Looking to go into computing/IT training, advice sought

[A.Baird3]

I'm studying health sciences with the Open Uni, however I'm not enjoying it that much and regretting not going into computing like I should have. I'm pondering switching to computing when the next round of modules start (October). I'm fairly computer literate, made my own websites (html, css, a little php), taught myself Java many years ago, but have no employment experience in computing.

OU offers computing + IT degrees, and a cyber security degree (the 'glamorous' option). I feel the OU route is safe as I'm used to their structure, and I'd be starting from the ground up effectively. However I'm aware guessing the OU isn't the only game in town...

What alternative training options are out there, starting from beginner/novice, up to something to a decent level that employers want? I'm looking myself but some suggestions/experiences would be great to hear. Is a degree vital, or are other courses suitable to gain job entry? Or degree first, then on-the-job/employer backed training?

On a side, but perhaps relevant note, I'm nearing 40, and as I said no work experience in this area, is this a major drawback? I'm looking at options so I'm putting the tentacles out here, and appreciate any suggestions/advice. I want to make the switch sonner rather than later, as I'm not satisfied or happy with my current degree path. Health was picked as a 'safe' option, should have went with my gut and went with computing from the start.

 

[dowie]

Well it sort of depends on what your goals are in terms of career? Degree is more useful for some IT careers than others - in general it is useful to have one, though if you're studying part time then no reason why you can't say change careers while studying.

Other degree options perhaps if you're studying and working are to look at other part time courses - University of London distance learning options could be cheaper than OU for example, though AFAIK it's basically self study then exams. Birkbeck (if you're in London) could be worth a look too.

It seems at least one UoL degree is available via coursera, others listed on the UoL website:

https://www.coursera.org/degrees/bachelor-of-science-computer-science-london

If you're perhaps looking to do something more advanced/technical then maybe worth combining with maths/stats at undergrad.

What area is your current work experience in - is there some way you could combine past experience with IT? That would be worth considering.

MOOCs could be available from coursera and the other usual suspects, Udacitiy's nanodegrees are quite varied now too though some no longer have free to access courses, you do need to pay in order to see the materials rather than just if you want the certificate.

Lastly - do you already have a degree in another subject? If so then you might be able to save some time with an MSc instead - there are some which are basically conversion courses.

 

[A.Baird3]

I'm in Scotland, which helps in regards to no tuition fee's, and course fee's covered too from SAAS. I have no relevant experience in IT and have been out of the work place for some time due to health issues, and no transferable work experience as such. I'm getting my act together after some time of ill health, and I'm ready to go somewhere with my life, and I feel computing/IT is the best place as I tend towards that sort of stuff. I like science and the health science degree I'm on as it's interesting subject matters, but not enough to want to do it as a career.

I see there are places that offer courses and certification, cisco certification etc. However I'm starting out from a low level, so a foundational start offered by a degree might be the best. I'm guessing, I have more exploring to do. Does an OU degree in computing + IT get you far in the world these days? I read, admittedly many years ago, that the OU was in the top 10 ranked/respected uni's in UK, not least due to the self-discipline self-motivation needed to complete it.

 

[dowie]

Again it depends what you want to do etc.. your abilities can get you quite far too, building the skill set for your job is important too - tech business does reward people who can get stuff done and are competent.

 

[Zefan]

What is it about IT/computing that interests you? Google around and you'll quickly discover that it's next to impossible to advise you without knowing your preferences, even if they are rough. Degrees are always useful, but depending on your discipline it could be a waste of time vs other options.

From your opening post it sounds like you've mainly dipped your toe in to web dev, but you later talk about cisco certifications. Although these are beginning to converge in some ways, web/software development and network engineering remain quite different disciplines.

 

[swillsy]

If you are in Scotland I would recommend doing the degree full stop - its great value and an opportunity that the UK guys don't have if you can get it for free. Degrees are great for getting the foot in the door but you need to consider what exactly in IT you want as there is lots of different skills to develop. If you are unsure you could always do a general IT degree which will give you insight to a lot of different areas and avoids you starting a specialist course and finding out you dont like it or the pay is rubbish. Once you are in a company don't expect it to help any further though!

 

[A.Baird3]

I figure then that as I don't know what area is of particular interest, and I'm vague, the general computing and IT degree would be the best option as it should cover the bases. That said, there's one that specifies communications and networking, that sounds appealing. I have more to consider.

What do you think of the OU doing a degree for cyber security specifically? Gimmicky? http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/computing-it/degrees/bsc-cyber-security-r60 Too niche for someone without a background in IT, or a direct route in? I'm not considering it as such, just intrigued and curious.

Thanks for the feedback so far, all food for thought.

 

[dowie]

Well not necessarily - I mean if you're interested in that area then maybe it's not too bad an idea... but again the poster above has already made the obvious point there.

You don't even need an IT/computing degree to work in tech (granted you don't necessarily need a degree at all) - maths, physics and engineering degrees can be useful too - in some (specialist) areas perhaps more useful than the typical UK CS degree.

Degree apprenticeships might be worth a look - you skip the tuition fees (moot point for you I guess) and get paid by the sponsoring company to work alongside studying over 4 years...

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/apprenticeships/degree-apprenticeships

A few IT related areas "digital and technology solutions" seems to be offered at several, also a project management degree and an embedded systems degree...