Postgraduate IT Course: Opinions Please

Colli · 01-11-2007, 16:17

Hey all,

I'm in a bit of a quandry and could do with some input from you kind folks.

I want to return to Uni to improve my employment prospects. I already have a Psychology degree (don't laugh), but this hasn't helped me get a decent job. Lord knows, I've tried. I've filled in so many application forms, sent off so many CVs and canvassed so many employers that it's not funny any more. I've had my "application skills" assessed by recruitment industry specialists and have been told that I'm very adept at form-filling and competency questions. My CV is also up to scratch too. Other than trying to expand my skillset, I really don't know what else to do.

As a blossoming computer nerd, I'd really like to study a postgrad IT course. Certain Universities offer a "conversion" course for non-IT graduates up to Masters level. What I really want to know is whether these kinds of courses are worth anything to employers in the IT industry.

If any of you have had any experience with this type of course or you work in IT, I'd be glad to hear your opinions.

Col

**Hugh** · 01-11-2007, 17:02

A number of Universities offer "sandwich" courses, so not only teach theory, but also get you work-placement in the "real world" - I would recommend one of those.

Also, ask any universities you are enquiring to what the employment (in IT and associated fields) rate for recent graduates from their IT course is - this should give you a pointer if doing a course is a wise investment of your time and money (imho).

Colli · 01-11-2007, 19:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by foreverwar

A number of Universities offer "sandwich" courses, so not only teach theory, but also get you work-placement in the "real world" - I would recommend one of those.

Also, ask any universities you are enquiring to what the employment (in IT and associated fields) rate for recent graduates from their IT course is - this should give you a pointer if doing a course is a wise investment of your time and money (imho).

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately, the only courses up here (Scotland) that have a "sandwich" component are undergraduate courses and I've exhausted my funding to do another full undergraduate degree. I'm considering going down the postgrad qualification road as I at least have a chance of getting postgraduate funding from the Student Awards Agency For Scotland.

handyman · 01-11-2007, 19:20

I'm not too sure what good a degree will do you. Most IT jobs need a lot of work exprience so perhaps getting a lower end job whilst doing A+, N+, Microsoft training or CCNA. Perhaps with an ITIL Foundation.

ikthius · 01-11-2007, 20:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by handyman

I'm not too sure what good a degree will do you. Most IT jobs need a lot of work exprience so perhaps getting a lower end job whilst doing A+, N+, Microsoft training or CCNA. Perhaps with an ITIL Foundation.

because I have found I need a degree and 3 years experience to get into IT.....

I have some languages behind me, but not the dgree or experience. its not one or the other, but both you need...... or so I have found

ik

Colli · 02-11-2007, 00:06

Thanks for the input, guys.

I have been trying to get some low-end IT experience; at one point I even offered to work for free just to get some experience under my belt. Even so, there were no takers. Having checked out the job options here, it seems that even the low-end IT jobs want at least an HNC/HND, preferably a degree.

It's not looking too promising.

Anonymouse · 02-11-2007, 07:07

Liverpool Uni used to do a postgrad course aimed at getting people like me with lots of qualifications but no "commercial experience" - dear God, the words simply do not exist in the English language to express how much I LOATHE that phrase!!!! - into IT work...not that it did me any bloody good.

It was funded by the EU somehow, and this was in 1997. I don't know if they still do it.

One thing I liked about the course - and I still can't understand why other places don't do this - was that we never handed in hard copy. Instead, we put everything - including documentation - into a specific folder, then, this being on a UNIX system, when an assignment was due the tutor could just run a little shell script to copy the contents of every folder with that name to his account. Neat, efficient, a great saving on paper.

However, there is a drawback. Apparently, doing a postgrad course, even just a 13-week one, qualifies you as an alumnus of Liverpool Uni...and I've been receiving the newsletter (which, if you read it carefully, is actually a begging letter) ever since. They have no shame.

**Hugh** · 02-11-2007, 11:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colli

Thanks for the input, guys.

I have been trying to get some low-end IT experience; at one point I even offered to work for free just to get some experience under my belt. Even so, there were no takers. Having checked out the job options here, it seems that even the low-end IT jobs want at least an HNC/HND, preferably a degree.

It's not looking too promising.

Another option is to get a grunt job on a helpdesk, then apply for any junior/trainee IT jobs within that firm - after a while on the helpdesk, you have an overview of the systems (and issues) that the company uses.

In my last two companies, I have hired someone from the helpdesk to
a) work in desktop support, who then moved into Lotus Notes specialisation
b) work in Project Office, who then moved up to Project Management

Another option is to try and find any local small software firms who might be willing to try you out foc for a month or two, to "prove your worth" - in this case, it is more about attitude and willingness, rather than specific skillsets.

It's a long shot, but surely better than the alternative.