Conversion course in IT

annalucia

I am a qualified ACCA accountant with a degree in Finance. I would like to relocate to Cork but there aren't many jobs. I have heard that the ICT area is growing and I am wondering whether to do a masters in BIS or a conversion course in IT. I know a person with a IT degree would be preferred but surely it would complement with a business backround? Thanks

starlit

Hi OP, I come from a BIS background and did an IT course in UCC. It depends what job you want in the end of the day. IT does complement business but in my opinion a BIS Masters might suit you better. It would probably blend a lot better coming from a Finance background. If it were solely business then i'd suggest an IT course but since its Finance is your area I think the BIS would be more suitable that's my own view on it having done a BIS degree and an IT Postgrad. BIS is a very good area though. If you have a head for business then do BIS if you have a head for IT as well as business then I'd gear towards IT. It depends what you want to get out of the chosen course!

There are a lot of threads on IT and BIS courses on boards so have a look, might help make up your mind. Good luck!

JeremyH

annalucia wrote: »

I am a qualified ACCA accountant with a degree in Finance. I would like to relocate to Cork but there aren't many jobs. I have heard that the ICT area is growing and I am wondering whether to do a masters in BIS or a conversion course in IT. I know a person with a IT degree would be preferred but surely it would complement with a business backround? Thanks

As well as the MBS in BIS, the following courses are also open to you:


MBS BIS
One year programme focusing on information systems professional practices with particular emphasis on IS, consulting skills and innovative software development.

MBS ISBP
One year course providing students with an in-depth understanding of how organisations operate and how the factors affecting business performance can be finely tuned using information systems.

MBS eBusiness
One year programme exploring Internet and mobile business strategies, models and processes complimented by the development of professional electronic and mobile business systems.

MBS in Innovation in European Business (IEB)
15 month (90 ECTS) taught programme across three locations in Ireland, France and The Netherlands. The programme provides students with state-of-the-art knowledge and concepts on how to implement and manage sustainable innovation.

MBS MIMAS
Two year course with six months industry experience that provides graduates with practical expertise in both Information Systems and Management Accounting fields.

The job market for graduates of these courses has been very strong over the last couple of years. More info here: http://girtab2.ucc.ie/index.php/bis/courses/

PM if you need any more info, I work in BIS.

annalucia

Thanks doovdela and JeremyH for your informative replies. I have alot of business exams and experience behind me (Finance degree, ACCA exams) so I was hoping to do a postgrad which focused mainly on IT with no overlap with the coursework I have studied before, the masters in BIS sounds interesting, what areas of work can you work in after completing the masters? Also, Doovdela, may I ask what are do you work in yourself, would it be more IT or Business related? Thanks so much, confusing getting my head around these things and the deadlines are looming :eek:.

JeremyH

You can see a sample of first destinations (employment straight after graduation) on the following site:

http://www.ucc.ie/careers/fdr.php?isPostGraduate=1&facultyID=17&courseID=3616&go=Go%21#s

starlit

annalucia wrote: »

Thanks doovdela and JeremyH for your informative replies. I have alot of business exams and experience behind me (Finance degree, ACCA exams) so I was hoping to do a postgrad which focused mainly on IT with no overlap with the coursework I have studied before, the masters in BIS sounds interesting, what areas of work can you work in after completing the masters? Also, Doovdela, may I ask what are do you work in yourself, would it be more IT or Business related? Thanks so much, confusing getting my head around these things and the deadlines are looming :eek:.

You are very welcome annalucia. Still looking for work at the moment. I have tried to dip into jobs that involve both IT and business or one or the other. Its been quiet hard for me to find a job. I thought it be easier having both BIS and IT qualifications. I have some work experience in Technical Support and a variety of other areas of work as well as good qualifications not sure where to turn next...to be honest I say you should be ok though when you have finance to fall back on if the BIS/IT didn't work out for you in search of a job.

Its still good to have say for future jobs whether you be successful in landing a job out of those areas straight after graduation remains to be seen in this economic climate. Even with a postgrad/masters qualification there is still no guarantee of a job without experience but you might be ok since you have worked in finance it be handy to say you have some work experience but the issue would be that you'd need IT work experience thats probably the bottom line when you start looking for work depending which course you choose! Anyone that did my H dip in IT course either went on to a Masters in IT or went back working in the fields they were originally qualified in.
Best of luck

annalucia

doovdela, I hope all your hard work and studying pays off and you find the job you want. I was sure there would be loads of work for people with IT qualifications so this is a wake up call. Good luck

JeremyH

doovdela wrote: »

You are very welcome annalucia. Still looking for work at the moment. I have tried to dip into jobs that involve both IT and business or one or the other. Its been quiet hard for me to find a job. I thought it be easier having both BIS and IT qualifications. I have some work experience in Technical Support and a variety of other areas of work as well as good qualifications not sure where to turn next...to be honest I say you should be ok though when you have finance to fall back on if the BIS/IT didn't work out for you in search of a job.

Its still good to have say for future jobs whether you be successful in landing a job out of those areas straight after graduation remains to be seen in this economic climate. Even with a postgrad/masters qualification there is still no guarantee of a job without experience but you might be ok since you have worked in finance it be handy to say you have some work experience but the issue would be that you'd need IT work experience thats probably the bottom line when you start looking for work depending which course you choose! Anyone that did my H dip in IT course either went on to a Masters in IT or went back working in the fields they were originally qualified in.
Best of luck

Keep hope alive. I have never seen the IT job market so hot as it is right now both for grads and experienced hires. You'll pick something up soon enough.