Globe-trotting graduate sought to professionalise his experience

After working in the marketing and sales industry for five years, Ross decided to travel home to enhance his career progression and move up the ladder

BA (Hons) in Marketing and Digital Media mature student and Waterford native, Ross O’Keefe, tells us about his time in WIT.

What attracted you to study at Waterford Institute of Technology?

Having lived abroad in Australia and England for 5 years working in sales and marketing, I felt the urge to move home to Waterford. I had decided whilst living in London that I wanted to get myself a degree in marketing to advance my career. Therefore, moving back home to Waterford and going to WIT to study was ideal for me.

What have you done in life prior to studying here?

I am a qualified electrician since 2010. I changed careers in Australia in 2012 to Sales and marketing. I have now worked in sales and marketing in Sydney for three years and London for 2 years before returning to Waterford to study marketing at WIT.

What words of advice do you have for new students?

By all means enjoy college life but do not let it affect your studies. Show up to your classes, ask questions and engage with your lecturers and most importantly get your work done to the best of your ability. The four years goes fast. Get the best possible degree you can to ensure you have the best possible options in your career upon graduating.

What have been the highlights of your college experience?

Being awarded for the hard work I have put in is my biggest highlight. I have made the Dean’s List twice in 3 years which has pushed me to achieve more and push myself even more than I thought I was capable of.

How did work placement add to your college experience?

I am currently on work experience as part of my studies this semester. The experience I have got during this time has been fantastic. The chance to put what I have learned over the course of my studies to the test has made me a lot more confident in myself and my ability enter the workforce once my studies is over.

What motivated you to return to education as a mature student?

Having worked in sales and marketing in Sydney and London and having been rejected for a couple of jobs I applied for, made me realise that having a degree would greatly improve my chances of progressing in my career.

Related Courses

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in  Marketing & Digital Media