I should have tried harder at school, time to fix that!

[SmartManDan]

I've been reading the PH forums for years, in fact spend hours on them a day looking at everything from relationship matters to "What Car" threads. It seems bizarre that my first post though after registering though is to do with education. I hope I've posted in the right area too as it seemed the most relevant. PistonHeads has lots of educated and wise people on it so I am hoping you could offer some advice.

A brief history. High School in 1993, then straight into work in the I.T Industry. I did a few I.T certifications and continue to keep them updated (MCSE/MCSA/MCITP/MCTS/CCA/ITIL and a few others) I work as a I.T Network Admin but really just progressed into this position over time. I enjoy what I do and I don't mean to sound arrogant, but I am good at my job. I'm however not a confident person in public situations so have always kept to the Ttechie side as I don't get put in too many difficult situations then (Dealing with presentations etc)

However I've also worked abroad a bit (Middle East) and have lots of work in Canada albeit all via remote support and managing the I.T Admins there. (Our office had branches there) I also have friends working and living in Canada and I quite fancy giving it a go. I've been uhm'ing and ah'ing for years but figured I am not getting any younger (37 now) Vancouver would be my choice as that's where all my Canadian friends are.

Anyhow, to get it it appears I basically am not qualified enough and trying to get a Canadian Employer over there to offer me a job seems virtually impossible. My existing is not an option, I've asked on more than one occasion.

So, it's time to study some more, but since I am very naive in higher education I was after some advice. Since I work in I.T Systems/Network Admin am I right in assuming a BSc is the right way forward? All the University websites make my head hurt! I could do with a plain English version. Also, places like Open University, are they all as good as one another in terms of being internationally recognised?

Along with my aim being of opening up more opportunities, hopefully abroad, I know this could further open up other jobs and scope for progression. So, if you were me, is it worth studying more (I have years of experience as you can see) and if it is worth it, what would you be looking at (Bcs etc?) and how many years would it take?

Sorry for the long 1st post! I'll go back to looking at MX5's now and throwing cans of Redbull at Audi drivers

[BoRED S2upid]

Welcome. And go easy on those Audi drivers were not all bad people.

BSC would indeed be the choice for an IT geek like your good self. Open Uni is ok but can take years to complete a degree, could you stick at it for 5 or 6 years? there may be a quicker option a degree isn't everything.

If I were you i'd be speaking to your Canadian friends, what do they have that you don't? what qualifications do the employers look for? if you have failed to get a job because of lack of qualifications, ask for some feedback, what qualifications do they look for?

Good luck. Im sure some fellow IT professionals will be along in a bit to give you some more specific advice.

[Art0ir]

Speak with your local uni and see if they do any fast-track P/T courses

[rog007]

A BSc would indeed add value. But, if you're as good as you say and have a number of qualifications behind you, it may be that you can APEL straight to a Masters. Worth talking to OU and a Uni close to you to discuss the options. Good luck!

[SmartManDan]

BoRED S2upid said:

If I were you i'd be speaking to your Canadian friends, what do they have that you don't? what qualifications do the employers look for? if you have failed to get a job because of lack of qualifications, ask for some feedback, what qualifications do they look for?

Thanks for your advice. My Canadian friends are actually Canadian by birth, with the exception of 2, one of whom is a millionaire so basically brought enough money in to allow him citizenship and the other got in about 10 years ago when it was a little easier, oh and he's University educated.

In terms of failing to get a job, I think it's because at the end of the day I am just another techie with the run of the mill IT certs. They can get a local who would probably be just as good and none of the hassle of applying for visa's and all the paperwork. I can understand their situation and if I were an employer I'd probably do the same thing.

I will keep applying though. All my applications are tailored for the specific position and it's not just a fire and forget thing.

Art0ir said:

Speak with your local uni and see if they do any fast-track P/T courses

rog007 said:

A BSc would indeed add value. But, if you're as good as you say and have a number of qualifications behind you, it may be that you can APEL straight to a Masters. Worth talking to OU and a Uni close to you to discuss the options. Good luck!

I did email OU a few days ago asking about credit transfers for my existing IT Certs. However searching on "APEL" immediately told me what I needed to know. Thank you both. I'll be speaking to more Uni's and seeing what they can suggest too. Going for a Masters may be interesting, however even with my IT certs I think it may still take a lot of effort just to get a BSc in something appropriate.

