Worth dropping uni for a job?

Kristoph · 17 Nov 2007 at 17:35

This is only a thought, I've not even applied for the job yet... but..

I saw in a paper back home where I live today, a job description for a job that I'm at university studying for. The job back home said that experience wasn't required, as they'd train you up.

I was tempted to get my CV sorted and sent off to them, see what comes of it - but if I did get the offer - should I drop uni and forget my qualification?

I'm in my 2nd year.

:confused:

Kristoph · 17 Nov 2007 at 17:44

The job is a Crime Scene Investigator role for the Avon and Somerset Police, the role doesn't require any qualifications judging from the description, they train you themselves.

I've done Chemistry and Biology at college, and BTEC in Forensic Science.

I'm in my 2nd year at uni studying a BSc in Forensic and Crime Scene Science.

Kristoph · 17 Nov 2007 at 18:05

A.N.Other said:
How long is your course? If it's three years and you're in the second, then it would seem a bit daft to drop out now. With virtually any job, advancement is always benefited by qualifications.

3 year course. But if I can get my foot in the door now, in a job that has very few openings in the UK I think it would be wise. Who's to say when I've finished my degree it might not be the best anyway - I may not get a chance like this again.

But on the other hand, if the job didn't work out for me and I left - I'd be stuck with no qualifications...

Kristoph · 17 Nov 2007 at 18:14

camels5 said:
My daughter says no because she wants to apply for the job

Nooooooo...... how old is she lol? o well, as long as my application is in by Friday its all I can do.

High chance they'll say no, but I fancy getting put on their list - might increase my chances next time I apply.

Kristoph · 17 Nov 2007 at 18:17

neocon said:
you're an idiot if you drop out

You realise though that what I've been studying my ass off for is available to me now??? You think I should stay in uni and skip applying for my dream job? :confused:

Kristoph · 17 Nov 2007 at 19:11

Yeah, I'm not intending to drop out unless I did get the job and it was all confirmed etc. I think I should wait until I'm in a position to make a decision, right now everything is secure - got a secure job and my studies.

Kristoph · 17 Nov 2007 at 19:44

I love uni, yeah. But at the end of the day I'm here for one thing - to get a job at the end of it.

Anyway, my closest mates here are all on 3rd year placements so they'll all be disappearing

Kristoph · 17 Nov 2007 at 20:05

Angilion said:
It might be worth enquiring about the possibility of doing a relevant degree on a part-time basis while doing this job. Some employers will pay for such things on the basis that it makes an employee a more valuable asset. It might go down well with your potential employer.

Looking for flies in the ointment - are you sure that this job is actually the one you're after, the one you're doing a degree to get? Or is it a lower-grade one made to sound the same? Is it possible that the job you're thinking of applying for effectively tops out at being an assistant to a person with the job you're doing a degree to get?

Good points, and yeah it is what I'd be applying for after my degree -

"Conducting scene examinations at all levels up to and including major crime, requires broad scientific knowledge (may mean a degree??) coupled with the ability to accurately record information and an acute eye for detail."

"You will be required to successfully complete an Initial Crime Scenes Examiners Course, and will be encouraged to gain the Diploma in Scientific Support Skills and to register with the Council of Forensic Practicioners."

Can't you try and get a placement at this place which leads onto a job?

Applying for this might lead to a possible job after my degree, I'll just let them know my situation, see what the response is.

Kristoph · 18 Nov 2007 at 19:03

Beansprout said:
Let's see, medicine, City work, scientific work....

The OP is slightly mad...there's lots of job adverts for my field at the moment, but, er, I'm not going for them because I'm still in uni! I think the real reason is that the OP isn't enjoying uni that much, perhaps....

I'm loving Uni, was a great move and I've met a load of decent people and it's helped me mature and become more responsible / independant.

The course is enjoyable and I'm keeping on top of work, it's just if I was offered the place in a job I'd be going for after my degree then I might aswell save the extra year of debt.

They train me up on a couple of courses, so I guess they'd be taken with me if I ever left. I think the only reason I'd drop from Uni is if I had the option to study alongside my career in the future, or possibly to finish off my degree whilst in this job.

I'm swaying a lot more towards staying at Uni for the main reason:

What if I don't enjoy it?
What if I move off to NZ and need to leave my job?
What if I get stuck at the same position and wage for the rest of my career?

All of these wouldn't be a problem if I had my degree. Who knows? Maybe I'll get an interview and ask me to come back after my degree anyway.

Kristoph · 18 Nov 2007 at 19:43

markyp23 said:
Why would you need to move off to NZ?

Surely in a position with having a job and being independent you wouldn't have to do anything. It would be your decision (and hopefully a proactive one)!

I may be moving to NZ with my parents in a couple of years, been planning it for a while and they're waiting for me and my brother to be in the position to go out there before they make the move. Another reason why getting my degree would probably be the better option.