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I have a dilemma, I don't know whether to go to University after my A-levels and study for three-four years or whether to go straight into a job programming.
Anyone got any ideas?
Or anywhere I can find out what jobs are on offer for programming general, or more specifically software?
I'm an unemployed bastard, I get a bed and food simply because my parents are verry kind.
But in the autumn I will go to univesity, I'm longing so much to do that! I mean there's no better way to do programming and fun stuff but at the university!
I don't know how things work with university and stuff at your place, but I would suggest you to find a job before you skipp the education. I mean it really sucks to be unemployed. And you can always skipp University if you find a job during your studdies!
Spend another few years enjoying yourself at Uni before you have to actually do some work.
If you realy feel the need get an intern or part time position.
>>whether to go straight into a job programming.
Most jobs programming want someone with a degree (I don't think you will get a good one / one you want without a degree). Not essential what type of degree but the degree proves commitment ect.
>>> Anyone got any ideas?
The entire IT sector is in something of a depression at the moment. Entering the job market now, you will be in competition with degree waving experienced professionals looking for work.
The wise men say the recession will be over in two quarters, but they have been saying that for the past 18 months, you go figure.
>>> Or anywhere I can find out what jobs are on offer for programming general
There are dozens of recruitment sites on the web, I would go so far as to say the majority of IT recruitment is now done on the web...
http://www.monster.co.uk/
http://www.ofir.com/
http://www.computerpeople.co.uk/
... or browse the back half of Computer Weekly or Computing or similar.
General advice, go and get your degree.
You have the rest of your life to work, go to school and enjoy yourself while learning.
I suggest you to learn, sure, it's a better option.
Hmm, just like someone told here, you'll have a long time to work, and for university, you havent.
University if you can. But I'm in a similar situation. Me personally, I'm going to program professionally for a year or so, and then join the air force and get my degree there.Quote:
Originally posted by Necrodeemer
I have a dilemma, I don't know whether to go to University after my A-levels and study for three-four years or whether to go straight into a job programming.
Anyone got any ideas?
Or anywhere I can find out what jobs are on offer for programming general, or more specifically software?
But it's your choice. If you have no real world experience (I have two), it's hard to make it, the real world can be a tough place for someone without a degree, and a real knowledge of how the "real world" works (I would know)!
good luck,
Terrance
excuse me, two years in the real world.Quote:
Originally posted by terrance11
If you have no real world experience (I have two),
University, University, and University...
If you can afford it, you should go for it, because now you have time...
I know it's not very nice to study, and do alot of work, but when you finish you can have a nice job, and I'm sure that'a what you want.
Quote:
Originally posted by novacain
Spend another few years enjoying yourself at Uni before you have to actually do some work.
If you realy feel the need get an intern or part time position.
>>whether to go straight into a job programming.
Most jobs programming want someone with a degree (I don't think you will get a good one / one you want without a degree). Not essential what type of degree but the degree proves commitment ect.
All depends. If you have a certain flair for programming, and have decent work behind you, offer yourself on that principle and you will get the job before a (recent) graduate.
Problem is of course, lots of people leave Uni with a poor knowledge of programming, even if that was their course! Not every1 gets a first you know!
It does show a certain level of commitment, but even more commitment is shown by some body who has learnt more without going to Uni.
Experience I guess is what will get you the job.
I've been in school for four years, but I have no real world experience at all :( . I keep applying for internships, but they give them out to others. Al I got was a crappy internship that I quit, and with good reason too. Shortly after I quit, they reduced the IT department by 25%. I now see they guy I was interning under at the checkout counter at Wal-Mart. I think it is important to keep in mind he didnt go to college, but just got some certs instead.
Personally, I just hope things begin looking up. I feel I have so much promise in the programming field, but I haven't been given a chance yet. Probably discrimination :mad:
You'll get your chance, dont' worry. And the reason why you haven't gotten the chance (depending if you live in the U.S.) is probably because of the economy.Quote:
Originally posted by carrja99
I've been in school for four years, but I have no real world experience at all :( . I keep applying for internships, but they give them out to others. Al I got was a crappy internship that I quit, and with good reason too. Shortly after I quit, they reduced the IT department by 25%. I now see they guy I was interning under at the checkout counter at Wal-Mart. I think it is important to keep in mind he didnt go to college, but just got some certs instead.
Personally, I just hope things begin looking up. I feel I have so much promise in the programming field, but I haven't been given a chance yet. Probably discrimination :mad:
I'm getting my certs now, and I'll get my college degree later. Making it in the real world is more than just experience or a college degree. Companies are looking for certain types of individuals- ones that are optimistic, persistent, have a real desire for what they do.
Just remember that everything is business, whether or not you're a techie or a CEO, and also, remember that companies don't hire you to work, they expect you to work, they hire you to help make their company more profitable.
I know many people who never even grasped these simple concepts of business, and they wonder why they're unemployed.
I went out into the business industry right out of high school, and I had to learn quick, because a lot of people don't like kids running around and competing with them for job positions. If you're out of high school, and if you're easily intimidated, you could be eaten alive.
Straight A's mean little to people in the real world, and most college kids are usually laughed at because a lot of them are overconfident coming out of college, and think that they know more than they really know.
But, that's been my experiences. College will allow you to be a lot more prepared when you do get into the real world, but you simply can't understand the complexities of business from any school or college.
>>> them are overconfident coming out of college,
Well said that man. It can come as quite a shock to some graduates when the first task you give them is beyond them and they have to ask for help.
A lack of business orientation is also a problem, they tend to want to throw the latest technology at problems, and don't consider the cost and risk.
Might be your experience, but it doesnt mean that colleges teach less than universitys. You can get just as good of a job coming out of college as you can coming out of university. In what you refer to as the 'Real World', if you cannot perform... you get fired. Sure there are lots of old-school people who think that a university degree makes you better than someone who went to college, but thats not true. Realistically if you can get the job done then you'll do fine. It doesnt mean that University students are better prepared than someone coming out of college.
Go see the world instead!
You've gotta live life! Then, find a nice woman/man to spend the rest of your life with, if you already haven't :)
huh?Quote:
Originally posted by Xei
Might be your experience, but it doesnt mean that colleges teach less than universitys.
>>> huh?
Well said that man! (This is getting to be a habit!)
To me, a university is one or more colleges.
Without question, go to a University. Most colleges have different organizations within the college to get you real world experience while earning your degree. I'm a sophomore and I'm working on consulting jobs given by the school. So I'm making good money, earning my degree, and getting real world experience. You can't beat that.
Besides, if you entered the IT industry right now, you'll be sitting around with thousands of other people with degrees. All of you will be competing for the same job and those with the degree and experience will get the job.
I recently read something in carreers class that said average salaries:
No College 25000^
College 40000^
(per year USD salaries)
If you cant afford schooling, theres always the military, and fortunately for me, I have alot of time to think this stuff over.