Hi all,
I have a bit of an odd story... I've been working in IT for 5 years. I've been programming in all sorts of different languages throughout this time. The company I used to work for are one of the biggest companies in the world and I was supported up until a certain point with my programming. I am self taught and on the job taught. However, I believe one day without IT qualifications, I will hit a brick wall and won't be able further in my career.
I have decided I needed to probably get a degree to get on in life. When seeking advice, I have been told due to my 5 years of IT experience in the "real world" (so to speak), it would be pointless me getting a BSc in Computing and IT because I would just be getting an expensive bit of paper that I already know about. So I have decided to look at doing the diploma in Software Development (D69) and probably going on to do a masters.
I really need some advice on this though. Would I be completely out of my depth? Is it something someone here has already done and can give me some advice on it? I really need to speak to someone who has done the course that can speak to me regarding information.
Thank you to all help.
Hi
I completed C02 (Post-Grad in Computing for Commerce and Industry) and then M801 (MSc) - took me 5 years (between 2003 – 2009).
I had been software contracting for about 7 years and wanted to know more about the theory and practice of software engineering – not just programming but engineering.
If you have aspirations to move beyond coding (which is only a small part of serious software development) then I would decide WHAT role you want to do - Project management, architect, designer. And make sure that D69 (or C09 or other OU courses) has units that support this.
Studying academically is quite different to working. It takes a bit of getting used to, and you need to be prepared to give up a few evenings each week to it. The MSc course is totally different again - and I think tougher - but you can think about that later...
It’s not so much the qualification that counts - but the knowledge you gain. The units give you ways of thinking about issues - a mental toolbox if you like. I employ these all the time. They give you a wider, deeper, and firmer basis for making decisions, analysing problems and managing outcomes.
My advice would be to make sure you are on a course with many of the right units for you. Sign up and do the unit you think you will enjoy most first. If you don’t enjoy it – just stop! All you will lose is one course fee and some time.
I don’t think there is any other way of knowing whether you enjoy swimming, riding horses, playing the piano than taking a few lessons to see.
You have to persist on your first unit though – acquiring skills and knowledge takes time and there are ups and downs. And you also have to learn the skill of studying, and managing your time, during the first unit. So give it time... Oh and rely on your Tutor for support and help. And DEFINITELY go to residential weekends or tutorials (depends on courses) if you can.