Advice on Moving into IT

Jugs82

Not sure if this is the correct thread but i have already posted in the NUI Galway forum but to no response

I am looking at starting the Higher Diploma in Systems Analysis in NUI Galway next September. I'm from a business background (4 years marketing/sales experience) and has some basic IT skills - HTML, Java (a little) along with all the standard MS office experience.

Realistically, i would like to move away from what i am doing into a more IT related role, so i applied for the course above. However as i have no real understanding of the IT market and what employers look for, i was hoping that i could get some advice on what people think of the course content and realistically what type of role would i be looking at should i graduate?

Any help or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

The course content is below:

Core Subjects

Database Systems & Languages 1
Internet & Multimedia Development 1
Management
Operating Systems, Networks & Telecommunications
Systems Analysis & Design
Interactive Programming 1

Applied Systems Analysis
Business Information Systems
Database Systems & Languages 2
Interactive Programming 2

Students then choose one of the following combinations of options:

Option 1
Information Systems Engineering
Interactive Systems Design

Option 2
Internet Technologies
Internet & Multimedia Development 2

srdb20

Just curious OP, but why do you want ot move into IT?

FruitLover

IT is a huge field - can you be more specific about the kind of technical work that interests you?

Jugs82

Just curious OP, but why do you want ot move into IT?

To be honest, its a mixture of two things -

1. Marketing/Sales is not something i want to do forever or even for the foreseeable future. I have been at the same job for almost 4yrs and in Galway where i am based, it is difficult to find new positions within Marketing

2. Done a evening course in Web site design where i learned a bit of HTML, Java, how to use CSS etc... and really enjoyed it. Now, i know theres a lot more to programming than that but im pretty sure i want to know more

IT is a huge field - can you be more specific about the kind of technical work that interests you?

Stangely enough i work in a company that organises training for IT companies (testing mainly) so i have a vague understanding of different roles.

From what i gather, alot of people begin as testers and progress through to Development/programming and upwards. What i am really into is web site design but maybe im been a little optimistic

From looking at the course outline below and lets say i actually do it and graduate, what would prospective employers think of my qualification? and what role/position should i be aiming towards? im not against working my way up as im v.motivated

srdb20

If web design is what you would like to get into, why not concentrate exclusively on that, rather that other aspects, just an opinion mind you as you may not feel like you want to stay in Web Design and would like to branch out later in your career.

AARRRGH

Not quite the answer you're looking for, but I recommend you sign up to something like scriptlance.com as a programmer and take on as many little jobs as possible. There are loads of web development jobs on there. Nearly all can be done over a period of a few week nights. It'll get you some experience which will make you a bit more employable.

cronos

Jugs82 wrote: »

Not sure if this is the correct thread but i have already posted in the NUI Galway forum but to no response

I am looking at starting the Higher Diploma in Systems Analysis in NUI Galway next September. I'm from a business background (4 years marketing/sales experience) and has some basic IT skills - HTML, Java (a little) along with all the standard MS office experience.

Realistically, i would like to move away from what i am doing into a more IT related role, so i applied for the course above. However as i have no real understanding of the IT market and what employers look for, i was hoping that i could get some advice on what people think of the course content and realistically what type of role would i be looking at should i graduate?

Any help or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

The course content is below:

Sounds like you want to be a business/systems analyst from your course choice. As part of the job you do the requirements for a piece of software. And some testing. It would not generally envolve writing code.

monkey24

Jugs82,

You would do well to consider what you enjoy about business/sales/marketing before deciding on an IT course. If you have worked in that area for 4 years would you have a liking for people, creativity and communication? That could be the reason you were drawn towards the Web development course as it involves an certain amount of creativity.

The course you have chosen is very analytical. Although it is an IT course it would involve a lot of research into business models etc. I am not sure if that would be an ideal fit for what you are looking for.

If you do enjoy Web design, why not do an Ecommerce course of some sort. I don't know your specific background but they do run an MBS in Galway. This would allow you to keep aspects of the marketing and creativity as well.

galway008

If you want to remain in Galway note that there isn't that many interesting IT opportunities in Galway. I work in IT and have just left because of lack of opportunities. I'd recommend the biopharma industry.

Sconsey

As others have said the H Dip in Systems Analysis will lead into roles that are fairly 'high-level' analysis and design of IT systems, you will not likely be getting involved in coding.

If you want a more technical type of role you should check out the H DIp in Software Design. But if you go for this field you will be starting on the bottom rung of the ladder, graduates rarely get paid much to start off. I think experience is of more benefit when looking for coding work.