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Which degree course for computers?

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  • 09-04-2015 5:42pm
    #1
    TallGlass
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,935 ✭✭✭


    Hi and thanks for any advise.

    Following on from a thread where someone told me the CCNA was a sack of dirt basically. Which I entirely disagree with by the way and will still complete till cert over summer. I have noticed my lack of degree in IT. I am on the ladder at the moment working full time in a level 1 helpdesk role. But have decided to go back and study part time for a degree.

    I seen this one in DIT

    BSc Information Systems and Information Technology (DT249)

    Would anyone rate this? Would it be good for my CV or anyone have any better degree course that I could do part time.


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    #2
    MRTULES
    Registered Users Posts: 638 ✭✭✭MRTULES


    TallGlass wrote: »
    Hi and thanks for any advise.

    Following on from a thread where someone told me the CCNA was a sack of dirt basically. Which I entirely disagree with by the way and will still complete till cert over summer. I have noticed my lack of degree in IT. I am on the ladder at the moment working full time in a level 1 helpdesk role. But have decided to go back and study part time for a degree.

    I seen this one in DIT

    BSc Information Systems and Information Technology (DT249)

    Would anyone rate this? Would it be good for my CV or anyone have any better degree course that I could do part time.

    What do you want to do/work as?
    While a degree is always a good idea, the fact you already have your foot in the door and are pursuing CCNA might mean you won't need a degree to get to where you want to go. CCNA might be a sack of dirt if you are looking at doing something not network related but IMO its a perfect first step on the ladder.


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    #3
    TallGlass
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,935 ✭✭✭TallGlass


    MRTULES wrote: »
    What do you want to do/work as?
    While a degree is always a good idea, the fact you already have your foot in the door and are pursuing CCNA might mean you won't need a degree to get to where you want to go. CCNA might be a sack of dirt if you are looking at doing something not network related but IMO its a perfect first step on the ladder.

    I honestly have no idea, if I walked into work tomorrow and they said there is a position on the network team as a junior, I would equally be as trilled if offered a Unix, Database Admin, System Engineer, Software or NOC role.

    I have done the Netacad route before, so going to push and get the cert again, as I feel its something I can do now and then do something in the evenings coming September when the colleges start. I am only 25 so want to start putting down the solid foundations of a career.

    I would also like to have a degree if I ever wanted to move companies, I think it would be easier.


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    #4
    Eire Go Brach
    Registered Users Posts: 1,368 ✭✭✭Eire Go Brach


    TallGlass wrote: »
    I would also like to have a degree if I ever wanted to move companies, I think it would be easier.

    If you feel this way. Do it. I should have done it at your age. Instead I was happy enough in my job.Then going home and playing xbox and watching tv. I was just plodding a long in life.

    Now I am 38. Got made redundant last September from Printing. Studying now as much As I can. Probably going to college this year.
    Thing is, I have a lot more responsibilities now. Kids, Mortgage etc.
    Although I don't know your background. My advice would be, to do it now. Specially if don't have kids.


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    #5
    TallGlass
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,935 ✭✭✭TallGlass


    Eire Go Brach wrote: »
    If you feel this way. Do it. I should have done it at your age. Instead I was happy enough in my job.Then going home and playing xbox and watching tv. I was just plodding a long in life.

    Now I am 38. Got made redundant last September from Printing. Studying now as much As I can. Probably going to college this year.
    Thing is, I have a lot more responsibilities now. Kids, Mortgage etc.
    Although I don't know your background. My advice would be, to do it now. Specially if don't have kids.

    No don't have kids. Would like a mortgage and to get paid maybe 35/45k a year. Currently on 24k now. Also would like to say I have a degree. Just which one to go for, alot of differences in price and the degree names. I would like something I could use and be an asset if you get me.


