University...

Chandler_90

Chandler_90

Chandler_90

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The thread title is a little loose on what I need to sort out as this is a pretty large step for me, if I take it.

At present I work for a family owned Electrical/Mechanical Engineering firm, the Director of which is my Father. I am his only son (that I know of :o )

I have worked on and off for this company for the past 6 years as a Electrical Engineer, specialising in installation and fault finding of 3 phase 440v systems. I am also the main service engineer for the company (we service overhead warehouse cranes and jibs).

As this is a family owned business there is very little held back in the way of criticism, with constant sarcastic remarks and indepth, bordering on personal, criticism.

Do to the nature of the job I am consistently finding myself working anywhere between 60 and 140ft in the air, even when I have expressed deep concern regarding these height as i am a little uneasy with them. Yet I am still sent.

I am very unhappy at work and this is spreading into my personal life. I am constantly miserable and that in itself gets me down.

Over the last few weeks I have been debating applying for University as I have always wanted a degree and feel that this is really my last chance at salvaging a career (I have just had my 28th Birthday 2 weeks ago) in what I know and do best, Computing.

After a little research I have came to the conclusion that perhaps my best option of degree, leading to a career, would be Computing Forensics followed by a further year acquiring a Digital Forensics certification.

I got in contact with a local University regarding this course and was instructed to send an email giving details of past education and relevant work placements, I sent this last night and I have received a positive response stating that I should apply through UCAS ASAP.

Prior to working with my father I have about 8 years worth of college experience studying IT and I held a Network Advisor role at one of the big department stores in this region.

I have £8.5k already saved and only need to clear 1.5k from my credit card to be completely debt free. I live with my mother rent free and only have 1 bill which is a mobile phone.

At present there only seems one option, go to University and get a career.

Is it that easy? I am already feeling guilt at the thought of quiting as my father is close to retirement age and would like me to "stick in, show interest and make money".

Any advice?
Has anyone studied Computing Forensics?
Are the career options as good as they seem?

I know this is a massive post but I have a lot on my mind atm and figure this place if full of wise people.

Thanks :)
 
If computing is what you want to do then you should go for it but as you're no doubt well aware it will be a very big change from your current occupation. Have you discussed this plan with your father? Is there any possibility of you working for your father part time through university so that he's not completely without someone to do the work and it gives you a bit extra funding? That is of course assuming you will be living near enough and you don't mind doing it occasionally.

I don't know anything much about forensic computing but it's worth ensuring that your potential university has a good reputation in the field and preferably links to companies who could offer work placements.
 
My advice would be to go for Computer Science instead, it will open many more doors for you.

Then, specialize in forensics with a masters degree.
 
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What university? It's becoming more and more important to go to one with a good overall reputation.

I don't know anything about computer forensics, but my advice would be don't go chasing the $ - I did and am regretting it a bit now. Ironically if I had my time again I'd probably try for a career in Electrical Engineering :)
 
I am only 19 but will offer my small bit of advice!
I am almost 99% certain you are to late to apply for UCAS this year, however it will be worth giving them a ring to see if you can sort anything out, you may be able to apply through clearing in August but i'm sure the UCAS guys will explain all!
You shouldn't be to concerned about finance as far as I am aware you will still be able to apply for a student loan etc, but this is your choice if you feel you can fund your way through your course. Of course if you are planning to stay at home and go to your local uni then you will only need to fork out for the course fund.
 
I'd be heading for either Newcastle or Northumbria University.

Thing is.. I could make some serious cash, talking up to 80k per year, if I stick it out.
I am aware that money does not bring happiness as I am on track to go over 30k this tax year and I am pretty much rock bottom atm.

Btw.. to add some history to this.. I was in College in 2000 doing a HND in Multimedia design. I got sidetracked by the lure of women and nights out partying.

I've learnt my lessons from this experience and have not made this mistake since.

The last course I completed was a HNC in Computing and Business Technology, finishing majority of the units with a Merit grade. I ended up getting a clean sweep of Distinction grades for every unit of the 3rd year, including the Project unit for the course.

My project was classed as "astounding" by the tutor who marked it.

I am dedicated to sticking in, I need to get my life turned round asap.

I have also thought about the funding..

If I stick my 7k (minus the 1.5k CC bill) in an ISA over the 3 years then I could really reduce the course fees due to the interest I'll make.

