As part of our 'SWC Beyond' Alumni success series, we catch up with Niall Parfitt, Chief Executive Officer at Atlanticus Digital.
Niall completed a BTEC HND in Computer Studies.
What impact has studying at South West College had on your career?
Studying at South West College had a significant impact on my career. I attended the college back in 1994 and found the support and practical approach to learning to be far superior to other courses I’ve undertaken in the past. The hands-on, real-world application of knowledge gave me a strong foundation that I’ve built upon throughout my career.
This qualification became the basis for many others, helping me develop the skills and confidence needed to grow professionally. Today, I am a business owner and serve on the board of numerous organisations, and I can trace much of my success back to the solid educational grounding I received at South West College. The experience not only provided me with technical knowledge but also instilled a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability, which has been invaluable in my journey.
Are there any staff members who played an important part in your studies at South West College that you would like to recognise?
Gerry Kingston, Mr Dolan, Raymond Millar to name but a few.
Are there any specific achievements or career milestones that you would like to highlight?
One of the key milestones in my career has been establishing and growing my own CRM agency, Atlanticus Digital, which works with organisations across the island of Ireland, helping them implement and optimise HubSpot and CRM integrations. This has allowed me to support businesses in the public sector, construction, renewables, and education, driving digital transformation and efficiency.
What advice might you give to current or prospective students considering the college?
My advice to current or prospective students considering South West College is to take full advantage of the practical, hands-on learning and the excellent support available. When I studied there back in 1994, I found the approach far more effective than other courses I had taken, and it provided a strong foundation for my career.