22 years old with absolutely no idea

Hey,

I'm assuming this question appears on here quite a lot, sorry, but I really don't know which direction to head in. I'm nearly 22 years old and have not yet been to University, upon leaving school I completed an IT apprenticeship that was equivalent to A-levels (or so they said, apparently it turns out it isn't, as far as UCAS points are concerned). I've worked in IT help desk roles, Mobile IT training roles (on-site and off-site training seminars) & graphic design roles.I've constantly been in and out of jobs, I really struggle to dedicate myself to one thing.

A few months ago I finally found something that I thought I would be interested in enough to go to University, it was also computing related so I could use my previous work experience to hopefully waiver the requirements. The course was "Ethical Hacking", now, upon research it turns out that this field requires MUCH more than just a 4 year university course in the subject (I don't know why they offer it as a course at all, seems almost like a scam to me), from what I understand I have to study computer science (requires a high level of maths which is definitely not something I have) followed by then a Certified Ethical Hacker course followed then by years of perfecting my craft to even reach a competent level.

Given my track history I really can't see myself committing to that.I seem to just create obstacles for everything in my head, which is not good, but maybe there's a good reason for it, I think if I am truly honest with myself I would find it very hard to stick to a career path if I wasn't enjoying it, and that is my worry when deciding my future. My mind likes to race at 1000 miles an hour and I seem to get extreme "career mood swings", last night I was on a euphoric high absolutely loving every second of writing my statement and after today's discovery that the course was not what I expected I am now back to square one.

I'll list a few of the things that really interest me as a career option, or just as a hobby, hopefully this will inspire some discussion on which direction I could possibly take.

- Social Psychology (this is just a hobby of mine but I find it really interesting, any time I'm not on the computer I'm likely reading some books on the topic)

- Design (I really care about design in all aspects of life, I'm not a professional at all but I feel as if I have a pretty good eye, it really bothers me seeing companies with terrible branding. Expanding on this I also feel as if I'm pretty good as understanding where it is companies I work for are going wrong and how they could be improved)

- IT (I like the idea of installing hardware/networks but I can't really see that being my career choice if I'm honest, to me it just feels like an idea I'd be executing just because it would be "OK" for me)I'm really lost and could use any advice at all, thanks.

Reply 1

user73867

Hi there, Throwaway.

I'm also a mature student looking into going into some sort of cybersecurity role. I'm actually off to do a Computer Science degree but there are definitely other options. I've been advised against going for a "cybersecurity" degree - it is better to get a general computer degree first and then specialise afterwards. Perhaps software engineering is more your bag?

Reply 2

throwaway4000

Original post by Supersaps

Hey,

I've not actually looked into software engineering, I'll see what I can find, thanks for the tip!

But yeah, it's a real shame that degrees are even offered with such name as it gives a completely false idea of what to expect, thank god I did my research or I'd imagine I would be feeling pretty frustrated in 4 years time.

Best of luck with your chosen route.