Therefore I could get a Student Loan for the required amount and pay it all off in one big lump at the end :)

In theory...
 
Taken from the email..

"We would definitely welcome an application from you. This would have to be made via UCAS and as this course is not yet full, would be considered in the same way as before the UCAS deadline."

So fingers crossed all should be ok with an application..

I now need to look into UCAS applications...
 
Remember that course fees go up and ISAs are paying below the rate of inflation.

Look at this.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Educati...ation/StudentFinance/Gettingstarted/DG_171574

If you haven't done a degree before you are entitled to student loans.

These loans you only pay back if you earn over £15k. So you pay 9% on every pound over that threshold. Otherwise since you haven't benefited from from the degree, you don't pay anything.

Also, I'd be careful in looking at job prospects. It may turn out you earn very little more than the £30k you do now but are having to pay 9% on 15k.

However, if you are determined to do a degree, it doesn't hurt to get whatever amount you need on top.
 
Chandler_90 said:
Taken from the email..

"We would definitely welcome an application from you. This would have to be made via UCAS and as this course is not yet full, would be considered in the same way as before the UCAS deadline."

So fingers crossed all should be ok with an application..

I now need to look into UCAS applications...
Click to expand...

Start the UCAS application anyway. It doesn't cost a huge amount and takes a bit of time so you can complete it and start going through the motions while making your mind up.
 
I work in computer forensics for a "Big Four" audit firm, feel free to add me to MSN/email me for a chat.

In terms of degrees, I graduated top of my class from the University of Bristol having studied Computer Science, but this is certainly not a requirement. There are many paths to a career in forensics if that's what your end goal is.
 
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Cheers for all the help guys :)

Kreeeee... I'll add ya on MSN or email ya, I need to ensure this is exactly what I would like as a career!

Wow... UCAS want a lot of info lol
 
I have just about finished the UCAS application now, Had problems with VM (again!!) and then my RC1 W7 went nuts so I had to buy retail, install configure etc.

Going for Computing Forensics, Computer Science and Information Technology in Business Management. I'm also gonna apply for a course aimed at systems support..

Incidentally to give you an idea of my work place atm... I've been ill with a damn bug thats around for a week or so... decided I needed a day off to rest and hammer Lemsip etc... Looking at the weather and the fact that I would have been outside working in the rain it seems like I made the right decision...

So far I've had 6 phone calls from my boss/dad stating how selfish/incompetent/Useless I am and how I've ruined his day.

Hence... I need to go to university.

/rant.
 
Chandler_90 said:
I have just about finished the UCAS application now, Had problems with VM (again!!) and then my RC1 W7 went nuts so I had to buy retail, install configure etc.

Going for Computing Forensics, Computer Science and Information Technology in Business Management. I'm also gonna apply for a course aimed at systems support..

Incidentally to give you an idea of my work place atm... I've been ill with a damn bug thats around for a week or so... decided I needed a day off to rest and hammer Lemsip etc... Looking at the weather and the fact that I would have been outside working in the rain it seems like I made the right decision...

So far I've had 6 phone calls from my boss/dad stating how selfish/incompetent/Useless I am and how I've ruined his day.

Hence... I need to go to university.

/rant.
Click to expand...

Go to University. Live. Your father doesn't seem to appreciate your help and even if he did, you need to follow your own path.

Make now the most important time, you sound like a capable person, make the most of the limited time you in this world.
 
I work in computer forensics for the police OP...it's a different environment to private sector but if you wanted another view then feel free to email me.
Computer forensics, Marky, basically involves looking at a hard drive or digital camera or anything that can store data and analyzing what's on it. At it's most basic level it could be saying 'there are four pictures and here they are', but you quite often have to get down to the hex level to work out how a picture or a file got there, who accessed it, what they did with it etc.
 
Masterdog said:
I work in computer forensics for the police OP...it's a different environment to private sector but if you wanted another view then feel free to email me.
Computer forensics, Marky, basically involves looking at a hard drive or digital camera or anything that can store data and analyzing what's on it. At it's most basic level it could be saying 'there are four pictures and here they are', but you quite often have to get down to the hex level to work out how a picture or a file got there, who accessed it, what they did with it etc.
Click to expand...

Wow that does sound interesting :)
A bit like - and I'm going to sound a newb here but - when in Mission Impossible 3 where Simon Peggs character is investigating the burnt hard drive? :p
 
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