ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS

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.