At National College of Ireland, many courses are designed to give students practical experiences alongside classroom learning so that they feel confident stepping into working life after graduation.
Conor Rooney Law is about to graduate, and below he shares how the BA (Honours) in Marketing Practice helped him to broaden his skills and prepare him for working life.
How did you know Marketing Practice was right for you?
I knew Marketing Practice was the right course for me very quickly after I started studying. The classes were smaller, which I liked as it felt like a more personalised learning experience with greater group discussions. The lecturers were fantastic, offering additional assistance when needed and sharing their industry experience throughout the various modules.
The supportive environment across the College, from the student union to the library team, all added to my confidence in knowing that I chose the right course.
How did you know NCI was the right college for you?
I chose NCI after weighing up the many different courses available to students. Firstly, the central Dublin location made it easy for me to commute, with many public transport links just minutes away. Secondly, the balance between theory and practical application was very appealing, especially the final year Capstone Project where you create your own e-commerce business and showcase your creativity and skills. I also wanted to challenge myself with the different modules included in the course. Completing the varying assignments and exams along the way helped me build an in-depth understanding of marketing and business.
What did you gain from studying Marketing Practice at NCI?
I gained and improved several skills during my three years at NCI. On one hand, my confidence and public speaking skills have improved significantly, thanks to constructive feedback and refinement. The practical areas of the course meant I gained hands on experience with tools like Google Ads, Mailchimp, and Google Analytics, enhancing my technical and marketing skills. I also developed strong teamwork and project management skills through the various group assignments and tasks. So much gained during my three years that it’s hard to capture it all!
You took part in the pop-up event in Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre in July 2025. What was the biggest takeaway from that experience?
The pop-up event we held in the Pavilions Shopping Centre was a great experience. Our project, ROCO Clean, was the ultimate sports boot cleaning kit, designed for players who want to keep their boots fresh, game-ready, and long-lasting. Our all-in-one kit included a small brush, a double-sided cloth, and bottle, all neatly packed in a hard shell case. If I was to sum up the biggest takeaway from that weekend, it must be the hard work paying off. Many hours were spent designing graphics, communicating with suppliers, gathering equipment, and much more.
To see customers be intrigued, stop at our stand, and engage with the product made all the preparation worthwhile.
What advice would you give CAO students considering Marketing Practice at NCI?
The advice I would give to any CAO students who have an interest in or passion for marketing is to trust that the BA (Honours) in Marketing Practice at National College of Ireland is the right course for you.
The three-year course equipped me with the knowledge and skills to approach the workplace with confidence as I gained practical experience in many key areas. The careers team is outstanding. I especially appreciated that there was an elective module in second year dedicated to improving your employability and career success, alongside opportunities to do a year-long work placement. These career supports further set NCI apart.
Interested in studying the BA (Honours) in Marketing Practice at National College of Ireland? Visit our CAO Hub to learn more about our courses and student life at NCI!
