Career Advice

GaryL

Hi,

I'm in my 3rd year of computer science degree and I've completely lost interest. For a while I've been planning on getting the degree and then looking at my options. I was questioning whether it was what I wanted to do. This year I've really fallen behind and will not pass my exams at this rate.

I've talked to my parents and they told me there's no point in being in college if I don't want to be there. If I don't finish this course I won't be getting any degree. It's not for me. Even in my final year in school I stayed at home after the mocks and studied myself. I just haven't got the determination. It takes a lot to get me studying now and when I do I simply can't concentrate on what I'm reading. Working is a different story though. I've had 4 jobs and never missed a days work. Never had a much of a problem getting out of bed, complete opposite to college.

Anyway, I've no doubt I'm just not going to get this degree. I just want to know what my options are. I can't think of a job off the top of my head that I'd love to do for the rest of my life. I love computers. I love helping my friends and family out when there computer crashes. Computer Science is nothing like I expected though. Programming isn't my thing, Software engineering isn't my thing. The only thing I really like is Web Development but It took me 2 years to get 42% in that subject and I haven't really got the imagination to create Web sites.

Now I'm thinking of going into something completely different. Is there any sites that can show me my options with leaving cert as my only qualification? Like most people, I want a job that I can work myself up in. I think everyone I know would be shocked if I told them the guards is the job that interests me most. It's not really an option though for reasons I won't go into.

Nody

GaryL wrote:

Anyway, I've no doubt I'm just not going to get this degree. I just want to know what my options are. I can't think of a job off the top of my head that I'd love to do for the rest of my life. I love computers. I love helping my friends and family out when there computer crashes. Computer Science is nothing like I expected though. Programming isn't my thing, Software engineering isn't my thing. The only thing I really like is Web Development but It took me 2 years to get 42% in that subject and I haven't really got the imagination to create Web sites.

Get the certs instead of going to College, you can do them while working as well. I'd start with CCNA (Networking) and a MSCE or similar. Don't bother with A+, Net+ etc. if you don't need the experience from them. Start also looking at computer support while studying them as that will help you go up in the organisation.

Cantab.

GaryL wrote: »

Hi,

I'm in my 3rd year of computer science degree and I've completely lost interest. For a while I've been planning on getting the degree and then looking at my options. I was questioning whether it was what I wanted to do. This year I've really fallen behind and will not pass my exams at this rate.

I've talked to my parents and they told me there's no point in being in college if I don't want to be there. If I don't finish this course I won't be getting any degree. It's not for me. Even in my final year in school I stayed at home after the mocks and studied myself. I just haven't got the determination. It takes a lot to get me studying now and when I do I simply can't concentrate on what I'm reading. Working is a different story though. I've had 4 jobs and never missed a days work. Never had a much of a problem getting out of bed, complete opposite to college.

Anyway, I've no doubt I'm just not going to get this degree. I just want to know what my options are. I can't think of a job off the top of my head that I'd love to do for the rest of my life. I love computers. I love helping my friends and family out when there computer crashes. Computer Science is nothing like I expected though. Programming isn't my thing, Software engineering isn't my thing. The only thing I really like is Web Development but It took me 2 years to get 42% in that subject and I haven't really got the imagination to create Web sites.

Now I'm thinking of going into something completely different. Is there any sites that can show me my options with leaving cert as my only qualification? Like most people, I want a job that I can work myself up in. I think everyone I know would be shocked if I told them the guards is the job that interests me most. It's not really an option though for reasons I won't go into.

Stick it out. It's degrees all round in Irish universities these days - very few people fail, and even if you do, they're bound to 'let you through' on repeating off-books. You'll be amazed how people perceive you/treat you on having a degree (particularly by middle managers in organisations who themselves have degrees). Then again, there's the likes of Sir Alan and Betie neither of whom have a degree!

As for the guards... Eh, that's for unambitious people who don't know what to do with their lives. It's a safe number that will make your mammy proud, but apart from that, you'll be completely institutionalised and be completely dependant on the organisation. Don't cross the event horizon.

AARRRGH

GaryL wrote: »

I've talked to my parents and they told me there's no point in being in college if I don't want to be there.

Let me guess, your parents never went to college?

Questions:

When did you lose interest? Was it before or after you fell behind?

What did you like about first and second year?

As someone who has been through college while quite ill (glandular fever) and as a result literally struggled to get out of bed for two years, I am sooooo glad I didn't drop out. I wanted to at the time - very frequently! - but I stuck with it.

Even think of it like this -

In a year and a half, you can either have a degree (and all the doors that opens, including post-grad courses and things like teaching english in Japan) or you can have no degree.

If you leave now, you will, at most, be able to start a new course next year. So when you could be heading into the final stretch (4th year) you're back at the beginning.

