MSc Information Systems Management Masters NUIG

starlit

Hi, has anyone completed the Masters in Information Systems Management Masters in NUIG?

What is the course and modules like? What are the job prospects like? Is the course worth doing if having a BIS/Information Systems Management and IT background or would it overlap with what I have done in my degree? Already have work experience in IT technical support, just wondering if the MSc ISM be worth doing?

Any information be greatly appreciated thanks.

Skopzz

doovdela wrote: »

Hi, has anyone completed the Masters in Information Systems Management Masters in NUIG?

What is the course and modules like? What are the job prospects like? Is the course worth doing if having a BIS/Information Systems Management and IT background or would it overlap with what I have done in my degree? Already have work experience in IT technical support, just wondering if the MSc ISM be worth doing?

Any information be greatly appreciated thanks.

If you have experience, that should be enough to get you an interview at any company. Have you tried that route yet?

starlit

Yes I have but hasn't proven fruitful for me here in Ireland for the past year or so since finishing my last college course, trying to seek other avenues like unpaid work, graduate programmes and other types of jobs outside my field and looked into work in the UK too but nothing has been happening.

I think maybe doing something with research in the latest technology might help in seeking work not just work experience but finding it difficult to get my foot in the door. No bother getting interviews its getting pass that stage is proving frustrating despite work experience, qualifications and skills. I have had feedback that I am fine in interviews just that how I answer a question might not be how interviewers want me to answer despite giving them examples from college and work experience still not enough if I don't meet all of their criteria.

Its been two years since I have had a job and a year since finishing college so things just aren't looking good for me here job wise. I'd go abroad but want to wait till I have my full licence before doing that.

I wouldn't go to an interview if I didn't have a chance of getting a job. Sometimes proves pointless going to an interview if you feel you aren't going to get the job or do well in an interview. You could go but not be a very good experience could be the opposite or be a good experience and be confident about the interview but not about getting the job. You could perform really well and still not get beyond interview stage. Just not good enough for the job which can be a bit disheartening.

I can only apply to graduate programmes for only so long. I achieved honours in all my courses so from that point I view I am qualified. So hoping a Masters might be the next step or else going abroad.

Have looked in unpaid internships but have done a lot of unpaid work in the past few years and hasn't helped much. Only had one paid job and that was only for a few months work placement its the only IT work experience I have while the rest be more business/office/customer service related type of jobs. I don't want to be forced into jobs I don't want or wouldn't be good at but relevant to my degree and work experience as well as something I be good at and have the skills do be good at a certain job. Even if its not IT I am willing to work in retail and so on and other areas maybe teaching if I had to but can't even get a shop job or office job now at the moment as the demand for these jobs are either saturated or too many competing and not enough jobs to go around or not meeting the demands of the job.

What you think Skopzz?

Skopzz

Sounds like your skills aren't appreciated. Lots of these interviewers are looking for someone with the most convincing talent. Many of these tend to bypass young applicants because they want someone from another generation that basically isn't work shy (typical interviewer wants this nowadays). I wouldn't waste my time with these stereotypes because your skills are demanded in more awarding countries abroad than here in backward Ireland.

Having a masters doesn't give any advantage, unfortunately. You really need to be flexible, willing to work for less and have a convincing argument why you would be an asset if given the job. This industry is actually experiencing a shortage of skilled graduates. Are you applying to the right companies (multinationals)?

starlit

I've applied to the best of the multinational companies but haven't been successful in getting an interview with that many of them mainly with businesses, financial, IT, public service and retail companies. I have applied for more jobs than I could imagine though to someone else might be a small number but in this recession I think its a reasonable number over 120 jobs and perhaps only getting 1 interview out of every 10 batch of jobs I apply for. I tailor my CV and Cover Letter. Those requesting application forms I fill out to the best of my ability as to what they are looking for and match what I have to that.

Recruiters keep saying I have strong skills and qualifications and a strong CV yet they are still not enough to get hired which proves frustrating.

I felt from a research point of view that a Masters be worth doing. I probably wouldn't be rushing into it though as I know work experience be more important but just not getting any where on the job front, going around in circles looking for work since college.

I have done a lot of voluntary work so feel I want to move on in the job front.

I have applied for various jobs really, IT, software, programming, multimedia, office, retail, internships, business related, web development, technical support, business analyst.

Thanks Skopzz, that's very true. Thanks for your insight, good perspective. Have kind of forgotten that way of thinking when it comes to interviews. I think that is the case with employers they want something specific in a candidate to fill a job as well as tick all their boxes. Nothing wrong with my skills, qualifications and work experience just that employers are looking for more convincing candidates that can fill the role of the job better as they want talented candidates. Hard to compete on that front. So basically not good enough for them and not the right jobs for me. Having the skills, experience and qualifications isn't enough for them they are looking for raw talent!

I keep thinking is it that I haven't enough years experience in a certain role or that I have been in many different roles over the years in different industries? Surely not only the technical skills but soft and people skills are important too in IT?

What would you advise?

Skopzz

Having a masters doesn't guarantee any job I'm afraid. I have friends who did a masters without any success at securing a job.

You need to beware of recruitment agencies because they have been exposed as advetizing jobs that don't exist in order to fill their database. This makes it look attractive for a company to hire them during a real recruitment.

Apply to the companies directly - do NOT apply through these middlemen agencies.

starlit

I have applied to a few via recruiters but not many mainly try to apply directly to companies, I at least know those jobs are genuine.

Definitely don't apply to those middleman type agencies since though. Any where there is a middleman when it comes to job hunting I steer clear of them even if it means a middleman offering a job.

Thanks for your advice skopzz.

starlit

Ya I understand perfectly that A masters or any qualification not even a few months work experience can guarantee a ticket into a job.

What oneself can prove to employers if they worth hiring is what matters to employers in the end of the day!

Thanks again skopzz for your advice.

Skopzz

doovdela wrote: »

Ya I understand perfectly that A masters or any qualification not even a few months work experience can guarantee a ticket into a job.

What oneself can prove to employers if they worth hiring is what matters to employers in the end of the day!

Thanks again skopzz for your advice.

They really want your work experience more than your qualification.

The interview thing may need to be improved, just a suggestion. One more note:I have a friend who lied about his previous experience and it actually worked out sucessful. In this case, you could extend the dates of your experience and have a friend or someone pretend they were your boss in the event the company telephones them... Familiarize them with the details beforehand and arrange a time for the employer to telephone them.

starlit

Thanks Skopzz. Ya Work experience wins out in the end I suppose.

forfcksake

Hi all,
I'm thinking of applying for this course soon & was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on it!
I'm from a civil eng background & have had an interest in technology without ever pursuing it until now I suppose, if anyone has completed the course or is in the process of doing so I would be interested in hearing their thoughts!
Thanks

forfcksake

anyone?

Marto10

I'm in my final year of the Business Information Systems Undergrad and have just secured a graduate position in a large software company so companies are crying out for people with Information Systems skills.

Doovdela - Loads of software and consulting companies are hiring now so there are jobs, I had 1 interview and then got the job. I suppose its how you approach the interview but with your background you should be getting called for a few, companies are crying out for IS and IT grads at the moment.

I have covered nearly all the modules that are in this masters program and I have to say that it is a quality course and there is a large rate of employment from it. You would be looking at vb.net and java programming, technology management subjects, database and media stuff as well so it is really interesting.

forfcksake

Anyone thinking of applying for this for September?

bookthief

I've just finished the course. It's absolutely fantastic, I would highly recommend it. The content is very interesting and is completely employment oriented. Quite a few people in the class have job interviews lined up already. It is an extremely intensive course thoguh- not to be entered into in a half assed way, it requires a lot of work.

There are people doing the course who come from backgrounds in BIS. Although you've probably covered most of the material, having a masters in the subject to your name will definitely help you to get a job. The course is very recognised, and is somewhat affiliated with companies like HP, Bearing Point and SAP, who have given talks during the year. There is an entire module on enterprise systems, with hands on experience of SAP systems- and SAP have just announced 250 new jobs in Ireland!

forfcksake

bookthief wrote: »

I've just finished the course. It's absolutely fantastic, I would highly recommend it. The content is very interesting and is completely employment oriented. Quite a few people in the class have job interviews lined up already. It is an extremely intensive course thoguh- not to be entered into in a half assed way, it requires a lot of work.

There are people doing the course who come from backgrounds in BIS. Although you've probably covered most of the material, having a masters in the subject to your name will definitely help you to get a job. The course is very recognised, and is somewhat affiliated with companies like HP, Bearing Point and SAP, who have given talks during the year. There is an entire module on enterprise systems, with hands on experience of SAP systems- and SAP have just announced 250 new jobs in Ireland!

cheers for the info. bookthief,
just wondering what the hours are like? I have applied for the course and was thinking about travelling up and down for the two semesters, do you think it would be feasible? I am about an hour away from the college. How many days a week is there classes anyway and do you have to be around the days off or could you work away at home? Cheers for the insight!

bookthief

Classes are on all day tuesday and thursday, but theres also tutorials which can be any day really-except Fridays, they don't seem to do Fridays! Theres really heavy emphasis on group work though, which does involve being in college quite a lot anyway. I think it could be pretty exhausting to try to do an hour long commute every day- definitely doable, but it's such an intense few months that you might be better off living closer so you don't waste valuable sleep time on sitting in traffic!

forfcksake

bookthief wrote: »

Classes are on all day tuesday and thursday, but theres also tutorials which can be any day really-except Fridays, they don't seem to do Fridays! Theres really heavy emphasis on group work though, which does involve being in college quite a lot anyway. I think it could be pretty exhausting to try to do an hour long commute every day- definitely doable, but it's such an intense few months that you might be better off living closer so you don't waste valuable sleep time on sitting in traffic!

