Part Time IT Related courses

waiwaiwk

waiwaiwk

waiwaiwk

Associate
Joined
21 Aug 2006
Posts
37
Hi all,

I'm thinking of trying a career in IT. I have a computing A-Level, but haven't really checked what current qualifications are required to become a specialist in a certain field. I also have a degree in Psychology, which isn't really relevant.

I decided to move away from computing after my A-Levels because I found programming boring, even though I was great with computers in general. I knew that was kind of a mistake and computers aren't all about programming.

Does anyone know what kind of courses I'd be likely to take? I'm interested in Networking and more of the hardware side of computers, possibly also web design. I'd be looking at taking this part time and hope this would give me the qualifications to apply for a lot of the IT jobs currently out there.

Anyway, all advice is welcome. I'm currently working full time and I'm about to take a masters at uni...Just want to know what is on offer to me....
 
My university offers a evening courses for four years which eventually amount to a CS degree. I'm not suggesting you do a degree but something along these lines would allow you to work at the same time. Maybe the Open University has something suited to you.

Getting the trade off between a useful qualification and over-committing yourself will be difficult.

Would you consider a MSc in Networking or something? Your post never mentions what Masters you are hoping to achieve. You may have to do something prep work but I would look at it.

I'm not an employer just a humble CS student interested in any suggestions given to you.
 
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I will hate myself in the morning for saying this but I would recommend having a look at one set of the Microsoft courses which you could then complete in your own time and at your own pace. Obviously, depending on exactly what sector your interested in you could have a go at a MCDST if you were wanting to get into Desktop Support or MCSE for more indepth for networking etc (however if I remember correctly you do need some of the other Microsoft courses done before you move onto this one). Or any of the others that you can do, theres plenty out there. ;)

:o
 
I was thinking maybe a network engineer.
Well Msc is actually in Research Methodology in Psychology, I'm hoping to go into research, but seeing as I'm apt at computing, I wanted it as a backup career! :)

Also with the degree, most of the problem is paying for it, and atm I cannot do...can only just afford my msc. But hopefully in the future I can do a computer course. I have been looking at online IT courses, and also the Microsoft ones...

I'll take em one at a time, I'm only 22!!!

edit: very nice mini cooper btw, I was looking at buying one myself, I just sold my clio (worst cars in history?)....but I only sold to help fund my course :-S so maybe later.
 
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To be really honest I've not met anyone how really understands much about computing after taking one of these Cisco / MS type courses, so perhaps your best avoiding them. I don't think the OU is a bad idea - you could just pick up a few modules?

When you say "apt at computing" - what do you mean - you can program (c, c++, java?) or more database skills? or what? Might help us help you
 
I'm only really hoping to take these courses to gain the qualification, I mean the material I reckon would be quite easy to study.

Computing and IT are terms used interchangeably nowadays, and I think they're very different. IT is more about... well information technology, whereas programming is veered onto the side of computing more. and I think I'm more "apt" at IT side and how networks operate, their architecture etc.

In short, I know everything there is to know about computers, except I can't programme for the life of me. I am learning though through e-books etc just as a hobby, mostly web development and design.

Ahh, it's a nice discussion though.
 
If you're interested in the hardware side what about Electronics Engineering? Mostly hardware (although I think there will be some C++ in there - Anyone who has done this degree can correct if I'm wrong). How is your maths ability? AFAIK it is pretty heavy on the maths side. But then so is CS.

What is it about programming you dislike? What is it about networking that you like? The more ino you give, the more helpful answers you will get.
 
well programming is sitting at a screen for hours on end....and networking gives me more freedom to move around, I'm talking about career here....if you know what I mean.

I think even though Cisco courses etc may not improve my knowledge of computers, I can accept that, having a cisco qualification is good enough for me as it is recognised by quite a lot of companies.

Yeah also my maths ability is ..... questionable. I'm okay on stats though, although that is unrelated.... I never wanted to do a CS degree because I knew there would be maths and programming involved, very heavily too.

Anyone here in an IT related field? Or studying for one?
 
Experience + Quals > Experience > Quals > Nothing.

Networking also has it's fair share of sitting in front of screens, unless you just want to cable up buildings for minimum wage all day.

waiwaiwk said:
In short, I know everything there is to know about computers, except I can't programme for the life of me.
Click to expand...

:|
 
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waiwaiwk said:
In short, I know everything there is to know about computers, except I can't programme for the life of me.
Click to expand...

ironhide_facepalm.jpg
 
Hate said:
Networking also has it's fair share of sitting in front of screens, unless you just want to cable up buildings for minimum wage all day.
Click to expand...

Er, I know wages aren't exactly that high but that is bull****. Maybe if you're a school technician, but no company worth its salt pays network technicians minimum wage. Especially not if they expect you to be CCNP qualified and have experience.

It isn't a waste of time getting qualified to back up your knowledge and experience either, which we agree on :)
 
Yup, Will be checking all avenues. Maybe after my Msc, I'll start looking at it, or after Phd??

I think 20k is the minimum that you will ever get in a networking/IT job. And if you're good you could be earning up to 40-50k.....I heard. :-S
 
waiwaiwk said:
Yup, Will be checking all avenues. Maybe after my Msc, I'll start looking at it, or after Phd??

I think 20k is the minimum that you will ever get in a networking/IT job. And if you're good you could be earning up to 40-50k.....I heard. :-S
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*chuckles*
 
:eek:
double-facepalm.jpg


Right lets sort this out. Yes it is possible to earn 40-50k in a 'networking/IT job' but there is a hell of a lot variety especially when it comes to Roles/Responsibility/Salary. When starting out and if it is your first IT Job - more so if it is your first in networking then you can't really expect a 40-50k straight away. With those kind of jobs you would be looking at 'Network Manager' or some sort. If you had no experience then you would be going for a job title like 'Junior Network Administrator' then progress through the company/job roles. Think of it in sections or bands. With Junior/Apprentice kind of positions companies usually expect that they will have to train you up and will in some if not most cases pay for your training - which is needed for you to do your job.

:rolleyes:

Just to try clear this up, you could be looking at anywhere between 10k (or maybe less depending what it is, ie what training is involved) to 20k (roles at 20k usually require some relevant qualifications and at least a year or more experience in that field - once again I am saying this a bit tongue in cheek as it will differ from job to job).

And I am also trying to break into the IT industry one day, got some training/qualifications (will obviously need more eventually) but I would research this a lot before making up your mind - no point wasting money/time on courses if your not interested or serious.
 
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