How to get into IT

[snowyblanket]

How do you get into IT with non related a levels and no degree? I’m 30+ if that makes a difference as well.

Is this a bad idea? I have plenty of time to study as only work very pt hours but ideally will work sooner rather than later so don’t really want to spend years studying (unless it’s possible to gain an entry level job and study alongside it). I only have average a levels but have studied in the last few years and confident I can study again.

Initial pay doesn’t matter but hoping for a career.

@OldPosterNewUsername although I agree with you every office worker certainly does not hold these skills. But thank you.
Thanks for the replies I will go away and see what I can do and maybe full retraining is the only way to go Ie academic in another field and hope to get on a grad scheme. Certainly not staying in my current field until I’m 70 or whatever age is enforced when it’s time for me retire!

You sound like you are quick to learn.

You say you are over 30.

I started OU when I was 32 and now I have a degree in Computing & IT.

When I started it, six years seemed like forever but I am so glad that o dud it even though it was so hard. Maybe you could study a level 1 module or an introductory module to see if it suits you?

Thing is schools are no longer teaching IT as such, they are teaching Computer Science so in a decade the school leavers will be able to code and understand algorithmic thinking but not have general IT skills like using Word, Excel and Access effectively.

Maybe you could plan to fill that gap in knowledge??

Your Excel skills look a lot more advanced than 'any office worker'.
You have transferrable skills and could probably find work with what you have in an accounts and spreadsheet environment, which isn't what you really want.
I wouldn't head for a business analyst role (too much competition) and you won't get a tech architect position (no relevant experience).
I would write a killer CV and post it on jobsites.
Look for roles that need VB skills.
There are project coordinator type roles that you might be good at.
Be willing to look at temporary contracts e.g. mat leave cover.
In the meantime, brush up your marketable skills and skills that go with Excel.

For the PP who said you need 7 yrs study to be an architect, a Technical Architect is an IT role, not a RIBA-sort of job, the job title is misleading. You could work your way up to a BA or TA.

Hi snowyblanket,

Don't give up on applying apprenticeships roles, as long as you perform well in your interviews and able to do well on their psychometric/aptitude etc tests you will have pretty good chance. Our apprentice didn't know anything but she worked hard and did fine - although she dropped out in the end.

I work in IT for 15+ years, took extended career break. Technical support roles sound suitable for your experience, operations likely to be 24/7 but usually better pay with shift allowance.

Entry level jobs isn't well pay, it is a competitive field but there are plenty of opportunities once you got the experience.

Are you good at customers and project management? You don't need to be great technically and money can be quite good in some companies.

Good luck.

Your description of your role sounds like either a Process Improvement Analyst or Business Analyst type role? Is this what you are currently doing? In our company natural progression (without sideways steps) in these roles would be Process Improvement Analyst -> Business Analyst (specialising either in technical or processes) -> Solution Lead (i.e. Planning, Manufacturing, Procurement, Finance etc) .

Being well paid in these roles depends on the level of knowledge and experience and level of responsibility. The current trend is most of the actual technical work is done offshore. You wouldn't be able to make homemade bespoke spreadsheet marcos or visual basic to streamline processes as they are every IT departments worst nightmare (cost for who supports/maintains when the creator moves on? change management? etc), but instead define the businesses detailed IT requirements within a project scope and ensure the appropriate solution is delivered. You work closely between the business and the offshore providers.

Thanks for all the replies. Sorry if I’m honest I totally lost confidence and chickened out of going on the thread for a bit as don’t want to be told I’m stuck in accountancy
Anyway wow so good to hear from those who have managed to achieve this later on as I would like to.

I am going to go to a few tech meet-ups in London and see if I can salvage any ideas and network with some real life tech people as well hopefully. I’m going to go on some basic coding courses and probably look like a complete idiot but hopefully something might come out of it even if it’s just a more diverse cv for finance ha!
Thanks all I appreciate the small boosts of confidence this thread has also given me as well.