IT Conversion Courses Query

pragmatic1

Are IT conversion courses worthwhile for job prospects, are they respected in the IT industry?

I'm currently at a bit of a crossroads in my career where I can either do an IT conversion course or do a masters in the life sciences. There's quite a few IT companies based where I live. However, there aren't many pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Any input from someone in the IT industry would be greatly appreciated.

Tom Dunne

They are respected, but you have to balance the benefits of a 1-year, Level 8 programme vs. a 4-year honours degree in IT - who would you hire to look after your IT systems?

The question you have to ask is do you want to work in an IT company, or do you want to work in a company that uses IT?

So the real benefits of the conversion courses are where a person brings their knowledge and experience in the original domain and combines that with IT - a Business Analyst is one role that springs to mind.

pragmatic1

Tom Dunne wrote: »

They are respected, but you have to balance the benefits of a 1-year, Level 8 programme vs. a 4-year honours degree in IT - who would you hire to look after your IT systems?

The question you have to ask is do you want to work in an IT company, or do you want to work in a company that uses IT?

So the real benefits of the conversion courses are where a person brings their knowledge and experience in the original domain and combines that with IT - a Business Analyst is one role that springs to mind.

Thank you for the feedback. So it wouldn't be a very attractive course for someone looking to get into programming or website design.

Tom Dunne

pragmatic1 wrote: »

Thank you for the feedback. So it wouldn't be a very attractive course for someone looking to get into programming or website design.

That's actually the point - it is intended for someone who has no prior experience in IT.

But it's only a starting point.

red_bairn

Tom Dunne wrote:

They are respected, but you have to balance the benefits of a 1-year, Level 8 programme vs. a 4-year honours degree in IT - who would you hire to look after your IT systems?

Level 9 for me. But yeah, I thought it was bad that they didn't have a work placement set up for the course. Experience is great on the CV.

BurnsCarpenter

pragmatic1 wrote: »

Are IT conversion courses worthwhile for job prospects, are they respected in the IT industry?

I'm currently at a bit of a crossroads in my career where I can either do an IT conversion course or do a masters in the life sciences. There's quite a few IT companies based where I live. However, there aren't many pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Any input from someone in the IT industry would be greatly appreciated.

Maybe depends on the specific course but my experience was very positive. Most people from my course went straight into placements, and ended up being kept on permanently. Mainly in support.

pragmatic1

Tom Dunne wrote: »

That's actually the point - it is intended for someone who has no prior experience in IT.

But it's only a starting point.

I'm aware that it's only a starting point, just wondering if one would secure you an IT role in the current market.

If I did get a job out of the course, I would definitely try and progress as much as possible with long distance learning to fill any voids.

DaraDali

pragmatic1 wrote: »

I'm aware that it's only a starting point, just wondering if one would secure you an IT role in the current market.

If I did get a job out of the course, I would definitely try and progress as much as possible with long distance learning to fill any voids.

I did one of these courses,they offer a great wealth of knowledge for someone without any IT background. I got a full time job as a software Config my background was Cooking

Any questions give me a pm and would be happy to answer

red_bairn

DaraDali wrote:

I did one of these courses,they offer a great wealth of knowledge for someone without any IT background. I got a full time job as a software Config my background was Cooking

What is a "software config"?

DaraDali

red_bairn wrote: »

What is a "software config"?

Well my job title is Software configuration technician I configure software for medical devices in the pharma industry.