Moving from IT apprentice to uni, help!
Discussion
Hi all,
Been active on here for a while however nothing really job related.
I currently work with a large IT company as an apprentice. I've just started my second year and have been working as an Application Support Analyst in that time - mainly doing SQL work, some network troubleshooting, and working with a number of specialized programs that my company supports.
Bit of a brief background... I landed my role here straight out of school at 18 (now 19). Always had a keen interest in the industry however I'm not the type who goes home at night and sits coding in my free time. I've always tinkered with computers in my spare time, but not to that extent. Mainly messing about with OS', making a hackintosh, that kind of thing. Through the first year of my apprenticeship I went to 4 courses at 2 weeks each, .NET fundamentals, c#, SQL and data modelling, and HTML. I coped okay with the classes considering my only IT experience was Higher Information systems at school, and computing before that.
My work as a Support Analyst means that coding isn't a day to day thing for me (we have a large dev team), and as such haven't really had much exposure to it outside of my classes. I enjoy my job and I am comfortable in the work that I do, Dynamics CRM, database work, reconciliation tasks, troubleshooting etc. However most of my work is documented to some extent, so I can check up what to do if I get stuck.
Recently, the apprenticeship coordinator in work approached me and asked if I would consider finishing off my full second year of coursework (Diploma of Information Technology and professionals SCQF8) before September, and starting university to do software development. My previous qualifications I have gained - 1st and hopefully 2nd year - mean I should be able to start at year 3 of the degree, ideally progressing to year 4 for an honours.
I'm more than happy to put in the extra work to complete everything for September, however I'm slightly concerned that the modules being taught will require a good knowledge of programming. Two other apprentices are also being put forward, albeit they are developers so they have a much more extensive skill set in programming.
I'm basically looking for advice. I have a meeting with the lecturer in 2 weeks where I plan to explain the situation to him and see what he thinks.
Has anyone been down this route before? - I'm a bit concerned jumping into 3rd year or uni when I was at school 18 months ago!
Will I need to become fluent with a programming language to have a hope of passing? I realise it would be greatly beneficial, but it would be a huge weight off my shoulders if it wasn't the be all and end all that I didn't know a language. I'll be worrying constantly that I'm not good enough for the course.
Bit of a lengthy post, but if you made it this far then thanks!
Been active on here for a while however nothing really job related.
I currently work with a large IT company as an apprentice. I've just started my second year and have been working as an Application Support Analyst in that time - mainly doing SQL work, some network troubleshooting, and working with a number of specialized programs that my company supports.
Bit of a brief background... I landed my role here straight out of school at 18 (now 19). Always had a keen interest in the industry however I'm not the type who goes home at night and sits coding in my free time. I've always tinkered with computers in my spare time, but not to that extent. Mainly messing about with OS', making a hackintosh, that kind of thing. Through the first year of my apprenticeship I went to 4 courses at 2 weeks each, .NET fundamentals, c#, SQL and data modelling, and HTML. I coped okay with the classes considering my only IT experience was Higher Information systems at school, and computing before that.
My work as a Support Analyst means that coding isn't a day to day thing for me (we have a large dev team), and as such haven't really had much exposure to it outside of my classes. I enjoy my job and I am comfortable in the work that I do, Dynamics CRM, database work, reconciliation tasks, troubleshooting etc. However most of my work is documented to some extent, so I can check up what to do if I get stuck.
Recently, the apprenticeship coordinator in work approached me and asked if I would consider finishing off my full second year of coursework (Diploma of Information Technology and professionals SCQF8) before September, and starting university to do software development. My previous qualifications I have gained - 1st and hopefully 2nd year - mean I should be able to start at year 3 of the degree, ideally progressing to year 4 for an honours.
I'm more than happy to put in the extra work to complete everything for September, however I'm slightly concerned that the modules being taught will require a good knowledge of programming. Two other apprentices are also being put forward, albeit they are developers so they have a much more extensive skill set in programming.
I'm basically looking for advice. I have a meeting with the lecturer in 2 weeks where I plan to explain the situation to him and see what he thinks.
Has anyone been down this route before? - I'm a bit concerned jumping into 3rd year or uni when I was at school 18 months ago!
Will I need to become fluent with a programming language to have a hope of passing? I realise it would be greatly beneficial, but it would be a huge weight off my shoulders if it wasn't the be all and end all that I didn't know a language. I'll be worrying constantly that I'm not good enough for the course.
Bit of a lengthy post, but if you made it this far then thanks!
Writing code will probably be a very small part of your degree course. It was on mine and if it wasn't 80% would have failed!
The third year of a 4 year course is usually a year out in industry so you will in effect be returning on your final year if I'm reading your post correctly. I completed a HND in Computer Studies and was only accepted onto the third year if I completed a bridging course whilst on my industrial placement.
As it turned out I was offered a job by my placement employer and never went back. Still have regrets but a flat, car and girlfriend meant I couldn't turn down the cash.
One final word of advice is to get out of support. It's the dogs arse of IT IMHO.
The third year of a 4 year course is usually a year out in industry so you will in effect be returning on your final year if I'm reading your post correctly. I completed a HND in Computer Studies and was only accepted onto the third year if I completed a bridging course whilst on my industrial placement.
As it turned out I was offered a job by my placement employer and never went back. Still have regrets but a flat, car and girlfriend meant I couldn't turn down the cash.
One final word of advice is to get out of support. It's the dogs arse of IT IMHO.
Edited by rustyuk on Tuesday 13th June 21:57
Cheers for the replies guys, I spoke to a few people that work in IT last night and the resounding answer was 'Bite their arm off'.
Touching on the idea of picking up niche skills, this sounds quite appealing to me. I'll have a read up on emerging technologies and see what is a available. My company has a strong emphasis on expanding skills so that they can make more bids, so this would probably be a welcome idea to my manager etc if mentioned.
To be honest support is just a way into the industry for me, I'd like to be eventually working in infrastructure if possible but I think I'd need to put in a good couple of years in support before the company thinks I'm ready to side step.
I've been doing my best to network with people from different departments as this will hopefully open up new paths for me in the future should I wish to try and move away from support.
Without sounding gallus I'm quite happy where I am just now as I do basically the same work as people who have been here 5+ years, my degree will hopefully cement that so that people don't need to take my word for it
Cheers for the advice!
Touching on the idea of picking up niche skills, this sounds quite appealing to me. I'll have a read up on emerging technologies and see what is a available. My company has a strong emphasis on expanding skills so that they can make more bids, so this would probably be a welcome idea to my manager etc if mentioned.
To be honest support is just a way into the industry for me, I'd like to be eventually working in infrastructure if possible but I think I'd need to put in a good couple of years in support before the company thinks I'm ready to side step.
I've been doing my best to network with people from different departments as this will hopefully open up new paths for me in the future should I wish to try and move away from support.
Without sounding gallus I'm quite happy where I am just now as I do basically the same work as people who have been here 5+ years, my degree will hopefully cement that so that people don't need to take my word for it
Cheers for the advice!
Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff