What to do? RE: Gardaí

cul-2008

Hi folks,

Just wondering if I could get your views on this. At the moment, I'm 19 and on my first year of a four year computer degree programme. Personally, I'm handy out with computers and went into the course because job prospects seemed strong.

In the meantime, my brother has recently joined the Gardai and there isnt a day that goes bye when he doesnt look forward to going to work - something that many people would envy! So I began thinking, the gardai is something that has always played at the back of my mind as something I'd love to do, so why not join?

Personally, I think I'd have no chance getting in aged 19, so I was playing around with the idea of leaving college and getting a job for the next year or two, and then applying?

What do ye reckon? All opinions would be greatly appreciated. I'm aware of the salary increments related to degree etc, but my computer course just isnt motivating me one bit and the thought of doing it for 4 years is'nt one I look on happily. But whats to say the entry requirements wont change in the next 12-24 months, and leave's me working in a shop with nothing to my name?!?!

Thanks in advance.

TheNog

First off I always advise people who are unhappy in their jobs to begin looking for something else that does or might interest them. With the recent downturn in the economy I know it is tough to find another job that may suit you.

Secondly it doesn't matter what age you are. When I was training there was people of all ages from 18 to 35. I guess it really depends on a person's maturity and life experiences that really matter at interview level. For you to say what you did about your course and what you would like to plan to do, shows a certain level of maturity in yourself.

Word going around is that recruitment has been cut from 1,000 to 400 annually. How true that is, is unknown but it does sound about right. In recent years when a person applied and did well throughout the process could have started within 6-7 months. With the reduction in numbers being taken in however that process will take a lot longer, possibly even a year or two. Also I predict there will be a greater number of people applying from approx 10-11,000 back up 20,000 +. These people will again be applying for 400 jobs.

Food for thought for ye

Eru

Personally Im against teens joining but thats just an opinion.

More importantly, education and life experience. Your 19, get them both and enjoy your few years of being free and single first (go to Oz, get drunk, do something stupid) then you will have a better idea what you really want, will have a good education which can only benefit you (and you can get annoyed at the whole 'Gardai are uneducated idiots' thing) and wont have any regrets in later life.

Gavin

If you actually like computers then stick with the course and get your degree. There is a lot more to computer science than what you may think. It's not simply a case of being able to program. Once you have your degree, you have a lot more options, you can join the Gardai at that point, get a conversion masters in a different area, work abroad etc.

I'm guessing that a degree will stand to you when applying to the Gardai. I know most Gardai IT is outsourced to Accenture and others, but the computer crimes unit is part of the fraud squad I think and you need to be a Gardai to do that. Interesting work if you wanted to stick with the IT stuff.

Anyway, join some clubs and socs and have fun in college ! It's 4 years where you meet people, have a laugh, learn new things and don't have to take life terribly seriously. You can worry about real life after!

eroo

Karlitosway1978 wrote: »

Personally Im against teens joining but thats just an opinion.

I respect your opinion Karl, but I can't help but disagree with it. You speak of maturity and life experience, and the lack of these with teens. I disagree. I know several people in their late 20's, 30's and 40's who I would describe as incredibly immature. Maturity doesn't come with age. You either have it or you don't imo.

Unfortunately, 'Life experience' nowadays is considered by many to be; going to college and getting pisshed for 3/4 years. That does give you experiences(many experiences!;)), but it doesn't mean you are better suited to become a Garda/police officer.

OP, I'm in college at the moment too. Get involved in college sports, societies, clubs etc. Get involved in some part time work, go out with yer classmates and meet new people. Do night courses on things that interest you. Do things to add weight to your CV. Just experience as many things as possible!(legal things, mind you;)).

Jay112

Well lad, They are NO way against teens joining, i applied when i was 18 and started training just when i turned 19, PM me if your looking for any info

Thanks Karltios.......

source

I heard today that there may be a freeze on interviews for a year and a half, at least, because apparently with the last few months of accelerated recruitment, they have enough numbers to fill the next 6 phases already interviewed.

Might just be a rumour but i heard it from a super's son who's thinking of joining and was told this by his father.

donvito99

Definetly stay in college. Who knows, when you finish, some major IT jobs could be coming up in the gardai. It was on the news last night. Paul Reynolds was looking at how they cracked the ''Lyingeyes98'' case, the Joe O brien case and another one.

Eru

Just going by what I saw during training and in the station guys. No offence intended.

I was 24 when I joined and hav ing college / work before I joined was an advantage. besides, I was one of those annoying middle class teens that hated Gardai for obsolutely no reason :rolleyes:

eroo

Karlitosway1978 wrote: »

Just going by what I saw during training and in the station guys. No offence intended.

I was 24 when I joined and hav ing college / work before I joined was an advantage. besides, I was one of those annoying middle class teens that hated Gardai for obsolutely no reason :rolleyes:

No offense taken by any Karl, I value your opinions on the subject.:)

face1990

I think it would be best to finish your degree first, in case you have trouble getting into the Gardai (for the reasons mentioned above), and in case you change your mind, or find that the Gardai isn't what you expected it to be. I think it's always good to have a safety net.

deadwood

Karlitosway1978 wrote: »

Your 19, get them both and enjoy your few years of being free and single first (go to Oz, get drunk, do something stupid) then you will have a better idea what you really want, will have a good education which can only benefit you (and you can get annoyed at the whole 'Gardai are uneducated idiots' thing) and wont have any regrets in later life.

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oh yeah. stay in college too.

towel401

ya finish the degree then apply. computer science = cubicle job in most cases unfortunately

deadwood

towel401 wrote: »

ya finish the degree then apply. computer science = cubicle job in most cases unfortunately

Then you can sit in a cubicle.....in uniform!

Dave!

OP they probably won't be recruiting for a while, but you could apply while in college I'm sure... If you get in, you get in, if you don't you still have your degree.