Jobs with a Higher Diploma in Computer Science

Shutuplaura

Hi! Thinking of moving from finance to IT....I feel that my working day is already determined by technology so have become more interested in how it works. With that in mind I am considering a IT conversion course. I have read though that graduates of these courses sometimes struggle to compete in the jobs marketplace. Has anyone any knowledge of this, either from doing one if these courses themselves, working with colleagues who gave done so or as a manager/potential hirer of such graduates?

Also, any difference in perception if graduates from different institutions? For what it is worth, thinking of NUI Maynooth but couldn't help notice that Blanchardtown IT is much cheaper, fees-wise anyway.

TrustedApple

I always deal with the ty students in work. I will ask you the same quastions I ask them.

Do you like computers?. What lv of stuff have you done?. Do you know any programing or how to use CMD.

Do you know what Unix is?.

I give you a heads up everyone I work with has a heavy background in IT. 4 years in a uni or a IT. Myself after 4 years in college I got a land the min I walked into my 1st job as what I done in college was now pointless.

IT is also a skill set that you will need to be up skilling in all the time. As there is always a newer tech around the corner.

Do you know what area you won't to get into in IT?. Programing, database, sys administrator?.

Phoebas

Any perceived downside of not having the full IT degree should be more than compensated by having the finance background - particularly if the IT jobs you're targeting are in or serving the Finance sector (which many of them are)

Of course, IT is a broad area so it'll very much depend in what part of IT you'll be doing.

You're hardest task will be getting your first role at graduate. You'll be repeatedly told that you are over qualified, already having a career and degree, for a graduate role.

I thought the same about institutions but considering some of the companies I've worked with or interviewed for it's not a big deal

Diceicle

Did a level 8 conversion in Cloud Computing - found the jobs market somewhat responsive but they wont be throwing jobs at you based on the H Dip alone.
IMO the course will only take you so far - your portfolio of work is where its at. Get a Github account and a C9.io account (or similar) and sign up to a couple of Udemy courses (or youtube tutorials) and build some things.
Also, if possible, do an internal transfer - no paycut then.
If in finance, chances are theres an SQL database that you could work on/with. Also, take a look at Data Analyst courses - that might be another path to consider.

Shutuplaura

TrustedApple wrote: »

I always deal with the ty students in work. I will ask you the same quastions I ask them.

Do you like computers?. What lv of stuff have you done?. Do you know any programing or how to use CMD.

Do you know what Unix is?.

I give you a heads up everyone I work with has a heavy background in IT. 4 years in a uni or a IT. Myself after 4 years in college I got a land the min I walked into my 1st job as what I done in college was now pointless.

IT is also a skill set that you will need to be up skilling in all the time. As there is always a newer tech around the corner.

Do you know what area you won't to get into in IT?. Programing, database, sys administrator?.

I know enough to know that I know very little I guess. I have used CMD a little and know Unix is an OS but that's about it. I have some knowledge, its not a passion of mine but i have enjoyed the programming i have done do far, at least more than I expected. So my attitude would be better than those who see it as just another way to land a job. Hopefully.

I guess originally I was thinking programming and have done some java and was thinking of technical project mgmt longer term but I am at the stage where I feel I have to commit to it by doing some full time study or forgetting about it.
I have a conversion course in mind but I don't want to be coming out of a year of study and work experience and finding that actually I am not particularly employable because I haven't done a four year course.

Anyway, thanks all for your advice.

GalwayGrrrrrl

Have you looked at postgrad diplomas in NUI galway? They have a one year course which is aimed at people like yourself who have a profession but no background in programming . The course involves a project with a local company so that increases your employability. I can’t remember the exact course name but a search of the Nuig postgrad prospectus should show it.

beauf

How will the salaries compare? Finance vs IT

Shutuplaura

xfactorfan23 wrote: »

Have you looked at postgrad diplomas in NUI galway? They have a one year course which is aimed at people like yourself who have a profession but no background in programming . The course involves a project with a local company so that increases your employability. I can’t remember the exact course name but a search of the Nuig postgrad prospectus should show it.

I am looking at something similar in NUIM. They have an open day in Saturday and I have been in touch with the head of dept who suggested I come along and speak to him. I will put my questions to him I guess.

Shutuplaura

beauf wrote: »

How will the salaries compare? Finance vs IT

In general or for me particularly? I would be taking a sizeable cut if I were to get a graduate IT role. I am willing to do that on expectation that I can progress faster. In general I don't know...atxa guess I would think finance can pay more but only if one has the willingness to specialize. I am constrained by a limit to my interest in it...which I think I am reaching.

Pelvis

How long is the diploma? If it's only one year and you're starting as a complete beginner then it might be tough to get a job, as you're not going to learn a whole lot of practical stuff in a year.

Are you looking to move into development? If so, start right now, do online tutorials, buy books, start coding.

If you're more interested in sysadmin and the likes then start looking at IT certs.

druidhill

Shutuplaura wrote: »

...
I have a conversion course in mind but I don't want to be coming out of a year of study and work experience and finding that actually I am not particularly employable because I haven't done a four year course.
...

I don't see that as an issue at all. A pre-requisite for most of those IT conversion courses require participants to already have a degree and that satisfies HR (your tech savvy will be assessed at interview). If anything, you're more employable because of your experience, especially to those employers in finance.

Diceicle makes some good points.

I think you're taking the wrong approach.

I would advise against a full-time course in your situation (do a similar conversion course part-time at night over two years and use your current background and experience to get into an area of IT in your current employment or similar).

Don't start at the bottom if you don't need to!