The Student Room Group

I really Need Help

I finish college last year at the time I didn't want go to university I wanted to do apprenticeship instead, but ever since I left college and went on to apprenticeship

1. I end up getting fired.
2. I leave the job because I don’t like it or I get bored quite easily.
3. I never do apprenticeship which is my strong background (Computing or ICT) it always in other areas I don’t like for example business admin (office work) or health and social care (looking after people).

First problem: Ever since those 3 things I have mention above I just really hate apprenticeships, so I was think about what to do with my life during my time while am unemployed and I have decided to go university, but I have problem I can’t tell mum because she thinks am going to drop out because it too hard. She believes that I should apprenticeship or normal job because am more hands on then academics I always do what mum says and I want to live my life and gain some independence. I will be moving out to get my own flat before September so can hide it and sort of lie that I have job when am actually in Uni am not sure if good idea so what shall I do?

Second problem: Now I have no job and am trying my hardest not to go on JSA or benefits till September because I want to go back to college to do GCSE English and Maths. Since am 21 I have done my BTEC Extended Diploma in IT Level 3 with my grades DDM would I still be able to get into university or should I do Access course? Because I don’t want to waste my time with UCAS or university teachers on interview day giving me advice that I should do access course since we want a more recent study in terms of academics or I get rejected because of personal statement or grades is not what they want which I totally understand.

At the moment am at college twice a week doing functional skills English Level 2 OCR version with the hope that I pass to get on the GCSE English course coming September, but in terms with maths it not up to GCSE strands and I really don’t want to be staying in college for another3 or 4 years just doing maths is there any quicker way to do GCSE Maths in September? at the moment am just self-study with maths watch software and also would I have to pay for GCSE Maths and English? since am 21 and unemployed not on any form of benefits.
You did very well in your BTEC, congratulations. You have to get your english and maths gcse's but once they are done I don't see anything stopping you doing an IT related course.

You do need to take into account that degree level work has a huge focus on english skills in essay writing, so it would be wise to get to a point where you are able to write very well. However, there is also help that you can get from the university in the form of tutoring which may can help with writing skills.

If there is anything I have learned from my past in education (I didn't have an easy time with it), is to believe in yourself and do what you want to do (and not anyone else), and you will most likely do well!
Reply 2
Original post by hellodave5
You did very well in your BTEC, congratulations. You have to get your english and maths gcse's but once they are done I don't see anything stopping you doing an IT related course.

You do need to take into account that degree level work has a huge focus on english skills in essay writing, so it would be wise to get to a point where you are able to write very well. However, there is also help that you can get from the university in the form of tutoring which may can help with writing skills.

If there is anything I have learned from my past in education (I didn't have an easy time with it), is to believe in yourself and do what you want to do (and not anyone else), and you will most likely do well!


Thanks for the advice it really helped me. I don't know if it me but I do attend to worry too much about GCSE and university because I did really had bad school history I only really settle down when I was in my 3rd year at college. I just don't want the same thing happening to me again when I do my GCSE and going to university if I pass my GCSE. I have learnt my lesson in life and am more willing and motivated to succeed in my education.
I'd just like to say that your persistence and self-belief is both admirable & inspirational. :colondollar:
Original post by venz_2k13
X


These are common problems nowadays, and one of the most crippling factors is choice. There's so much choice to have any career, that choosing the right path is overwhelming.

Narrow down a few key options that you would like to do. Once you've weighed up your options, (and take time on this) pick one and commit to it. When you're committed to getting where you've decided you want to be, it will become a lot easier.

I reckon one of the main factors if not the main factor in failure (from our advantageous position) is indecision.
Reply 5
Original post by Abdul-Karim
I'd just like to say that your persistence and self-belief is both admirable & inspirational. :colondollar:


Thank you :smile:
Reply 6
Original post by TK2 King Pin
These are common problems nowadays, and one of the most crippling factors is choice. There's so much choice to have any career, that choosing the right path is overwhelming.

Narrow down a few key options that you would like to do. Once you've weighed up your options, (and take time on this) pick one and commit to it. When you're committed to getting where you've decided you want to be, it will become a lot easier.

I reckon one of the main factors if not the main factor in failure (from our advantageous position) is indecision.


I have looked at what career path I would like to do in the IT sector I have narrow down to 4 career IT paths:

System analyst:
I have done some research and looked really interesting
but not sure if I want to move up the ladder or specialise in that area.

Network Engineer:
I have found out this what I really want to do as this suit me really well and I would want specialise in this area in the future.

IT technical support officer:
The same reason as network engineer but not sure which one to choose as it suit me as well.

Database Administrator:
I have done some research and actually the similar role I did in my previous job and I wouldn’t mind going back to it, as have previous experience in that area .

Any of these career paths take me I would like to be Information systems manager one day. I have since I have done my career path I don’t know which one is the best degree like

Computer science:
I really don’t like maths but I will put up with it since part of life.

Computing:
I think is similar thing than computer science but I think it less theoretical and more practical in this degree.

Information technology
: It got lot of business models and I really don’t like the business part of the degree.

So really I don’t know which degree to choose from but I do know I want to have board picture since so give better chance in the IT job market in the future.
Original post by venz_2k13
I finish college last year at the time I didn't want go to university I wanted to do apprenticeship instead, but ever since I left college and went on to apprenticeship

1. I end up getting fired.
2. I leave the job because I don’t like it or I get bored quite easily.
3. I never do apprenticeship which is my strong background (Computing or ICT) it always in other areas I don’t like for example business admin (office work) or health and social care (looking after people).

First problem: Ever since those 3 things I have mention above I just really hate apprenticeships, so I was think about what to do with my life during my time while am unemployed and I have decided to go university, but I have problem I can’t tell mum because she thinks am going to drop out because it too hard. She believes that I should apprenticeship or normal job because am more hands on then academics I always do what mum says and I want to live my life and gain some independence. I will be moving out to get my own flat before September so can hide it and sort of lie that I have job when am actually in Uni am not sure if good idea so what shall I do?


Well, I think that moving out and living independently is an excellent idea, in order to gain independence. However, try to avoid doing this just to lie to your mom. If it helps, I'm 21 too, and my mom still treats me like a child. Try to talk to your mom about it. If she is totally unreasonable, you
may want to talk to your dad about it. Someone needs to know where you are at any point in time, for safety reasons, so you need to inform someone who you can trust in case you find yourself in trouble.

Original post by venz_2k13

Second problem: Now I have no job and am trying my hardest not to go on JSA or benefits till September because I want to go back to college to do GCSE English and Maths. Since am 21 I have done my BTEC Extended Diploma in IT Level 3 with my grades DDM would I still be able to get into university or should I do Access course? Because I don’t want to waste my time with UCAS or university teachers on interview day giving me advice that I should do access course since we want a more recent study in terms of academics or I get rejected because of personal statement or grades is not what they want which I totally understand.


The grades are excellent, and they should be more than fine for uni. But just to be sure, check with the uni to see if you have met the requirements for your specific course.
For e.g . Do they need a specific subject as a pre-requisite?

Original post by venz_2k13

At the moment am at college twice a week doing functional skills English Level 2 OCR version with the hope that I pass to get on the GCSE English course coming September, but in terms with maths it not up to GCSE strands and I really don’t want to be staying in college for another3 or 4 years just doing maths is there any quicker way to do GCSE Maths in September? at the moment am just self-study with maths watch software and also would I have to pay for GCSE Maths and English? since am 21 and unemployed not on any form of benefits.


So sorry, I can't really comment on this part, as I'm not too sure what to do either.
Original post by venz_2k13
I have looked at what career path I would like to do in the IT sector I have narrow down to 4 career IT paths:

System analyst:
I have done some research and looked really interesting
but not sure if I want to move up the ladder or specialise in that area.

Network Engineer:
I have found out this what I really want to do as this suit me really well and I would want specialise in this area in the future.

IT technical support officer:
The same reason as network engineer but not sure which one to choose as it suit me as well.

Database Administrator:
I have done some research and actually the similar role I did in my previous job and I wouldn’t mind going back to it, as have previous experience in that area .

Any of these career paths take me I would like to be Information systems manager one day. I have since I have done my career path I don’t know which one is the best degree like

Computer science:
I really don’t like maths but I will put up with it since part of life.

Computing:
I think is similar thing than computer science but I think it less theoretical and more practical in this degree.

Information technology
: It got lot of business models and I really don’t like the business part of the degree.

So really I don’t know which degree to choose from but I do know I want to have board picture since so give better chance in the IT job market in the future.

Ah... I see... Did you find any universities that offer a information systems management course, as that would be most relevant to your career.
To answer your question, I think Information technology is a close match. Unfortunately, business is quite integral to being an Info Systems Manager, so you may need to learn how to handle the business aspect of the degree.
Original post by venz_2k13


Network Engineer:
I have found out this what I really want to do as this suit me really well and I would want specialise in this area in the future.

IT technical support officer:
The same reason as network engineer but not sure which one to choose as it suit me as well.

Any of these career paths take me I would like to be Information systems manager one day.


These are what you want to do. Now to make the choice on which job you ultimately want and learn how to get it. Then do everything possible to get that.

Original post by venz_2k13


Information technology
: It got lot of business models and I really don’t like the business part of the degree.

So really I don’t know which degree to choose from but I do know I want to have board picture since so give better chance in the IT job market in the future.


Understanding the business may give you a stronger understanding of the industry, and more ideas on how to get your ideal job. You will also need to understand the industry for advanced roles.

Like I've said, the best way is to select your favourite choice and just go for it.
(edited 9 years ago)
I don't think there is any rush to do anything you seem really unsure so what might be best is to just find some work to do for a year or so. Gain some independence, earn some money, get some life experience. It did me the world of good and it meant that when I applied for uni I was ready and knew what I wanted to do.

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