As to whether or not I have time. Well I see what the Uni's say and go from there. I'll put more feelers out now that I have a bit more of a grasp of what's what. I swear sometimes you need a degree just to understand all the different degree options and paths!

I appreciate your comments, they've helped a great deal.

Edited by SmartManDan on Friday 31st August 07:51

[AJS-]

Have you actually taken a trip over to Canada and gone around the employment agencies and potential employers to look for work? I don't know about Canada's immigration rules specifically, but a decent, skilled job and a clean criminal record is usually 90% of it. A degree helps add weight to the case, but is rarely an absolute requirement in my experience.

From a pure career point of view I wouldn't recommend a degree at this stage - you'll be taking 3 years minimum out of what should be a highly productive stage of your career. Degrees are great for personal growth and meeting people in your early 20s but by 37 it's probably not really relevant. The 3 years away will do more harm than the degree will do good.

For speaking, try something like Toastmasters or simply just practicing a lot and putting yourself in situations where you have to speak to groups of people.

[geordieracer]

AJS- said:

Have you actually taken a trip over to Canada and gone around the employment agencies and potential employers to look for work? I don't know about Canada's immigration rules specifically, but a decent, skilled job and a clean criminal record is usually 90% of it.

Alas no, I'm out there right now, I have everything I need to get a job in my field here, and then some but it's a no go.


I've been told today to go home, apply for a working visa (I'm just eligible) then try and find something permanent or in my field when I'm out here, probably ending up doing bar work as that seems to be what Brits on a working visa do. :/

[SmartManDan]

AJS- said:

Have you actually taken a trip over to Canada and gone around the employment agencies and potential employers to look for work? I don't know about Canada's immigration rules specifically, but a decent, skilled job and a clean criminal record is usually 90% of it. A degree helps add weight to the case, but is rarely an absolute requirement in my experience.

From a pure career point of view I wouldn't recommend a degree at this stage - you'll be taking 3 years minimum out of what should be a highly productive stage of your career. Degrees are great for personal growth and meeting people in your early 20s but by 37 it's probably not really relevant. The 3 years away will do more harm than the degree will do good.

For speaking, try something like Toastmasters or simply just practicing a lot and putting yourself in situations where you have to speak to groups of people.

Hi AJS - I go over to Canada maybe every 2 or 3 years (Always BC/Vancouver), hopefully later this year again and always just on a holiday. I've thought about approaching companies/agencies while there but never thought it would work, mainly for the same reasons when applying from here. Don't get me wrong, I'm willing to make the effort, fly over for interviews etc, it's just that initial foot in the door. A degree would just simplify that process and heck, you can never have enough education (Hindsight and all that is a wonderful thing)

Regarding being 37 and taking time out for a Degree. Well the idea would be online and part time learning, I can't afford 3 years out of work due to money and also we know how fast technology moves, I'd be playing catchup for a long time. Also, lets see what OU and other Uni's say as hopefully it can be reduced a fair bit die to experience and IT qualifications. Thanks for the advice though, I will certainly look more into approaching companies while over.

[lestag]

Do you have enough money to go to Canada to start your own business or know people there that would want a partner in an IT business?
I know a couple who did 20 years ago and then walked down the street to get a job as an employee..... Don't know if that loophole has been closed or not...
they had tried for years to get in via work permit/manpower etc...

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publication...

[CzechItOut]

Considering your current company has offices in Canada have you asked about the possibility of a transfer?

[SmartManDan]

lestag said:

Do you have enough money to go to Canada to start your own business or know people there that would want a partner in an IT business?
I know a couple who did 20 years ago and then walked down the street to get a job as an employee..... Don't know if that loophole has been closed or not...
they had tried for years to get in via work permit/manpower etc...

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publication...

Good idea, I've had a read and it looks like I may just scrape in money wise, however I'll investigate further. Thank you.

CzechItOut said:

Considering your current company has offices in Canada have you asked about the possibility of a transfer?

That's a little bugbear actually as I applied for a position there, filled out all the paperwork etc, went as far as offering to cover any application fees etc so that they would have to pay nothing. However they decided to hire locally, so I missed out. Such is life.

Edited by SmartManDan on Tuesday 4th September 19:08