Laura from Ballyconnell, Co Cavan attended Loreto College, Cavan. Laura was unsure what career path she wanted and decided to study QQI Level 5 in Multimedia and Web Development at Cavan Institute. Laura successfully completed this course in May 2014 and continued her studies in Multimedia at Dublin City University.

"After completing the Leaving Cert in 2013, unsure of what career path I wanted to pursue, I deferred my CAO offer for a year and chose to take a year to study Multimedia and Web Development in Cavan Institute. I did this for two reasons; one being I always had an interest in working with computers, and by studying this course I would get the chance to learn valuable skills that would benefit me regardless of what career path I found myself on at the end of the year, and thought it would be particularly useful due to the rate at which technology and the use of social media are advancing at present. Secondly, I decided to take a year to study at Cavan Institute, to bridge the gap between leaving secondary school and starting a third level college.
It allowed me to develop my independence and gave me an insight into what to expect when I when I did go on to study at third level, and the amount of work and self-motivation that was necessary. It also showed me the standard and expectations I would be required to meet.
The Multimedia & Web Development course offers a wide range of modules from Image Processing and Film Production to Web Design and Work Experience, it really has something for everyone. It gives you a brilliant insight into the different areas of multimedia and what they involve. The understanding and knowledge I had of the Adobe Suite software, was invaluable to me in my first year at in college, as it meant that I already had a good grasp of what others were only learning about for the first time, which left it more enjoyable and less stressful for me.
The tutors and staff provided an excellent support system and were always there to help me, offering advice and guidance whenever I had any questions or problems, no matter how big or small. I also found that the smaller class sizes were of huge benefit. This meant that not only were the classes tailored to our abilities and interests when possible, we were able to communicate with the tutors directly. We were more than just a number, they took the time to sit down with us and help us if we found something difficult, going through it step-by-step if necessary.
At the end of the year, I decided to do a complete U-turn and change my CAO application form (from Social Studies!) and applied to study the Multimedia course at Dublin City University. I graduated in 2017 and am currently working within the Marketing industry, where no two days are the same!
All of this wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t taken the opportunity to study at Cavan Institute, where I developed my skills and knowledge of Multimedia, while receiving the support and encouragement of the staff and tutors there."