Leaving Cert 2012-13 OFF-TOPIC (hideaway) thread

bluejay14 · 15-02-2013 4:53pm

I think the only hope of me getting a job is if it hits me in the face tbh. As much as I'd love a job I'd rather run a mile than walk right in and ask for the manager....serious awkwardness here.

Supermensch · 15-02-2013 4:54pm

decisions wrote: »

Your probably better off looking for work in the city, only problem is more people will be applying for the jobs so you will need to sell yourself more.

Due to health stuff and 6th year holiday I'm not able to work until August which is annoying because I'm going to need the cash. and I've nothing on my CV, I'm thinking of teaching myself ECDL then paying for the tests just so I have something.

Anyone got any idea of good, short courses I could do or start after the leaving?

Look, if it were me, I really wouldn't bother with the ECDL. If you really want some official computer certification, I would go with the CompTIA A+. But even that is pretty ho hum. In regards computers, it would be more impressive to write on a CV "I'm teaching myself to write Java/C#/C++" than it would to be qualified in what these certs warrant. Even if the job your applying for won't entail writing any code (and it probably won't, damn auditors), saying that you're learning a programming language shows a certain level of competency with computers.

Parawhore.xD · 15-02-2013 5:01pm

decisions wrote: »

In other news a pigeon just flew into my window. Nearly gave me a heart attack.

Hahaha that's happened to me in Chemistry class before. There was a crow shaped imprint on the window for ages! Nearly burst myself laughing :P

decisions · 15-02-2013 5:20pm

Supermensch wrote: »

Look, if it were me, I really wouldn't bother with the ECDL. If you really want some official computer certification, I would go with the CompTIA A+. But even that is pretty ho hum. In regards computers, it would be more impressive to write on a CV "I'm teaching myself to write Java/C#/C++" than it would to be qualified in what these certs warrant. Even if the job your applying for won't entail writing any code (and it probably won't, damn auditors), saying that you're learning a programming language shows a certain level of competency with computers.

I briefly went looking for a job at the end of last year doing anything even remotely computer related and every single firm asked did I have or was I doing ECDL.

Prodigious · 15-02-2013 5:22pm

decisions wrote: »

I briefly went looking for a job at the end of last year doing anything even remotely computer related and every single firm asked did I have or was I doing ECDL.

That's ridiculous.

11Charlie11 · 15-02-2013 5:26pm

How do you get ECDL like do you buy it on the Internet?

kevin12345 · 15-02-2013 5:36pm

11Charlie11 wrote: »

How do you get ECDL like do you buy it on the Internet?

It's quite expensive actually. We were lucky enough to get it in our school for a discount of €50. Next term I'll be doing something in Microsoft that costs hundreds outside of school but we are getting it for €15. Our teacher said it's basically like having a Masters in all things Microsoft.

On the topic of jobs. I've been working in a shop for about 2 years now? Trying to balance the LC with work hasn't been too bad. My employer is extremely reasonable (I only work Sundays during school weeks) and I had 2 weeks off before the mocks to study. I'm one of the lucky ones. All my friends are looking for jobs even ones who are doing the LC. A few of us are after booking accommodation for next year, the prices are scary. :pac:

Poufsouffle · 15-02-2013 5:43pm

I like the idea of having lots of money to buy whatever I want but I don't really want to work for it.
Pretty sure I'll be able to get a job next summer where my mum works though.
Dying with a cold right now

decisions · 15-02-2013 5:47pm

Methememb wrote: »

That's ridiculous.

To be fair half of them were data entry jobs, but yeh it was a bit. Then I looked into the cost of the course and decided I'd be better off just buying a book and just pay for the tests. Never did it tho.

ray2012 · 15-02-2013 5:53pm

decisions wrote: »

To be fair half of them were data entry jobs, but yeh it was a bit. Then I looked into the cost of the course and decided I'd be better off just buying a book and just pay for the tests. Never did it tho.

The ECDL is useless in my opinion. :P We did it with the school, and we all passed it. All it's basically about is Microsoft Word and some basics of that.. It was also taught horribly by the teachers. When someone did a test, the teacher sat beside you with the answers and gave you the answers so you couldn't fail. (I won't complain about it!) :pac:

But yeah, even if I learned the course properly, I don't think I would have learned much new things as they are pretty basic. Also, my uncle works with a big computer company and thinks the ECDL is the biggest load of crap. :P I suppose it's good to have on your CV, but just to lengthen it out to be honest. :pac:

decisions · 15-02-2013 5:58pm

It is very basic and probably a total waste of time, but as I have nothing whatsoever on my CV at the moment and with the experience of last year I'm kinda thinking I may as well.

Leaving Cert Student · 15-02-2013 6:05pm

Showcasing your ECDL qualification to an employer is like marrying a woman you have never met. you both realize it doesn't mean a thing but you go long with the farce anyway!

Jade. · 15-02-2013 7:08pm

I can't remember most of the things I learned from ECDL (did it in 4th year) even though I'm quite good with computers!

Parawhore.xD · 15-02-2013 7:28pm

Colm I just watched you vs the poets, thank you thank you thank you for making that point about Plath on drugs. My English teacher flat out refused to even consider this as a possibility. But I knew I was right, thank you for that :P

Prodigious · 15-02-2013 7:48pm

Parawhore.xD wrote: »

Colm I just watched you vs the poets, thank you thank you thank you for making that point about Plath on drugs. My English teacher flat out refused to even consider this as a possibility. But I knew I was right, thank you for that :P

Link?