Career Change

johnjoe99

Hi
I am currently working in a Financial Services sales role and obviously with the current economic environment business is extremely slow and looks to continue that way for the foreseeable future. My role is secure for the next 12 months but after that it could become unsustainable if the current environment continues.
I am considering doing a distance learning course via DCU or Open University in a IT related discipline.I would have a number of years of experience in Financial Sales. My question really relates to what the jobs environment is like in IT at the moment. If anyone has done a course in IT through Ollscoil or OU could they let me know what they thought of it.

Thanks for any help

John Joe

vinnyryan

johnjoe99 wrote: »

Hi
I am currently working in a Financial Services sales role and obviously with the current economic environment business is extremely slow and looks to continue that way for the foreseeable future. My role is secure for the next 12 months but after that it could become unsustainable if the current environment continues.
I am considering doing a distance learning course via DCU or Open University in a IT related discipline.I would have a number of years of experience in Financial Sales. My question really relates to what the jobs environment is like in IT at the moment. If anyone has done a course in IT through Ollscoil or OU could they let me know what they thought of it.

Thanks for any help

John Joe

What type of financial sales are you in? It's a relevant question because this would be the best IT route for you to look at?

Also many IT positions are project or BA focused which means many have been cut or naturally many of these positions are contract based. Really depends. Most distance learning courses are not overly recognised and so many of these experienced people are already seeking positions.

johnjoe99

At the moment I work in a wealth management company in Cork. At the moment my job is secure so I would be mad to quit to go back to college in this environment. Personally I would have thought the Ollscoil or OU qualifications would be recognised in the Industry as they are from reputable institutions.
Ultimately I dont really want to stay in the Industry I am in and would believe that IT offers better opportunities in the years ahead.Obviously every industry is going to difficult over the next 12/18 months but when the recovery begins the IT industry should benefit more quickly.
Do you believe these qualifications are a waste of time? Any help appreciated

Alanstrainor

There are plenty of people, fully qualified, with tons of experience out of work in the IT sector, you'd want to have something secured before leaving your current job.

johnjoe99

I have no intention of quitting my current role but I was wondering would gaining an IT qualification be a good idea and going forward what the career prospects would be