Changing Direction: Aoife’s move into Digital Media Design at DkIT

Having gone straight into the working world after her Leaving Cert, she had started a degree which didn’t work out. Her constantly varied working hours made the desire to get a certificate or qualification difficult to achieve. 

To keep occupied, Aoife focused on retraining herself when she had spare time, completing short courses in a variety of topics. 

Knowing that her passions lay beyond retail, Aoife took the plunge and applied for the Springboard Level 7 Certificate in Digital Media Design at DkIT. 

“It was so flexible,” she said. The tutors were so knowledgeable and approachable and they really took in to consideration that we all had really busy lives outside the college and weren’t just focusing on this one thing.”

The year-long course, focused on a wide range of digital media design principles and practices including: digital media design theory, creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation, digital marketing and digital animation. 

 “It was so well structured and it never became overwhelming. So long as you managed your time, it was very doable.” 

Continuous Assessment meant that there were only a small number of big projects towards the end of the course and she found it to be very well balanced. “Before I knew it, it was done,” she said reflecting on how quickly the 12 months went by. 

The course has given Aoife a really great grounding in Digital Media Design, and she is eager to explore more around photography and videography to add to her design and marketing knowledge. Reflecting on the course content, she said:

“There are rules to design, there are things that you can learn that will make you a better designer, you just have to have an interest,” 

 Her class was made up of people who were a variety of different ages and from all walks of life - “This creativity was somewhere within them and this was something that they wanted to do and explore.” Despite learning fully online, the group bonded really well and are still in constant contact.

 “I have a whole network of Digital Marketers and Designers there that I can get advice from or share advice with, it’s a great community!” 

Aoife is currently developing her own business, Aoife McKeown Digital Design and Marketing, helping local companies improve their online presence through social media management, content creation, and advertising. Taking the leap to go back studying is something she would encourage anyone to do. 

“If you are somebody who is looking to make a career pivot, upskill, fill in some gaps on your knowledge, maybe start something completely new, or investigate if something is for you before beginning a further degree course, I’d recommend it!”

Find out more about the Certificate in Digital Media Design:

https://www.dkit.ie/courses/certificate-in-digital-media-design#overview