Poll: Possible IT Job opportunity...

So yeah what do you guys think?

  • Bite. His. Hand. Off.

    Votes: 95 69.9%

  • Bite. His. Hand. Off.

    Votes: 41 30.1%
  • Total voters
    136

SoundEng

SoundEng

SoundEng

Soldato
Joined
4 Mar 2008
Posts
2,614
Location
Wandsworth
Hi all,

Just wanted to ask your opinions on an opportunity that has arisen for me.

Let me start by saying that I am 16 and currently finishing off my GCSE's (last exam next Friday 24th June) I am intending to come back to school to do A levels.

Now Last night, the career's woman at school phoned me saying that they had had a parent phone up who was looking for someone to work for him over the summer holidays, and that I had been recommended by the IT department. This parent owns a small IT consultancy firm who specialise in database systems (I think). They currently have an ongoing contract with a big investment bank in London.

Now I haven't personally spoken to him, but from what he said to the woman school it would basically involve:

  • Working in London, probably Canary wharf, however he said that travel expenses would be paid for.
  • It would probably be full time, Monday - Friday. :eek: This is the bit I'd be most worried about, as it would mean giving up my whole summer. Also I am not sure that I am ready to work full time yet.
  • Pay is negotiable, but having never been employed before, I have no idea what to expect? :confused:
  • I do not know the details of what the actual work would be, but apparently it's software based and to do with their data-storage. I am told it will involve SQL (Never had ANY Experience with SQL, although I do know of it, and probably could describe what it did etc)
  • I am told that it would involve FULL training in the areas required + a little bit of programming if I was interested. Seeing as I do not have much experience in database/data storage systems, I would definitely need this. I have only ever used Access.

I do have a lot of background IT knowledge, however not much to do with software...

What I have done:

  • Built My Own Computer, when I was 13
  • Setup a home network, consisting intially of a switch and file server
  • Setup a domain for use at home with roaming profiles (to a certain extent, never fully completely the project, but the principle is there)
  • Setup a Primary DC and Secondary DC, along with a DHCP server, two DNS servers
  • Setup and Enclosure of 14 HDD's in RAID 5 to use with the server, connected by a SCSI 160 interface

So, basically I am completely torn with this. I realise that it would be an excellent experience and opportunity, however I am not sure whether I am willing/able to give my whole summer (He wants work from beginning of July to beginning of September. It would also look great on my CV/personal statement for UNI or future jobs.

Also so I would be worried about the fact that I would be working with mission critical data, alongside someone else, and not feel confident that I wouldn't make mistakes etc. Even after the training, as I have had NO prior experience, i sort of feel I am being thrown in at the deep end!

The main part that is worrying me, is the full time bit. I would much rather work, say 3 days a week, or do a 3 week stint of full time or something, but not the whole summer.

So yeah what do you guys think? Also some help writing a CV would be very helpful! As I have to email it to him by MONDAY latest. (!)

Thanks Guys!

EDIT: HOLY WALL OF TEXT! :eek: sorry about that :S

EDIT 2: Also have avoided lifts for the last 5 years after an incident in one.... Canary wharf + fear of lifts = bad :S :p

EDIT 3: Some useful/helpful replies too please guys ;)
 
Last edited:
Go for it, you'll be able to take holiday during the time there, sounds a cracking opportunity and you could probably go back next summer or maybe xmas/easter too
 
Go for it. It's incredible experience on your CV whcih would be hard to get otherwise.

But be aware that investment banks can be quite high pressure, even in the IT departments (currently doing exactly that in Canary Wharf). Although I'd expect that as a trainee you should be shielded from that.
 
You'd be bored after a fortnight anyway during the summer, you'll enjoy having cash in your pocket and experience under your belt which many university students would kill for.

Go for it, you are a plonker if you don't at 16. They aren't looking for someone to make tea if they've specifically looked for someone who has an aptitude for IT by contacting the school directly.
 
This is a life changing opportunity. You will still have evenings and weekends free to do what you want. You may find that they will give you a day off or two if you impress them.
 
Abraham said:
Go for it, you'll be able to take holiday during the time there, sounds a cracking opportunity and you could probably go back next summer or maybe xmas/easter too
Click to expand...

Halfmad said:
You'd be bored after a fortnight anyway during the summer, you'll enjoy having cash in your pocket and experience under your belt which many university students would kill for.

Go for it, you are a plonker if you don't at 16. They aren't looking for someone to make tea if they've specifically looked for someone who has an aptitude for IT by contacting the school directly.
Click to expand...

HamZilla said:
This is a life changing opportunity. You will still have evenings and weekends free to do what you want. You may find that they will give you a day off or two if you impress them.
Click to expand...

I know its a great opportunity, and I really would want to do it, but i forgot to mention in the first post, is that I don't really want to go into IT (or this side of it, as I am more of a Hardware guy) but into sound engineering.

Although the experience may still be relevant
 
Definitely go for it!

If not, send them my way, I plan on doing computer sci at uni and that would look great on my CV/Personal Statement! :D

EDIT: I'd still do it, even if you plan on doing Sound Engineering just in case you decide to change your mind, it really is a fantastic opportunity!
 
Don't worry about being dropped in at the deep end - they know you're only 16 so I'm sure they'll ease you into it.

I doubt it will help with your uni application unless you're planning on applying for Oxford/Cambridge but still fantastic experience for you, especially in the finance sector.
 
Any good prospective employer will be impressed by your work experience for a company based in Canary Wharf, that isn't McDonalds/Pret.

Plus you will be exposed to high quality totty on a daily basis.
 
Definitely take him up on it, wish I had an opportunity like this at your age!
With regards to experience and concern of making mistakes, provided you have been given the appropriate training you'll be fine and when in doubt check with your colleges.

You wouldn't be giving up your whole summer you're putting it to good use more like!

Get your CV to him tomorrow, link it here if you want any feedback.

HamZilla said:
Plus you will be exposed to high quality totty on a daily basis.
Click to expand...

That should surely seal the deal!
 
Last edited:
Investment banking in Canary Wharf is pretty much going to be one of:

Credit Suisse
Citi
Barcap (part of Barclays of course)
Bank of America Merryl Lynch
HSBC may have some investment banking here too

All great companies to have on your CV.
 
CreAtiv3 said:
Definitely take him up on it, wish I had an opportunity like this at your age!
With regards to experience and concern of making mistakes, provided you have been given the appropriate training you'll be fine and when in doubt check with your colleges.

You wouldn't be giving up your whole summer you're putting it to good use more like!

Get your CV to him tomorrow, link it here if you want any feedback.



That should surely seal the deal!
Click to expand...

of course ;)

but seriously yeh I think I will, all my mates have been pushing me to take it so... :)

NOW HELP!

I have never put together a CV before :S anyone feel like giving me some pointers? :)

Obviously need name/dob/contact details/address etc.

Experience with IT? AS level/Home stuff?

Education?

Reasons for wanting it? etc

cheers
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom