How To Get The Most Out Of A Computing Course If...

The Crab

you're not really into computing?

Ok, back in September I decided to do a computer course because I felt I had always been interested in using computers.

However, its now February and I have completed 2 programming modules and 1 databases module. I am now doing 3 programming modules.

Back in September I entered with an open mind, basically looking to a career change possibly in computers. But I find the course so sinfully boring that I am completely lacking motivation to continue.

I'm not naive, and I realise that interest level is largely determined personally. For example, I'm sure there are other people studying the same modules who are absorbed by it, but unfortunately for me its so dull.

I got very good marks in the January exams, and since I finish up in May/June it would be a shame to give up, even if the lack of motivation is going to be a hindrance to passing.

My question, however, is is there any route that I could use what I have learnt on the course to my advantage. I honestly cannot see myself working with programming etc, and that's all that IT seems to be about so that's not really the area for me. But is there anywhere I can find out how I can use it to advantage in the areas I am interested in... humanities, arts, languages etc?

I hope this is not offensive to anyone, as that's not my intention. I don't believe computing is boring FULL STOP, just that it is boring TO me. Same as for example, I love football, but my wife hates it, both of which are reasonable opinions to hold. I just don't want to have wasted a year of my life doing something I will never use, and if I can somehow link it to something I might do in the future, maybe I will be able to gain enough motivation to complete the course.

Faolchu

The Crab wrote: »

I honestly cannot see myself working with programming etc, and that's all that IT seems to be about so that's not really the area for me.

IT isnt just about programming, thats a section of it. it may be that yoru computing course is geard more toward the programming aspect of it.

The Crab

Faolchu wrote: »

IT isnt just about programming, thats a section of it. it may be that yoru computing course is geard more toward the programming aspect of it.

There wasn't much else to choose from except programming. What else is there? To be honest, when I see logic and arithmetic (algorithms) it just sends me cold. I'm trying to get started on an assignment now but can't face it. I know you're trying to help by saying programming is just part of it but could you give some examples of other areas.

ronkmonster

Most IT courses will have some programming aspect to it. If you want work with computers rather than programming, IT admin is one area you can focus on.

What do you think of the subjects in the following link

http://www.dcu.ie/prospective/deginfo.php?classname=EC&originating_school=40

Overheal

you need to talk with your course manager and see what to do from there. They may suggest changing majors or they can at least help give you a better picture of what to expect in the long run.

Not gonna lie though, I quit games programming to do mechanical engineering. Pretty much the same math involved, but without any compiler errors.

marco_polo

The Crab wrote: »

There wasn't much else to choose from except programming. What else is there? To be honest, when I see logic and arithmetic (algorithms) it just sends me cold. I'm trying to get started on an assignment now but can't face it. I know you're trying to help by saying programming is just part of it but could you give some examples of other areas.

Plenty of IT client careers are available for those with a solid understanding of IT, but who don't nescessarly enjoy purely technical work, such as Business Analysts, IT sales, Project management to name but a few. Lots of people I went to college with are no longer in development roles but have since moved into areas such as this.

If i were you I'd chat to a few of the bigger IT companies at an open day to get a feel for the sort of less technical career opportunities would be available to you.

The Crab

Thanks for your advice.

Also thanks for the suggestion of the course with DCU. However, I am already a graduate from another field; humanities, and have already gained career experience (in a non computing area) as I'm way above school leaver age. Subsequently, I don't really want to start from square one and don't really have the time to do so given I have a family to support etc. I was hoping that I might take this course, and perhaps one next year, and be able to enter work. They had told us that a level 7 computer qualification would get us into the industry, but I have strong doubts.

Is there anything that basically involves no maths (I'm not a dolt, arithmetic, multiplication etc is ok but algorithms make me want to sleep). What is project management, that might be ok? By solid understanding of IT I guess you mean I'd have to be a good programmer etc even if I don't actually work in it.

LumpyGravy

Sorry for being too blunt but if you are not into computing and you don't want anything to with math then you are on the wrong course and you'll get nothing out of it.

A career in IT is non stop learning, you don't just finish a course and get a job. You do a course, you get a job in a junior position, do another course, read dozens of books, hope for a promotion, read more books and hope your boss is willing to pay for more IT courses to keep you up to date.

marco_polo

The Crab wrote: »

Thanks for your advice.

Also thanks for the suggestion of the course with DCU. However, I am already a graduate from another field; humanities, and have already gained career experience (in a non computing area) as I'm way above school leaver age. Subsequently, I don't really want to start from square one and don't really have the time to do so given I have a family to support etc. I was hoping that I might take this course, and perhaps one next year, and be able to enter work. They had told us that a level 7 computer qualification would get us into the industry, but I have strong doubts.

Is there anything that basically involves no maths (I'm not a dolt, arithmetic, multiplication etc is ok but algorithms make me want to sleep). What is project management, that might be ok? By solid understanding of IT I guess you mean I'd have to be a good programmer etc even if I don't actually work in it.

Well for a Business Analyst good people and communication skills are the most important , in terms of a solid understanding of IT all I mean is that you have a solid understanding of the overall development process, not be an expert programmer or anything like that. Some of the most important skills would include being able to articulate sometimes complicated technical concepts to a non technical audience on one hand, and specify user requirement accurately for developers on the other.

It is a similar enough story for Project management except instead of gathering business requirements, you would be involved in the planning, estimating, and making sure deadline and budgets for IT projects are met etc. Again an IT background can help but wouldn't be the most important skill that a good PM should have.

The Crab

LumpyGravy wrote: »

Sorry for being too blunt but if you are not into computing and you don't want anything to with math then you are on the wrong course and you'll get nothing out of it.

A career in IT is non stop learning, you don't just finish a course and get a job. You do a course, you get a job in a junior position, do another course, read dozens of books, hope for a promotion, read more books and hope your boss is willing to pay for more IT courses to keep you up to date.

No need to apologise. Better to be honest and blunt. Pretty much confirmed what I thought.

Faolchu

theres rolse like desktop & Server support, security, web design/admin, database admin. its a wide area programming is just a piece of teh pie

ronkmonster

The Crab wrote: »

Thanks for your advice.

Also thanks for the suggestion of the course with DCU. However, I am already a graduate from another field; humanities, and have already gained career experience (in a non computing area) as I'm way above school leaver age. Subsequently, I don't really want to start from square one and don't really have the time to do so given I have a family to support etc. I was hoping that I might take this course, and perhaps one next year, and be able to enter work. They had told us that a level 7 computer qualification would get us into the industry, but I have strong doubts.

Is there anything that basically involves no maths (I'm not a dolt, arithmetic, multiplication etc is ok but algorithms make me want to sleep). What is project management, that might be ok? By solid understanding of IT I guess you mean I'd have to be a good programmer etc even if I don't actually work in it.

That course I linked was just an example - seemed to have wider variety of areas to study in. If you complete year 1 in your current course, you might get into year 2 of another course if it has similar enough subjects. Definitely worth talking to someone on your course to see what options there for transfers. You will have some programming though but maybe not the amount you have now.