Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

IT Professional Advice Required!

TSR,

Any IT Professionals around that could help me out?
Need someone to ask a few questions about career options and University etc.
It's useless trying to talk to family/friends, as they have no clue about the IT Job market and such.

If someone could DM me, or simply post on this thread to make themselves known I'd be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Reply 1

Push_More_Button

What sort of IT professionals are you after and what are the types of questions?

Reply 2

username2295565

Original post by Push_More_Button

What sort of IT professionals are you after and what are the types of questions?

Any form of IT Professional really, either with a degree or without.
IT Security would be preferable.

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 3

Push_More_Button

I'm a developer on a file sharing web app that we market with a security focus to businesses. Ask away.

Reply 4

urbanlocations

Original post by fr0sr_

I currently study ICT at university and in my first year? :smile:

Reply 5

username2295565

You're both perfect people to ask. To give you a bit of back story...

I'm 19, and I Currently work within an IT Environment. I Completed an apprenticeship and was kept on in an average, run-of-the-mill IT Support Team within an office environment.

They offer no progression, as it is a "fire-fighting" role. I get hands on experience, projects etc. which is good - but alas that is not my point. In light of the below troubles I have lost a lot of motivation at this place.

Naturally the best option would be to leave said job and find a more suitable employer who can actually offer ME something, other than the monthly paycheck.

HOWEVER.. I have hit a "cross road" in my career path..

Luckily enough in my previous education I have achieved good enough grades to study at University in the UK, which is nice. I take an interest in the concept of Cyber Security, and read through numerous IT Sec. sites, so naturally these would be the courses for me. Courses such as Comp Sci do not appeal, personally.

So.. the choices would be the below;

1.) Work within a new IT Environment in Support, and progress using accreditations and experience.
*The problem with this option is that commonly this form of role is a rather "common" one. A LOT of people can and ARE employed into this role, in my opinion. In your opinion, does this form of role actually provide significant progression? (providing I gained suitable accreditations such as CISCO, MS Certs etc.)

OR

2.) Specialise within Security, and then graduate into a graduate scheme in 2019/2020
*The "problem" with this option is that obviously there is no guarantee of employment once graduated. Numerous times I've read through threads here that are read "I've got a first at *insert decent Uni here* studying *insert subject* and I work at M&S" - That worries me.

I would only expect to earn circa. £0-£5k more than my current role once graduated.. which would be in 3/4 years. But in my opinion this would offer significantly higher chances of progression, and through to a "higher tier" at that. would I be right in thinking this? Is the worth of such a degree as highly regarded as it used to be in the IT Field?
(Note that due to the fact that I've previously achieved these grades, my offers are unconditional, and that the deadline for making Uni decisions is creeping closer. - Early May for me I believe)

Now.. The question I have is;

Within the IT Sector (In your opinion) is there actually the opportunity for significant career progression, or is this mainly achievable through the acquirement of a degree?

With the acquirement of a degree to a 2:1 level, in your opinion does this allow for higher quality roles, with better pay and quality of employment? Is the circa. £15k per annum. cost of the degree itself actually worth it in a Cyber Security field?
(A degree would have been achieved from a Uni ranked between 40-100 in the rankings.(SOURCE: http://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2015/may/25/university-league-tables-2016 )

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 6

username2295565

Original post by urbanlocations

I currently study ICT at university and in my first year? :smile:

Original post by Push_More_Button

I'm a developer on a file sharing web app that we market with a security focus to businesses. Ask away.

Sorry for the essay!
If you could possibly answer any of the above questions, or just give your spin on things I'd appreciate it so much.
Trying desperately to find answers, but it's as clear as mud in my mind.

Reply 7

urbanlocations

Original post by fr0sr_

Go for the graduate roll any day!! Especially in the career you want to pursue. Industry is crying out for cyber security experts and graduates and theres a lot to offer regarding placements on degrees. Also you have some hands on experience.

go for it and apply for this September if you can!