Just really be sure the problem is computer science rather than depression or feeling overwhelmed or something like that.

Really really think hard before making the drastic (and it is drastic) decision to leave college...

neil_hosey

I think the good thing about having ANY degree by a recognised institution is that you dont really have to stay in your chosen field.

A (good) degree will prove to any employer that you can commit yourself and your a hard worker.

Alot of companies in certain areas wont focus on your actual degree subject but how well you done in. It really is worth the craming. I scraped by 3 years of a CS and Soft. Eng degree, but in the final (4th) year i for some reason put my head down and got a 1st. And i found a job relatively easy. But i noticed that alot of companies that werent offering Computer Science/Soft. Eng jobs were also looking for ppl wit degrees in my area. Maybe a job like a business analyst would suit you better??

I have friends that have dropped out(all of them). All but one of them is successful now. The rest are still lost.


I guess my advice is, put the effort in for the next 2 years and then decide if computer science is for you or not.

PS.It is definately NOT too late to pass exams, its not even November!!! CRAM CRAM CRAM

AARRRGH

neil_hosey wrote: »

CRAM CRAM CRAM

Agreed. A few days of nothing but study is amazing for packing loads of information into the brain!

If you can afford it ($20 a month), http://safari.oreilly.com is briliant for reading tech books / chapters on subjects you're not too hot on.

I'm doing a MSc and got thrown into the deep end with JDO. Read a JDO book over the weekend, and now I'm a pro...

Hard work will get you very far in this world

GaryL

dublindude wrote:

Let me guess, your parents never went to college?

My mother went to college 7 years ago to do nursing. She got the highest marks in the class every year. Nothing more than an A was good enough for her. She did another course last year too and it pretty much takes over her life. She's the complete opposite to me when it comes to determination.

When did you lose interest? Was it before or after you fell behind?

It's the same every summer. I can't wait for college to start back. I insist that I'll do even more work than I have to and keep up to scratch. 2 weeks later and I feel like I know nothing. I should say that I spent last year repeating 3 subjects so this is my 4th year in college. I didn't have to pay to repeat which means there isn't as much pressure to stay on.

Anyway, i'm glad I posted this and will take your advice for the time being.

kmick

Not getting your degree will be one of the worst decisions you will make in your life. End of story. Most people hate their college courses. Get over it. Finish it out or you will regret it. Not just in earning power but also in future courses you want to do. The difference in IT between someone who has a degree and someone who does not is 15k versus 25k and it only gets worse after that.

You have been warned.

besty

I'd like to echo some of the above sentiments. Although I was fortunate enough to enjoy my degree, I'd fully recommend completing it, especially seeing as you are so far along with it. It's something that will always stand to you and remember, even if you're struggling with the material, you're probably comparing yourself to your peers who are seeking out firsts. A pass/2nd class honours degree is a good stepping stone and passport to getting the foot in somewhere else you might have a more passionate interest in.

Just my 2 cents.

subway

i never got a degree and certainly dont regret it,
however i can see situations where it would come in handy and imagine ill be picking one up at some point in the future.

youve only got a little bit left, stick it out if you can.
as others say, it probably wont be your chosen career path but it saves having to do one in the evenings when your 35.

GaryL

I've decided I'm going to leave now. I really am miles behind the rest of the class and I can't catch up.

I'd really appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction now with regards getting a job. What are my options?

Thanks!

AARRRGH

GaryL wrote: »

I'd really appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction now with regards getting a job. What are my options?

You could try get a Quality Assurance / Software Tester job or a Tech Support job?

If you stay in IT you will eventually regret not having a Degree though.

Could you reapply for a different course?

learoy

Hi OP
I feel your pain, i was in you situation a couple of yrs ago, i decided to stick with it and do a postgrad/master when i decide what i wanted to do and im still not sure what i want and dont know if ill ever know! i now work in the business side to IT and its not soo bad n the money is good too. and it doesnt involve any programming which is the best thing!!
You could always take a yr out and defer your degree, this might give u time to try out a few jobs and research a bit more into your career,

you said u like fixing computers why not try get a job desktop support role.

Best of luck with what ever you decide

warrenaldo

Do you even want to work in IT? Or are you just looking for any area of employment ideas now?

GaryL

dublindude wrote: »

If you stay in IT you will eventually regret not having a Degree though.

Could you reapply for a different course?

No chance. For one, I wouldn't have the money. The main reason though would be the fact that I'd be out of school at least 9 years before actually getting my first real job.

warrenaldo wrote:

Do you even want to work in IT? Or are you just looking for any area of employment ideas now?

