Dermot was in the process of launching and growing a start up business performing consultancy when he embarked on the MBS Marketing programme at WIT
Dermot O'Reilly was working on his own business, SCI Consulting, while completing the MBS (Marketing) which he applied for through Springboard+. Although this entailed a lot of balancing acts with time, he found the coursework and the entrepreneurial path he was on dovetailed quite well in a lot of areas. Dermot previously completed a Higher Diploma in Service Design and Innovation and is a past pupil of CBS High School Clonmel.
Why did you choose your course/ to study at WIT/ study in Waterford? I was in the process of launching and growing a start up business performing consultancy on behalf of some of the state supports for enterprise and entrepreneurship.
What was your experience? It was a very good experience and lived up to my expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed my year there and gained some valuable insights into some different areas of management and especially in marketing.
Can you recall your feeling when finding out you were offered a place in WIT? I was elated. I had studied there a few years before and it had been a life changing experience that sent me on a path which has opened many doors for me and set me on a path which is rewarding and fulfilling.
What advice would you give to students considering your course? I would advise them to definitely go for it. Be prepared to work hard and remain open minded and you will find it very rewarding.
How has your studies at WIT helped you to get where you are today? I would not have even considered the path I have chosen without the learning and support of WIT. The innovative approach and application of creativity in management were instrumental in giving me management insights that I use daily. I also learned a lot of cutting edge management tools, which I still use and have expanded upon. WIT gave me a way of thinking and a vocabulary that have helped me to continue to explore the areas I work in. I continue to interact with some of the teaching staff who are very supportive of me and the efforts I am making in transforming some of the management techniques imparted to small and micro businesses around Ireland.
How did your experience at WIT help get you to where you are now? I would not have considered self employment until I attended WIT. The confidence I gained through the supportive nature of the teaching staff was nothing short of wonderful. The skills I learned were very current and easy to apply to the area I chose to work in.
Anything else about your experience at WIT? I found the experience of attending WIT as nothing short of transformative. I entered the college having seen my career going off the rails and walked out with the ability and attitude that enabled me to imagine a completely new type of consultancy business that is now thriving.
What is Waterford like as a city for college social life? Waterford is a great city. It is friendly and has a great can do attitude.
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
