a designer and how to work efficiently and effectively. It was a challenge, but I cannot say how worthwhile it was. It changed my life.

Gabriella Makrai

Design Monks

AGH HND in Graphic Design

My motivation for choosing the two year HND in Graphic Design at BCFE was that the skill set taught there provided the opportunity to go straight into the industry after college.

Adrienne Fanning

Graphic Designer with Intercake

AGH HND in Graphic Design

Deciding to go back to college was the difficult step, once that decision was made picking which college I wanted to attend was a bit simpler. Just mention Ballyfermot and instantly people in the know say ‘Oh that college has a great reputation!!’ After some research, I quickly figured out that not only their reputation was an attraction but also the course content. Covering all the programs, like Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, that I was interested in learning, the course also seemed to offer in-depth training in areas like Art Direction, Research Techniques and Advanced Computer Graphics that I definitely needed some extensive knowledge of if I wanted to progress in the Visual Communications industry. After two amazing years I learned much more than I could possibly have imagined. But most of all I came away with a passion for Graphic Design and design thinking that is so evident in BCFE. The tutors level of skill and expertise of this area is at a level that I hadn’t experienced in any other course I had ever done. I was offered one of the first jobs I went for as a Graphic and Web Designer, my employers being totally amazed by the portfolio I had produced in 2 short years at Ballyfermot.

Edel Quinn

Art Director with Chemistry

AGH HND in Graphic Design

I could not recommend the BCFE Graphics programme highly enough. The quality & dedication of the teachers is stellar and the course really focuses on preparing students for industry. It’s a great time to be in digital arts and within weeks of graduating, I was working full-time as a graphic designer earning a decent wage. Thankfully my training in BCFE meant there was no need to do an internship. My BCFE portfolio was very well received at interviews and great praise was given to its relevance in teaching areas such as infographics and packaging. Within 18 months of graduating, I got a job in one of the country’s top design studios and I still can’t believe my luck. I owe my success to BCFE and all the teachers on the Graphics course.

Noel Aungier

HND in Film Production Student

ITC IFH Television and Digital Film

In 2015 I began my first course in BCFE in Television and Digital Film (ITC). It had been 15 years since I was last in full time education and as a mature student I was unsure how I would fare. The course gave me an introduction to many elements of film making, from photography and editing to screen writing and live TV production.

I found the teaching staff to be friendly, dedicated and highly skilled. BCFE gave me the skills needed to produce the stories I wanted to tell, and the skills I learnt enabled me to progress to the HND in Film Production (IFH).

Two of the highlights of my year were our end of year exhibition of our films and photography and being given the opportunity of producing a live studio piece in the college.

My first short film as Director/Writer film “Trixie” was selected by the college to represent BCFE in The Royal Television Society Awards for the Republic of Ireland and I am very pleased to have received the Student award for Best Comedy & Entertainment. It was an unbelievable moment and I will always be grateful to BCFE for giving me the skills and confidence to express my sense of humour visually and creatively.

Sharon O’Donoghue

Promotions Producer for TV3

MND ITH HND in Television Operations & Production

When I set about searching for the right media course, Ballyfermot came highly recommended by various industry professionals I’d contacted for advice. I attended two courses at BCFE, BJS (now MND – Diploma in Media & Broadcasting) and THND (now ITH HND in Television Operations & Production). My time at Ballyfermot was very enjoyable and well worth it. Since leaving BCFE, I have worked for all the major players such as The Farm, Setanta Sports, RTE and TV3. It’s been fantastic to work alongside many of the friends I made at the college. At present I am working full time as a Promotions Producer for TV3.

Damien O’Reilly

Radio Producer & Presenter RTE Radio 1

MND Media & Broadcasting

I have been working in RTE Radio 1 for the past ten years. I produce and present on Radio One each Saturday morning at 8.30am. I also stand in for Joe Duffy on Liveline and I also present the sport on Morning Ireland from time to time. Before joining RTE in 1998, I worked in Shannonside Northern Sound Radio for five years. I was a BJS (now MND – Diploma in Media & Broadcasting)  student in Senior College from 1990 to 1992. Without doubt, I would never have made it in the media world without my time in Ballyfermot. I learned so much about the media, and many of the tips and hints I learned from there back then, I still use today in my work. I made friends for life there whom I keep in regular contact with. And it’s thanks to Brenda, Joan, Fergal, John and Jim that I am still working in radio today.