Finishing uni in 6 months. Where now?

RichIbizaSport · 29 Nov 2008 at 15:52

Hey guys. Im currently at Hull uni doing computer science (Bsc. accredited by the BCS). Im pretty sure i can scrape a first, definately wont be getting anything less than a 2:1.

With only 6 months left i figure its about time i should be thinking about getting a job lined up.

Not too sure on the direction i want to take. Im not massively bothered to be honest, just want to get into something and see how it goes.

The problem is i havent really specialised in anything particularly, ive completed all kinds of modules. Networking, databases, software engineering, programming (c#), ethics, mobile devices, virtual environments, advanced graphics, the list goes on. So i think youll all agree its a very round course.

Ive looked on plenty of sites for jobs (monster, jobserve, jobsite), nothing too much around where i live to be honest. So im perfectly willing to relocate.

In my spare time (the last 6 months ish), to fund my degree ive been working 1st line IT support freelance. Started by distibuting business cards, more word of mouth now. Solving the usual newbie computer problems (windows installs, virus/spyware, hardware upgrades, home networking etc.)

Been looking into support roles, 2nd line seems ok, im assuming it'll be quite difficult to get into straight from uni with no official experience. Certainly dont want be a first line monkey though (no offense!).

Any other IT roles i should be looking at?

Obviously i want to stand out from the crowd a little when leaving uni, so my question is really what i can do in 6 months that'll help me on my way? Possibly doing a microsoft/cisco course?

Just looking for abit of advise really, any info is greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the long read

, thanks!

gumbald · 29 Nov 2008 at 15:55

You seen any jobs advertised that you might be interested in?

paradigm · 29 Nov 2008 at 16:00

I was fortunate enough that my first IT job was 2nd line. It IS possible, but you have to be VERY knowledgable.

After being in the job a few months, it was explained to me why I got the job. It was all down to the interview and the way I could answer any question given to me with a fair degree of accuracy.

dangerstat · 29 Nov 2008 at 16:12

To be honest there's tons of areas open to you, do you even want to work in IT? Just because you've done a degree in Computer Science doesn't mean that you have to do it as your career. There's no reason why you can go into programming if you wanted to. Personally networking bores the be-jesus out of me, I'm far happier doing programming related stuff. To be honest a lot of graduate jobs that I looked at required pretty decent Alevels (most had requirements of BBB+) so I'm not sure listing them would be of any help for you. Good luck with what ever you go for though

UltimateBadger · 29 Nov 2008 at 16:16

Sounds like you have good qualifications - why not see if you can get on a graduate program with one of the big boys?

dowie · 29 Nov 2008 at 16:42

UltimateBadger said:
Sounds like you have good qualifications - why not see if you can get on a graduate program with one of the big boys?

^^^ this

If you're going to do an average IT support job then you might as well not have bothered with uni in the first place and just done some vendor certificates instead.

You're on course for a 1st or 2.1 so aim a bit higher and apply for some of the grad programs at IT/engineering/defence/telecoms/financial/(whatever floats your boat) companies etc.. plenty of firms will pay good money for decent computer science grads so you shouldn't have to be a help desk bod after you've worked hard for 3 years to get a degree.

Killa_ken · 29 Nov 2008 at 17:26

Get a job like all the rest of us.

blairw · 29 Nov 2008 at 18:37

BT Grad scheme is apparently very good, I'm on their apprenticeship one at the moment and enjoying it

oli collett · 29 Nov 2008 at 18:42

I would look into grad schemes if i were you - I wouldn't have thought support work is the best way to start a career (but i'm sure others will disagree)

gareth.e · 29 Nov 2008 at 18:56

He's right... Don't do monkey work.

I did it as 17! While still doing A-levels

iraiguana · 29 Nov 2008 at 19:03

Go to www.milkround.com

You have missed a lot of the larger firms graduate schemes for this year, so I would hurry up and start applications.

Lord_Kokain · 30 Nov 2008 at 01:43

I finished uni with a 2:1 in Economics, 4 decent A levels and have been working part-time and full-time since college. Nevertheless, I have struggled to get a graduate job, always failling towards their latter stages(assessment centre and/or interview). This was a job in itself for me as each application took virtually ours in terms of writing personalised answers, researching more about the company/position I apply for or simply filling in the various sections of their large forms. I dont know if I fail to meet their criteria or its the competition(they dont usually tell) but recently got tired of it and decided to simply start a more ordinary job and hope to make my work up. After all, not earning is a pain while getting all these rejections made me eventually feel like some sort of retard(maybe I am but not as much).

I dont know if I made the right decision(maybe other forum members could give their input on that) but my advise is to start off with grad jobs asap, trying the companies you fancy the most, and then also steadily look around for more down-to-earth positions(if it doesnt work out).

BigglesPiP · 30 Nov 2008 at 01:59

Find a graduate position somewhere, 2 years on the job training, followed by the fact a company has spent money training you and now would like you to work for them for a while.

Win TBH.

dangerstat · 30 Nov 2008 at 10:24

Lord_Kokain said:
I dont know if I made the right decision(maybe other forum members could give their input on that) but my advise is to start off with grad jobs asap, trying the companies you fancy the most, and then also steadily look around for more down-to-earth positions(if it doesnt work out).

Firstly it's easier to give you some tips if you post what Alevels you have (not the subjects just the grades) and when you graduated, and where from. If you have AABB or above and graduated from somewhere like Nottingham or better then certainly keep going for graduate positions.

Zefan · 30 Nov 2008 at 10:26

Have you considered the armed forces? I believe you could join as an Engineering Officer with that degree, not to sure however.

neocon · 30 Nov 2008 at 13:06

there are loads of jobs in the city, why not try there?

Lord_Kokain · 30 Nov 2008 at 14:32

dangerstat said:
Firstly it's easier to give you some tips if you post what Alevels you have (not the subjects just the grades) and when you graduated, and where from. If you have AABB or above and graduated from somewhere like Nottingham or better then certainly keep going for graduate positions.

ABBC and graduated this year from City University. Do you then think that any of those puts me in a bad position?