Thanks again!
Is the workload heavy? Do you mind me asking what undergrad you did? I'm coming from a civil eng background, is there alot of self learning or is what you need to know well laid out? I wouldn't have a great knowledge of programming or the likes and was just wondering how hard it is for someone with no previous knowedge!
sorry for all the Q's just trying to make my mind up! cheers

forfcksake

"In teaching these subjects, a variety of sought-after technical skills are covered using leading-edge industry software such as: SQL, Visual Basic, Java, HTML, CSS, XML, PHP, Dreamweaver, Flash, Photoshop, Visual Paradigm, DBDesigner, Microsoft Visio, UML, Linux, database design, business process modelling, usability / accessibility principles and software quality techniques."

^ this is what it says in the course outline, I was just wondering how much experience of each of these, e.g. Java, do you get? How technically in-depth do you get? Hope someone can help here, really struggling to make up my mind! Cheers

xtopee

forfcksake wrote: »

"In teaching these subjects, a variety of sought-after technical skills are covered using leading-edge industry software such as: SQL, Visual Basic, Java, HTML, CSS, XML, PHP, Dreamweaver, Flash, Photoshop, Visual Paradigm, DBDesigner, Microsoft Visio, UML, Linux, database design, business process modelling, usability / accessibility principles and software quality techniques."

^ this is what it says in the course outline, I was just wondering how much experience of each of these, e.g. Java, do you get? How technically in-depth do you get? Hope someone can help here, really struggling to make up my mind! Cheers

hi forfcksake,

just searching and found this thread. You have asked some interesting intelligent questions which have helped to answer some of my own questions too. thank you. I'm just wondering if you got an answer to your last question quoted above, perhaps you got an answer offline. I'd be glad if you wouldn't mind sharing with me as I'm in a similar dilemma as to whether to take this course. I've already accepted another one from Limerick b4 this offer came, bringing about the dilemma of wheter to forfeit my acceptance fee on Limerick. I'd be prepare to forfeit it this provides better prospects. Your - or anybody's -thoughts here will be greatly appreciated. thanks

forfcksake

xtopee wrote: »

hi forfcksake,

just searching and found this thread. You have asked some interesting intelligent questions which have helped to answer some of my own questions too. thank you. I'm just wondering if you got an answer to your last question quoted above, perhaps you got an answer offline. I'd be glad if you wouldn't mind sharing with me as I'm in a similar dilemma as to whether to take this course. I've already accepted another one from Limerick b4 this offer came, bringing about the dilemma of wheter to forfeit my acceptance fee on Limerick. I'd be prepare to forfeit it this provides better prospects. Your - or anybody's -thoughts here will be greatly appreciated. thanks

Its a tough decision to make alright! I didn't really find out anything on the above question you mentioned but I did find out this:
last year about half the MSc in ISM graduating class responded to our annual survey. 87% were working with another on an internship. The remaining 2 were studying or taking a year out.
Sample job titles were:
Software Development
Account Manager
Business intelligence IT
Trainee Accountant
Business Application Developer
IT Consultant
Customer Support
IT Support Analyst
System analyst
Financial Analyst
Business Analyst
Hope that helps somewhat, Best of luck with the decision!

Shane St.

What's the story with these personal statements?

EithneB

I applied for this course during the Christmas and got accepted in Feb/March (whenever the first round offers were).

I found the personal statement very challenging to put together- I hadn't written about myself since probably around Junior Cert year! The best way to approach this is by searching the internet for sample personal statements. There's loads out there!

Basically my personal statement talked about what I had learned in my undergrad course, from working, from my pastimes and how they applied to the masters course. For example, I had no experience what-so-ever with business so I added a paragraph about how from working for years in a busy shop "I began to gain interest in how to boost sales and gain more customers. This interest, along with my interest in media and computers is why I want to undertake a postgraduate degree that fuses them together."

Hope that all helps

degzs

Hi all,

Just searching and found this thread. Got offered this Masters courses but was wondering what does financial management side of the course involve and is the work load heavy because I am coming from an IT background and the business side would not be my strong point.

Will i find it difficult not having the basics in business and are the subjects taught on a high level?

I do find the behavioural science side very interesting and also with my IT skills in data bases and programming i think i would enjoy this course.

if any body can help me with my questions i would be very grateful.

pinkdiamond

Hi degzs. I'm doing this course this year and I also come from an IT(ish) background with no previous experience in business what-so-ever.

I really enjoy the course.we did most of the IT side last semster and this semester is all the business type modules. We're only in week 3, but I don't seem to be having any problem keeping up just yet. The class all come from very different backgrounds so the modules all start from square one.

There is a ridiculously big workload. Lectures are only on Tuesdays and Thursdays,but I find myself in college Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (I work Saturday) in the library from 9am til late evening studying.although the modules start at square one, I find they move to a high level very quickly.

Any more questions, throw them this way and I'll answer them as best I can.

g5fd6ow0hseima

Looking at this thread, I get the impression that most people doing this course are from somewhat relevant backgrounds, be it business or IT. I'm looking at this as a person with absolutely zero experience, i'm simply looking at getting into IT as a career.

Are there many out there who've came from BA (or other random) backgrounds who've went on to do this course? If so, how have you fared out since? In terms of employment, do employers welcome the fact that you're somebody who's taken a giant leap into a totally new world? Or am I better off pursuing a hdip in computing first?

cheers,

pinkdiamond

only about half of the people in the course have relevant backgrounds. probably even less. can't say for sure how they will manage on the job front, but employers seem to be screaming out for graduates in this field so i can't imagine they are at a massive disadvantage. one of our lecturers described a masters at the start of the year as an undergraduate course crammed into one year- so why should it matter what you've done before it?

the course have a stand at the postgrad fair tomorrow. would definitely be worth your while checking it out: http://www.nuigalway.ie/media/nuigalwayie/content/files/aboutus/openday/Postgraduate-Open-Day-February-2013-brochure.pdf

g5fd6ow0hseima

pinkdiamond wrote: »

only about half of the people in the course have relevant backgrounds. probably even less. can't say for sure how they will manage on the job front, but employers seem to be screaming out for graduates in this field so i can't imagine they are at a massive disadvantage. one of our lecturers described a masters at the start of the year as an undergraduate course crammed into one year- so why should it matter what you've done before it?

the course have a stand at the postgrad fair tomorrow. would definitely be worth your while checking it out: http://www.nuigalway.ie/media/nuigalwayie/content/files/aboutus/openday/Postgraduate-Open-Day-February-2013-brochure.pdf

Yeah, it's more that i'm worried that i'd be up against it if a sizeable number of applicants had more relevant backgrounds. But then again my total lack of prior exposure should work in my favour given that it's a conversion course after all.

I'd love to check that out, but i'm not in Ireland at the minute.

Also, the nuig webpage doesn't seem to mention anything about a personal statement, does anyone know more on this?

cheers,

J.E. Cairnes

Hi all,
Please see this page from NUI Galway's Career Development Centre which may point you in the right direction wrt personal statements.
http://www.nuigalway.ie/careers/students/faq/statement.html

Good Luck!

bookthief

Briggs Attractive Quadruped wrote: »

Looking at this thread, I get the impression that most people doing this course are from somewhat relevant backgrounds, be it business or IT. I'm looking at this as a person with absolutely zero experience, i'm simply looking at getting into IT as a career.

Are there many out there who've came from BA (or other random) backgrounds who've went on to do this course? If so, how have you fared out since? In terms of employment, do employers welcome the fact that you're somebody who's taken a giant leap into a totally new world? Or am I better off pursuing a hdip in computing first?

cheers,

Hi

I did this course, and went into it with zero IT experience and an Arts undergrad (and a crappy one at that). I ended up with a couple of job offers, and in my experience employers were really positive about the fact that I was coming from a multi disciplinary background. It shows that you're well rounded and have decent oral and written communication skills.

I actually can't recommend the course enough- you pick up really solid IT skills which are well sought after. You won't get a job as a programmer (unless you turn out to be some kind of java genius after doing it for three months), but there are so many other well paid jobs in IT that you can expect to have a strong chance of getting..

starlit

Hiya Booktheif,

I be interested in knowing what kind of jobs would employers offer to those having completed this Masters whether or not the candidate has an IT background or not? For example you could be very good at a combination of subjects some might blend together you be good at (it be easier to find jobs in those areas) other subjects opposite of the spectrum making its more difficult to find a suitable job that relates to your strengths unless they compliment each other some way like web programming and interactive multimedia.

What would have been your degree discipline? Mine was a BA but in ISM but more like a combination of business/management, IS, Business Admin, Multimedia and some IT subjects not in any one specific area but i'd imagine subjects been similar to this Masters just wondering would it be a bit of an overlap? Would this Masters be focused more on IT than business? as I be comparing it to the other similar one in UCC.

I got an honour but only disadvantage be my overall result and wonder is that affecting my job prospects along with other things despite an IT background and work experience in IT I am just not meeting employers criteria which is making interviews a hurdle for me. Then can't decide on a career to follow has anything I apply for whether or not I get interviews for them just doesn't seem to go beyond that stage. I'm approaching my 30's and I am still at a crossroad as to what to decide to do as its been three years since I finished my postgrad deciding on a Masters is difficult as I haven't had much work experience since.

I'd imagine it would be hard work getting honours in this Masters? I did a hdip in computing but it was fairly broad a mixture of computer science such as more programming subjects and more technical modules in IT and some subject I did in my degree in the business/multimedia IT side of things.

How much in detail is covered in the subjects the number of subjects seems fairly broad and I'd have some idea as to what they might be about but they might look into it in more detail than a degree that have those subjects?

So is there light at the end of the tunnel?! Is there hope for someone with a BA and still do this Masters?

Thanks

bookthief

Hi Doovdela

People who did the course last year are now doing stuff like software testing, business/systems analysis, technology consulting, web design- and a couple went onto to go for a Phd. In fairness, the rate of employment seems to have been really high. Have a look on gradireland.com- companies like HP, SAP, Accenture, Deloitte, Cisco etc all hire graduates from courses like this one.

My degree discipline was in nothing even remotely related to IT or Business- it was pure liberal arts, I had no interest in it at the time whatsoever and I came out with a very poor grade.

The work load for this Masters is pretty immense, and if you want to do well in it you do need to put in a massive amount of work. I loved it, the subject matter is really interesting and the lecturers are for the most part top class, and very sensitive to the fact that a lot of people are coming into the area for the first time. They start each module from scratch at a basic level, but as someone else pointed out in this thread, they accelerate the pace of learning really fast, so you need to be able to stay on top of your work. I worked part time throughout so it was a very intense (and depressing) year but it was so worth it when I got a 1.1 degree and a good job.

In terms of IT vs Business content, it's pretty much 50:50. Most of the more technical courses take place in the first semester. You start off programming in Visual Basic, which is a relatively easy language to learn because its very visual (as the name suggests!) and then in semester two you can opt to take a course in Java which is more difficult. You also cover web design in semester 1, not much coding involved though as it's through Dreamweaver, and you do a good bit of image editing in that course too- Photoshop and Fireworks. The database systems module in semester 1 is pretty tough but really useful. There's a module on business data communications which is basically like networks 101.

After that it's mainly business, but its business that is tailored to relate to IT management so its not like commerce or accounting or anything. It's a bit dull to be honest but for the most part, its very easy to do well in as its all theory.

You say you did a BA in ISM and a hdip in computing? That sounds like quite a bit of IT so I'm not sure how much more you'd pick up from this course? Depends what you want to do really I suppose, this one is probably useful to you if you want to get into the management or consulting sides of IT. What kind of jobs have you been applying for, or what are you interested in doing?

starlit

bookthief wrote: »

Hi Doovdela

People who did the course last year are now doing stuff like software testing, business/systems analysis, technology consulting, web design- and a couple went onto to go for a Phd. In fairness, the rate of employment seems to have been really high. Have a look on gradireland.com- companies like HP, SAP, Accenture, Deloitte, Cisco etc all hire graduates from courses like this one.

My degree discipline was in nothing even remotely related to IT or Business- it was pure liberal arts, I had no interest in it at the time whatsoever and I came out with a very poor grade.

The work load for this Masters is pretty immense, and if you want to do well in it you do need to put in a massive amount of work. I loved it, the subject matter is really interesting and the lecturers are for the most part top class, and very sensitive to the fact that a lot of people are coming into the area for the first time. They start each module from scratch at a basic level, but as someone else pointed out in this thread, they accelerate the pace of learning really fast, so you need to be able to stay on top of your work. I worked part time throughout so it was a very intense (and depressing) year but it was so worth it when I got a 1.1 degree and a good job.

In terms of IT vs Business content, it's pretty much 50:50. Most of the more technical courses take place in the first semester. You start off programming in Visual Basic, which is a relatively easy language to learn because its very visual (as the name suggests!) and then in semester two you can opt to take a course in Java which is more difficult. You also cover web design in semester 1, not much coding involved though as it's through Dreamweaver, and you do a good bit of image editing in that course too- Photoshop and Fireworks. The database systems module in semester 1 is pretty tough but really useful. There's a module on business data communications which is basically like networks 101.

After that it's mainly business, but its business that is tailored to relate to IT management so its not like commerce or accounting or anything. It's a bit dull to be honest but for the most part, its very easy to do well in as its all theory.

You say you did a BA in ISM and a hdip in computing? That sounds like quite a bit of IT so I'm not sure how much more you'd pick up from this course? Depends what you want to do really I suppose, this one is probably useful to you if you want to get into the management or consulting sides of IT. What kind of jobs have you been applying for, or what are you interested in doing?

Thanks a mill for that. I've applied to most of the big companies and all of them just not been very successful with the bigger ones compared to the smaller sized companies. I only got a 2:2 which is making it harder for me but did better in the hdip at least so that kind of helps with the application process though think they always look at the degree even though the hdip would take priority over it.

Just I think employers aren't recognising my degree has similarities to the BIS degrees they see mine as either business or business admin rather than IT/IS as well. Despite my hdip more IT/computer science orientated.

Would you think there is potential to teach after completing the Masters like secondary teaching/lecturing in IT's?

Has anyone you know who did the course with you or previous grads of the course gone down the cloud computing or social media route? They be areas I might interested in other than technical support, multimedia/web programming and business admin/systems analysis type stuff. Technology consulting would be something i'd love to do or quality testing/project management in relation to IT.

Though I don't know what detail we would have studied similar subjects compared to a BIS degree. Some areas I flew through like databases, multimedia, technical writing, some IT subjects some business management subjects but then other subjects I weren't great at in particular specific business ones like financial accounting and e-commerce though did grand in project management and strategic information systems. I did ok in marketing kind of in between don't like it but did ok in it like good enough I suppose! Its hard to find a balance!

Really its totally different Arts degree you did so.

I recall when doing the degree in ISM I felt you have to put in a lot of work and hours into it. The workload was probably more intense than what I had in my hdip but I felt 3rd year was my toughest over 4th year but the subjects varied on how I did and outcome of projects I did well in some others not great. I think I didn't spread out my workload as evenly as I should have and made sure I didn't do that when doing the hdip and worked out very well for me the course.

Did you work part time as well? How did you find that? What is the timetable like? Guessing from what it states online nuig course webpage that there are a lot of subjects are there any optional subjects?

I'd imagine it be 50:50 I suppose. How is it on the practical and theory side of things would it be 50:50? What programming languages are covered? Would it be at entry level? Java was one language I found difficult the rest I did great in them.

The subjects you mentioned I've covered them already but might be good to brush up on them though haven't learnt fireworks though. I like the sound of IT management type subjects. Though think UCC BIS Masters might cover more IT management/IS type subjects that they don't do much technical/programming or don't do multimedia type subjects so a bit more narrowed down. Ya I suppose. Well just that looking at the list of subjects in ISM masters in NUIG I do feel I'd have covered a lot already, still trying to compare which course be better suited for me in the long run in terms of job prospects!

Regarding projects would they mainly be group or individual or a combination? Had ye many or did ye have one major project - thesis?

I've applied for a range of jobs in business, shop work, office work, and IT/computing/programming, technical support, multimedia, various industries and companies. I don't think i'd qualify for a grad programme for much longer but haven't managed to land into any of them so proving a bit difficult.
Jobs which that have a mixture of IT and business is what I'd be most interested in or one or the other, web programming/design, multimedia, technical support, cloud, and social media be my main interests but would still apply for business/office admin type jobs too.

Sometimes wonder that my degree and hdip combined and this masters are too alike that I might not learn much new compared to a similar masters but with an emphasis on other subjects in greater detail like IT Management/consulting/Business Analysis. BS Analysis is something i'd be interested in too but I don't think I be good enough at maths to do it, I am good at statistics alright be an exception what else would business Analysis involve?

Did ye have to do a foreign language? I've only leaving cert french didn't bother taking it as an option in college wonder if I should have?

Must have made a huge difference for you that you loved the course despite the hard work!

Thanks for your help!

reap-a-rat

bookthief wrote: »

Hi Doovdela

People who did the course last year are now doing stuff like software testing, business/systems analysis, technology consulting, web design- and a couple went onto to go for a Phd...

Hi Bookthief! I'm just wondering, what discipline of PhD did people tend to go for? Are there many BIS type PhDs or were they primarily IT related PhDs?

g5fd6ow0hseima

cheers for those posts book thief, very helpful. I've applied for this course now so hoping I get accepted. If not ill be gutted. If it comes to fruition, it will be some laugh going from international politics to this course.

bookthief

doovdela wrote: »

Just I think employers aren't recognising my degree has similarities to the BIS degrees they see mine as either business or business admin rather than IT/IS as well. Despite my hdip more IT/computer science orientated.

Would you think there is potential to teach after completing the Masters like secondary teaching/lecturing in IT's?


Regarding projects would they mainly be group or individual or a combination? Had ye many or did ye have one major project - thesis?

I don't think i'd qualify for a grad programme for much longer but haven't managed to land into any of them so proving a bit difficult.


BS Analysis is something i'd be interested in too but I don't think I be good enough at maths to do it, I am good at statistics alright be an exception what else would business Analysis involve?

Did ye have to do a foreign language? I've only leaving cert french didn't bother taking it as an option in college wonder if I should have?


Thanks for your help!

Maybe you're not selling your skills as well as you could be? Get your CV into an IT recruitment agency and ask them to prime it for the type of IT jobs you want. You should list out the technical skills you have very clearly on your CV to make sure that potential employers know exactly what you can do.

I don't think IT is offered on the second level curriculum currently, so opportunities for teaching are probably fairly limited. If you wanted to lecture, doing a PhD is probably the way to go.

There is typically one project per module, plus a major project, and all of these are group based.

You can qualify for graduate programs as long as you are a recent graduate of a degree, diploma, masters etc. They're not supposed to be ageist about it but I'm not sure how this works in practice.

There's not a whole pile of maths involved in Business Analysis- google it, it involves things like requirements gathering and process mapping, it's pretty interesting.

The MSc ISM doesn't offer any language courses. Some IT employers look for German or French though, eg for technical support, so if you could do a course on the side it would probably help you out on the job front.

reap-a-rat wrote: »

Hi Bookthief! I'm just wondering, what discipline of PhD did people tend to go for? Are there many BIS type PhDs or were they primarily IT related PhDs?

Hi reap-a-rat

They were BIS related PhDs I think. It would be pretty difficult to do an IT based PhD after doing this Masters, unless your undergrad was a technical one!

starlit

bookthief wrote: »

Maybe you're not selling your skills as well as you could be? Get your CV into an IT recruitment agency and ask them to prime it for the type of IT jobs you want. You should list out the technical skills you have very clearly on your CV to make sure that potential employers know exactly what you can do.

I don't think IT is offered on the second level curriculum currently, so opportunities for teaching are probably fairly limited. If you wanted to lecture, doing a PhD is probably the way to go.

There is typically one project per module, plus a major project, and all of these are group based.

You can qualify for graduate programs as long as you are a recent graduate of a degree, diploma, masters etc. They're not supposed to be ageist about it but I'm not sure how this works in practice.

There's not a whole pile of maths involved in Business Analysis- google it, it involves things like requirements gathering and process mapping, it's pretty interesting.

The MSc ISM doesn't offer any language courses. Some IT employers look for German or French though, eg for technical support, so if you could do a course on the side it would probably help you out on the job front.

Thanks bookthief.

That's probably it I'm just not selling myself well enough yet I can help others do it no problem. I can barely sell a pen so maybe I am missing something. Marketing was never my fort but I didn't do too badly in it. I've very much mentioned my technical skills in my cv and cover letters. I find I have better success with online applications they know what they want and looking for when you state what skills you have.

I was looking back over all my rejection emails and letters and feedback from interviews over past few years and there is often similarities what they are saying, lot of applicants applied, not qualified enough, not enough technical skills and not experienced enough, better qualified candidates, other candidates match closer to the job spec despite 6 months work placement in technical support? My degree bit similar to the ISM Masters like!? Covered similar subjects.

From experience there is a limit I think for how long graduates can apply for graduate scheme programmes. Some its only for recent ones or those who have graduated after 12, 18 to 24 months is the maximum they will allow those to go forward after graduation whether its a degree or postgrad can apply here.

Other requirements that need to be met be affected to get through in them also.

Same applies for J1's you need to be going to college age limit max to 26 years old and for working holiday visas you need to graduate no longer than 12 months after or have 5 years work experience age limit 18-35 years old I think.

Think there are specialised courses in BS Analysis but be professional courses I think. Seem they are very much into statistics and business analysis. How easy would it be to transition into a role like that with just ISM?

I've leaving cert french but only at ordinary level so I don't know if doing it at 3rd level or on the side be feasible. I was only ok at it better at than german though. I've never done spanish though did learn JC italian loved it and did well in it. I am not great at german. There are a lot of technical support jobs that look for other languages and I'd have little interest in learning them. Spanish or Italian maybe. There are beginners and night courses but I don't know are they worth doing at all.

Hi reap-a-rat

They were BIS related PhDs I think. It would be pretty difficult to do an IT based PhD after doing this Masters, unless your undergrad was a technical one!

I'd agree on that. I think if you were to do a PhD after this Masters you be best to stick with a PhD in BIS unless you did a Masters in IT/CompSci would a PhD in CompSci be worth trying.

reap-a-rat

bookthief wrote: »

They were BIS related PhDs I think. It would be pretty difficult to do an IT based PhD after doing this Masters, unless your undergrad was a technical one!

doovdela wrote: »

I'd agree on that. I think if you were to do a PhD after this Masters you be best to stick with a PhD in BIS unless you did a Masters in IT/CompSci would a PhD in CompSci be worth trying.

My degree is Computer Science so I'd be grand on that front - I was actually wondering what kind of BIS research topics there are available/ what are people doing that are doing BIS PhDs?

Also, bookthief, you wouldn't happen to have any old assignment specs knocking about - I'd love to know the kind of stuff ye worked on during the course.

emcor

Anybody got insight on the commitment required part-time over 2-years for this. Really interested but working away with a new child at home so need to keep working...

Bla112

Really interested in this course. Originally from kerry so ul is the obvious choice of uni but my guidance teacher said that this is the only course worth going to nuig for, so **** it, down as my number 1 choice

Doubt.It

I'm doing it part-time right now - should in fact be preparing for Friday's exam... Course is orientated towards people in employment so in terms of time commitment it's not too demanding. I have friends on the course with children and full-time jobs, and they're doing OK. (Probably they're better organised than I am!) I am glad I didn't do the full-time version though.

My original degree was Arts, but I've long been interested in IT and that helps significantly. Most time-consuming part for me is programming, but most of that was optional.

Melo1991

Hi

Hope people are still here! new to boards so hope im doing this right. I was offered a place on this course on the basis of achieving a 2:1, at the minute i'd be 50:50 of making that, I was told 2nd round offers would take place for 2:2 students. Any1 know how likely this is?

Mike

lennyd

Hello Mike
I was offered a place back in march I think. I had already emailed the office to see if the first round offers had been made and they were very helpful in their response. Why don't you just send them a nicely worded email with your inquiry? Best of luck with your application.

shgavman

Some amazing responses here. I'm considering applying for this course for September. Could I ask about the 30ECT group project that has to be completed by June? I have another major commitment in June 2015 and I can't have any distractions around the time. Do groups fine themselves working up to the June deadline? Are extensions ever considered?

Butterface

I've also applied for a place on the course, but I can't get a hold of my transcripts until I return to the UK at the end of the month. Does anybody know how long unis here keep the pac applications open for if you haven't supplied everything they ask for?! I should have waited until I returned to activate my application, but was worried that it's already quite late in the year to apply!

Anybody on the course who got offers later in the year? I'm really hoping I get a place on the course!

padi23

well lads just wondering if anyone has any advise for me. I'm between this masters and the masters in BIS in cork. Which one has the better employment in bigger companies like accenture does anyone know.. Thanks

GalwayGuy2

As a matter of interest why are people saying three months? I thought the course was a year?

Also, will it be difficult to get into this (or other IT areas) on the last round of offers?

Supercell

Has anyone done the part time version of this? I'm based in Dublin so was wondering if its worth applying for if I'd have to drive there every evening? If its just twice a week i suppose that might be doable.

starlit

padi23 wrote: »

well lads just wondering if anyone has any advise for me. I'm between this masters and the masters in BIS in cork. Which one has the better employment in bigger companies like accenture does anyone know.. Thanks

I've been comparing the two and I come from an ISM/IT background. The two of them are slightly different they have similar subjects. The ISM course you don't need an IT background they teach from scratch but from what I see its similar to my degree and hdip combined. The BIS course, I went to the grad fair to see what it was all about as I had done my hdip in UCC I wasn't sure whether to go down the Computer Science, Multimedia or BIS road but have taken a slightly different path now so don't know if I want to dip back into BIS again. I'd personally only do it if I wanted to lecture. Its work experience what I badly need at the moment.

BIS they say you don't really need an IT background but when at the fair they more or less saying you need an IT background to do the course there seems to be a lot of coding in it and yet there is coding in the ISM in NUIG as well but NUIG its a broad course covers most things in that dicipline. While BIS the impression I get that there is a lot more IT stuff in and that there is very little business in it other than the consulting side of things and business analysis. The course is more geared towards Business/IT consultancy to be honest.

If you got an IT background BIS might be the way to go it balance out your skills and enhance what skill sets you have but I think the ISM course is a better option if you haven't got an IT/Computer Science background if you have a business or other background ISM in NUIG I think be more suitable. If anything be like repeating what I done in my degree but might be no harm brushing up on things but I am happy enough the slight change in discipline I am in now so hoping to pursue that might be more suited to it just a matter of getting work experience for myself.

Accenture and any other company like that are looking for highly qualified grads to be honest it can be difficult to get into those companies I find as long as you are a good match and have what they are looking for you should be ok but the whole interview process is a job in itself. Best of luck!

Butterface

Has anybody received any offers for this course recently? I applied in April but haven't heard a peep since (won't have my final results until end of June). I was invited to interview for one of the other courses which I applied for at the same time.

h2005

You should email Melissa O'Hea melissa.ohea@ nuigalway.ie ·