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    #6
    Eire Go Brach
    Registered Users Posts: 1,368 ✭✭✭Eire Go Brach


    TallGlass wrote: »
    No don't have kids. Would like a mortgage and to get paid maybe 35/45k a year. Currently on 24k now. Also would like to say I have a degree. Just which one to go for, alot of differences in price and the degree names. I would like something I could use and be an asset if you get me.
    That's the hard part. Deciding on what to go for. Coming from experience. Just try and do what you most enjoy. Unless your always moving forward, every job will get boring after time.
    Going on your work experience. You probably know what you don't like. So start there by narrowing things down.


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    #7
    Nucular Arms
    Closed Accounts Posts: 237 ✭✭Nucular Arms


    Can't vouch for the course per se but I did DT228 there and I found that DIT is a great school for IT, with some really brilliant lecturers (a few stinkers of course but sure what can you do!).

    You'll also probably end up in grangegorman campus now rather than kevin street which means you'll probably get much better facilities than thos available in Kevin street.

    Good luck with it anyway!


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    #8
    druidhill
    Registered Users Posts: 200 ✭✭druidhill


    I would advise you to get a Level 8 degree qualification, as it can very often open doors for you in the future. Avoid putting it off, as it won't get any easier.

    While it is always good to get first hand information about courses from past students, as previously mentioned by Eire Go Brach try to find a course that interests you, as any relevant Level 8 IT (or related discipline) qualification is what employers look for (often a HR policy), so why not do something that you like.

    Have you looked into your employer funding your course? This might be a viable option if you can see your future with them.

    I'd get moving on this now as applications for many courses starting in September may be closing soon (if not already).

    Good luck.


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    #9
    Cuddlesworth
    Registered Users Posts: 13,980 ✭✭✭✭Cuddlesworth


    The thread in computers? There is nothing wrong with the CCNA, its just devalued. The person asking believes he will get a job by doing it, which at this point is not a given.

    For you, already employed in a helpdesk that might not specifically be the case. For example, even working I would expect you to get it before 3 months. By the end of the year you could have picked up a CCNA, VCP(Stanford university) and a MCSA. Which if presented with a opportunity, would allow you to be considered for the role. But you should get a degree. It does hold you back.


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    #10
    TallGlass
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,935 ✭✭✭TallGlass


    I have applied in the end for the course in DIT;

    BSc Information Systems and Information Technology

    Will continue to study for my CCNA in the time being until I hear something back from DIT. On the CCNA is it necessary to read every single topic in the books? If I was to just cover the key topics would that cover me?

    Employer would pay for the course, but going to pay with my own money that way if I mess up it won't get in me in trouble, plus with my own money I think I will be more determined to show up/do well in the course.

    As for the VCP have no idea what that is and with Microsoft certs I have no idea where to start.


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    #11
    IvoryTower
    Registered Users Posts: 3,825 ✭✭✭IvoryTower


    If work paid for it id be more likely to show up and not mess it up. I piss away my own money every day!


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    #12
    Eire Go Brach
    Registered Users Posts: 1,368 ✭✭✭Eire Go Brach


    Fair play to you for deciding to do it.
    Plus in regards to doing certificates. It can all depend on who you do the training with regards to getting employed. If your unemployed Certain groups have good business partners that's they work with. They are then placed afterwords on these companies. Skillnets have quite a high succes rate.


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    #13
    TallGlass
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,935 ✭✭✭TallGlass


    IvoryTower wrote: »
    If work paid for it id be more likely to show up and not mess it up. I piss away my own money every day!

    I have things paid for before by people, want to earn this myself. Besides if I want to move company I would have to pay them off or something just better for me. But I get what you mean !
    Eire Go Brach wrote: »
    Fair play to you for deciding to do it.
    Plus in regards to doing certificates. It can all depend on who you do the training with regards to getting employed. If your unemployed Certain groups have good business partners that's they work with. They are then placed afterwords on these companies. Skillnets have quite a high succes rate.

    Got an email back from DIT application is submitted so it's just a waiting game now to hear back regards an interview or what not. Still looking into the CCNA but there is quite alot in it and I am getting bogged down in reading and not really remembering much.


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    #14
    druidhill
    Registered Users Posts: 200 ✭✭druidhill


    TallGlass wrote: »
    I have things paid for before by people, want to earn this myself. Besides if I want to move company I would have to pay them off or something just better for me. But I get what you mean !

    I'd advise you to reconsider ...

    You will earn this yourself, regardless of how the fees are paid, and if you do move and you have to pay back the fees then you will be in the exact same financial position you are now (or are about to be).


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    #15
    Eire Go Brach
    Registered Users Posts: 1,368 ✭✭✭Eire Go Brach


    Most Companies encourage studying. They only don't pay if you fail. Which is fair enough. :)


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    #16
    TallGlass
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,935 ✭✭✭TallGlass


    I get what you guys are saying but the thing is I am only a few months in the new company, and I don't want to hold off on this any longer.

    Or should I get into another industry !

    My plan over the last few days is get the degree get the experience and certs, then head of to Aus, I'll be about 30 then. As looking at the property market here I don't think I will get a house and I won't be renting is even higher priced.


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    #17
    TallGlass
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,935 ✭✭✭TallGlass


    Guys, what are peoples thoughts on getting the CCNA in five weeks? No brain dumps crap just going over the stuff again.


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    #18
    Kinet1c
    Closed Accounts Posts: 824 ✭✭✭Kinet1c


    TallGlass wrote: »
    Guys, what are peoples thoughts on getting the CCNA in five weeks? No brain dumps crap just going over the stuff again.

    If you've absolutely nothing else going on your life and can commit 8 hours a day then sure you might be able to get it done.


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    #19
    Musicman2000
    Registered Users Posts: 1,461 ✭✭✭Musicman2000


    Ive done a Bsc in Information Technology about 2 years ago. Did it benefit me or prepare me for industry ?simple answer to this no. The amount of complete rubbish that is being thought to students is ridiculous. System Administration is my area so CCNA'S and MCSA'S are more recognised in industry than any degree plus experience. It really bugs me when I see desktop support roles looking for degrees. If you do want to go down the degree root for programming I would recommend it.


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    #20
    IvoryTower
    Registered Users Posts: 3,825 ✭✭✭IvoryTower


    I found my IT degree very useful and would recommend it over any cert for those starting off, so there :)

    We covered a bit of everything you would need as a sys admin


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    #21
    krankykitty
    Registered Users Posts: 1,518 ✭✭✭krankykitty


    IvoryTower wrote: »
    I found my IT degree very useful and would recommend it over any cert for those starting off, so there :)

    We covered a bit of everything you would need as a sys admin

    What course did you do?


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    #22
    IvoryTower
    Registered Users Posts: 3,825 ✭✭✭IvoryTower


    Applications & Support in DKIT which was level 7, then the final year was IT Management which brought it up to level 8.

    We covered the ccna, active directory, sql, vb, web design, ITIL and heaps more. They also contacted me since then for suggestions on improvements, to see if there's anything they should add/replace etc.

    I imagine most half decent IT degrees cover all these aspects now. I've got a number of certs over the years, I can barely remember a thing from them and people can easily cheat to get them so i don't rate them all that highly. They can look decent on your cv all the same(but not as decent as a degree :) )


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    #23
    Hollister11
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,482 ✭✭✭Hollister11


    A good idea would to do a Level 6 Higher certificate in a college, Say computer applications in NCI, then after two years you can progress into year 3 of three different courses. Computing, Business information Systems, or Technology management.


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    #24
    Cuddlesworth
    Registered Users Posts: 13,980 ✭✭✭✭Cuddlesworth


    IvoryTower wrote: »
    They can look decent on your cv all the same(but not as decent as a degree :) )

    Depends on the cert. A relevant CCIE for example trumps a degree any day, unless the HR/Manager fronting the CV's has no clue what's going on.

