Dropping out !

mr.snrub

Hey all,
Firstly not to sure where this should be posted but I reckon here should be alright. Basically I'm currently in a degree course studying Computers but am pondering dropping out and starting in the banks. I have a few questions.

1: As i wont have a degree will it be difficult to find a job?
2: As i wont have a degree will there be a "glass ceiling" on the promotion ladder?
3: Is it possible to do a recognised banking degree while "on the job"?

Just a few things that are going through my head at this time.All your advice would be much appreciated especially from people in the banking industry.

Regards
mr.snrub

damnyanks

Really depends on what you mean by working in a bank. What sort of bank and doing what. I think I remember bank of Ireland had its own sort of college.

From banks I've worked in I was told you do hit a glass ceiling once you start to get around mid-level manager.

However if you are thionking of starting working and looking towards studying as well why not find a new course. If you really want to work you can always study part time.

leeroybrown

I don't work in the Financial/Banking sector but from my second-hand knowledge of it I'd say that you'd be far better off going in with a some kind of qualification. If you have something they consider relevant then you will probably go in on a different salary scale and career path.

if you decide to drop out of college talk to your department before September and arrange to defer the year. This will give you the option of going back in a year and will avoid hassle with fees, grants, etc. Make sure you decide before you start the next year and register.

Also, if you've only done a year then changing course will only cost you a years fees. Two for two, etc.

Chipboard

I work in a bank. I got my degree from DIT part time course over 4 years paid for by the Bank. Also did a stack load of courses both in house and external also paid for by the bank. Definitely no glass ceiling even with a part time degree. Having said that if your no good there is a glass ceiling (its called Bank Assistant) and if your sh*t hot (at selling) there's no ceiling even if you dont have anything except a leaving cert.

irishguy

I know AIB pays more the higher the level of education you have, it even varies by discipline i.e. an IT grad with a 1.1 will get paid nearly €5000 more than a business grad with a 2.2 .Also AIB take on most of their non branch staff through their graduate program which requires a degree, so you would be better off getting a degree first and then applying.

stepbar

The yr out option sound like the best think that you could do at the moment. A friend did this sometime back, worked in foreign exchange, money transfers etc , came back and finished his cert. Now he has a degree in IT and a masters in Business like myself. He has a job lined up in the BOI grad scheme so there you go. I wouldnt recommend dropping out unless you really cannot hack the pace. Take the yr off and go work or travel. Employers will look favourablely on the experience gained during the yr out.