I spent a year and £6,000 obtaining a diploma in C programming, and
then secured a position at a large telecoms supplier as a
third-line support software engineer. It didn't work out - I had
been trained using C on a Windows platform - they were using C on
Unix. All the jobs I've applied for are either looking for
graduates or people with two to three years' experience. What
opportunities are there for people like me, with a year's
experience but no degree? I have an HND in chemistry and
computing.
Even experienced people are finding it difficult to find work due
to market conditions and you need to be both realistic and
flexible. It is true that experience is important and getting this
experience can initially be an uphill struggle. Often the most
senior people in IT started at the bottom and had no formal
qualifications, so do not let the fact that you have no degree hold
you back. Bill Gates never finished his course so you are one up on
him.
An HND in chemistry and computing and your diploma in C
programming, alongside the additional qualifications you are
studying for, should provide a solid foundation. However, putting
these skills into practice is the real test and understandably
employers are looking to take on candidates with a proven track
record.
Although your previous job did not work out, there are some strong
hints to be taken from the experience. Always try to find out as
much as possible about the job you are taking on and do not
oversell yourself. It is also a good idea to try and find out as
much as you can about why the job did not work out. Exit interviews
are now common practice and these can help both the employer and
the individual to get a better idea about how they need to change
the way they work. In terms of future prospects be prepared to set
your sights on realistic job targets - if you do succeed in getting
a job that is asking for two to three years experience then you are
likely to encounter similar problems to your last job.