South West College, Alumni Shannon McManus from Enniskillen completed a BTEC Level 3 in Media Production, which paved the way for an exciting yet challenging career as an Associate Production Manager for Build a Rocket Boy, a global games development business in Edinburgh, Scotland.
After completing her GCSE’s at St. Aidan's High School in Derrylin, Shannon prioritised pursuing her creative passion and transitioned to the South West College, Enniskillen campus, seeking a career path within media.
She said: “When I entered South West College, I didn’t have a clear pinpoint on what I wanted to do moving forward, but I knew it would be in some form of media as I’m a lover of film, photography and video games. I wasn’t a fan of exams and felt that South West College was the next best step towards understanding how Media works in the wider world, which would benefit and develop my career more than continuing to do my A levels.”
“I had a fantastic time at South West College; there wasn’t a module I didn’t enjoy. I learned everything from Stop Motion Animation, 3D production to Copyright laws – it was an exciting and varied course, and I learnt a lot about different media sectors, which gave me a wider knowledge with endless career possibilities.”
“However, my time at South West College alongside the support I received from my tutors helped me define what I enjoyed doing, paving the way towards a vibrant career in the Gaming Industry. They helped me realise that it was a viable career path and encouraged me to achieve my aspirations by advancing my studies on a gaming course at Abertay University in Scotland studying Game Design and Production Management.”
Shannon successfully completed her course and established a glamorous life as a creative Associate Production Manager for the global gaming company Build a Rocket Boy in Edinburgh, Scotland. She enjoys her varied role, which involves working across all areas of games development and thrives on the buzz of bringing exciting new games like 'Everywhere' to life.
She says: “Without the guidance from my tutor Paul and encouragement from Claire, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. I can’t recommend it enough! I have the fondest memories of going to South West College, and there wasn’t a day where I was bored or didn’t enjoy what I was learning. So, if you aspire to enter a specific career or have big dreams, South West College will help you achieve this.”
For further information and to apply, please visit www.swc.ac.uk.