    There are equivalent specialist qualifications in other areas too.


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    #25
    IvoryTower
    Registered Users Posts: 3,825 ✭✭✭IvoryTower


    Yeah I guess it depends on the job as well. I went tech support > engineer > sys admin > network admin > IT manager and I dont feel at any point a cisco cert etc wouldve looked better than having my degree.

    But if I was applying to be a cisco engineer etc, then I assume the cert would be preferable. (but I would still recommend anyone starting off to get a degree!) I actually can't remember what the point of this thread was so i'll stop talking now :)


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    #26
    TallGlass
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,935 ✭✭✭TallGlass


    Ok so I got an acceptance email for DIT.

    How much in total is this course? Is it 2750 I can't make sense of the DIT website, its like using two separate websites.


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    #27
    Cuddlesworth
    Registered Users Posts: 13,980 ✭✭✭✭Cuddlesworth


    TallGlass wrote: »
    Ok so I got an acceptance email for DIT.

    How much in total is this course? Is it 2750 I can't make sense of the DIT website, its like using two separate websites.

    How much does the programme cost?

    Fees for a whole stage are approximately €2,700 per year, payable in part in September and in part in January

    Individual modules cost €470 (except 5 credit modules at stage 4, which cost €230.

    Fees are payable in two installments, in September and January.

    All fees listed here are for the 2015/2016 academic year - these are subject to change for future academic years.


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    #28
    TallGlass
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,935 ✭✭✭TallGlass


    Cuddlesworth wrote: »
    How much does the programme cost?

    Fees for a whole stage are approximately €2,700 per year, payable in part in September and in part in January

    Individual modules cost €470 (except 5 credit modules at stage 4, which cost €230.

    Fees are payable in two installments, in September and January.

    All fees listed here are for the 2015/2016 academic year - these are subject to change for future academic years.

    Thanks cuddlesworth. What dose this mean? I'm reading it as 2700€ plus the cost of each module? Is this correct. So around 5000€ per year?


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    #29
    Cuddlesworth
    Registered Users Posts: 13,980 ✭✭✭✭Cuddlesworth


    TallGlass wrote: »
    Thanks cuddlesworth. What dose this mean? I'm reading it as 2700€ plus the cost of each module? Is this correct. So around 5000€ per year?

    Doubt it. I read it as the below.

    Its part time, broken into two parts per stage/year which are divided into 3 modules per part(Tues, Wed, Thurs).

    You have to complete 6 modules to complete a year/stage.

    If you purchase the year, you pay 2700.

    If you purchase per module, either by half year or single module(repeat exam or upskill), you pay 470 per module. Which works out slightly more expensive. If your company was paying for it, they would generally go for the half year payment.


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    #30
    TallGlass
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,935 ✭✭✭TallGlass


    Cuddlesworth wrote: »
    Doubt it. I read it as the below.

    Its part time, broken into two parts per stage/year which are divided into 3 modules per part(Tues, Wed, Thurs).

    You have to complete 6 modules to complete a year/stage.

    If you purchase the year, you pay 2700.

    If you purchase per module, either by half year or single module(repeat exam or upskill), you pay 470 per module. Which works out slightly more expensive. If your company was paying for it, they would generally go for the half year payment.

    Thanks again, that's what I was thinking, but then again this been Ireland I wasn't sure if it was 2700 registration fee then the cost per module.

    Company don't pay for workers to do courses, I will be paying it myself, so don't think I am open to any grants or anything.


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    #31
    Cuddlesworth
    Registered Users Posts: 13,980 ✭✭✭✭Cuddlesworth


    TallGlass wrote: »
    Company don't pay for workers to do courses, I will be paying it myself, so don't think I am open to any grants or anything.

    Have you checked? Most mid to large companies I have worked for have been more than happy to pay for college. They usually use it as a guarantee of x number of years and fob it off as training.


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