I'm open to any suggestions. I'd much rather a 9-5 job though. I don't really know what I'm looking for off you guys though. Basically a website that describes many jobs choices with leaving cert qualifications, gives average salary, chances of promotion, etc.

bobbi

Hey Gary L,

I did CS degree.I hated it from the 2nd week in college but i knew i wasn't getting another option of doing a different degree so i stuck it out.I struggled every year to pass and eventually i got the degree.I did not want to anything like programming when i left college.I'm in technical support and its grand but if you could stick with it just to have a piece of paper its worth doing and maybe do a cert in something you have more of an interest.Otherwise its a waste of two years.You could get grinds to help you with the programming i know it can be tough.

I hope you find what you want to do.Decisions like this can be tough :rolleyes:

fret_wimp

college is very different from the real working world. Also, your doing computer science, that leads me to believe your in a Uni. Computer courses in Universities are good,but teach you a lot of theory, stuff you will most likely not require. I got my degree in an IT, and it was very hands on, what i like. im not putting one over the other, but im just saying my course suited me more than an almost theory orientated one. so anyway, stick out the course, get your qualification. if you decide to go into something completely different, its still worth something. all a degree really does is prove you have push, ability and brains. when you do go to get a job, you will find that its refreshingly different from college work, and there are so many areas in computers you can pick something you like. you say you like helping your friends, well you could become a pc doctor or something like that. thats hands on helping people fix their computers( just a suggestion). work through your current lack of interest. your degree will always be useful, no matter what job you go for. its only one more year. one more thing. dont rate yourself against your classmates. if your passing and getting by, then keep that up. there are always going to be people better than you. if you keep comparing, you will never get anywhere as you will quit everything

chump

How in the name of God have you fallen so far behind that you can't catch up. It's not even christmas yet!

Plenty of people fall behind for nearly an entire year and can pass the exams with a few weeks study.

If you're quitting quit because you want to, not using the excuse 'cos I have fallen too far behind' - that's horseshht.

By the by can you finish after 3rd year and get a pass degree? I know in many 4 years hons degrees you can.

If you can that'd be what I would do. What's another few months eh?

damnyanks

It seems like you've a bad attidue. It's rare that you will come across a subject in life which is actually difficult - normally it just needs a bit of focus and dedication.

Getting a degree makes life that bit easier and if you have played your cards right you can leave college earning a good salary.

If you drop out now you have nothing that sets you apart from a leaving cert student (Other then the fact you were too lazy to stick it through)

As pointed out its not even december. You've lots of time.

GaryL

chump wrote: »

How in the name of God have you fallen so far behind that you can't catch up. It's not even christmas yet!

Plenty of people fall behind for nearly an entire year and can pass the exams with a few weeks study.

If you're quitting quit because you want to, not using the excuse 'cos I have fallen too far behind' - that's horseshht.

By the by can you finish after 3rd year and get a pass degree? I know in many 4 years hons degrees you can.

If you can that'd be what I would do. What's another few months eh?

YOu make it sound so easy. I'm haven't got the brains to pass this year. It's as simple as that. Also, I went to a test last week, worth 20%, and couldn't do it. You can't repeat those things.

damnyanks wrote:

It seems like you've a bad attidue

I'd be the first person to tell you that but there's nothing I can do about it. It's not by choice. I could look at a book for 2 hours but I can't force myself to take it in. I just look at the words and can't concentrate on what I'm reading.

I just really want advice now. All I'm doing is getting people to tell me to stick with it. I'm going to stick with it, try my heart out and fail. And believe me I try. I spent the last 2 weekends studying but most people could learn what I did in an evening.

ixus

Where are you in College, when are your exams?

I have a similar story to you :

I got into Computer Engineering after LC and thought it would be great as I've an interest in the field. However, pretty quickly I decided the programming side of things just wasn't for me. I decided to get to the end of it then change career. It was a bad decision. In 2nd year, I had to repeat 1 subject which was a waste of a year (though I went travelling) I got through 3rd year and in 4th year I had to repeat my final year project. Each summer I had to do repeats.

None of this was down to my ability, it was just an apathy for the course. When I finished, I went straight in to a bank. After 1 year, I switched jobs do a different banking role. I realised with I needed to beef up my qualifications/knowledge in the business/banking sector if I really wanted to compete and earn a lot of euros. So, now I'm back in college, doing a Masters in Finance which I'm really enjoying and doing very well at.

In hindsight, I should have transferred to finance after completing my first year of engineering and done a MAsters straight after that. I would have it 2 years ago if that had been the case.

Have you an interest in business/banking/accounting? Would you be interested in moving completely away from computers as a job and just keeping it as a hobbie?

If you would I'd say you should leave college now, get some work experience or travel, do the QFA's or a certificate in accounting (i.e. CIMA) and apply for a 3year course in finance. It's not too late to do something like this.