ADP

Hi all

Ive done 4 years in IT, and to be quite frank I dont feel like Im going anywhere, and at the moment job prospects / pay doesnt look good.

So Im considering a career change.

I really fancy working in finance(this is what makes me tick, sad but true Im very figures/money/economy orrientated)

I have a a degree in Business Studies / Info Management from one of the top 10 Unis in the UK - and Im basically prepared to start as trainee / junior.

So what should I do??

My options as I see it are:

A masters degree in Accountancy / finance / management (expensive option and not paid)

Some kind of night school / course (I can get some time off work)

Or apply to jobs on the strength of my degree??? - would they even look twice??

Any suggestions of what to do, areas to go for qualifications to get would be much appreciated......................or offers of jobs in the Southampton area

thanks


Andy

OllyK

Think with accountancy you need to do special exams, bit like lawyers have to pass the bar exams. Until you have those you would definately be a junior.

From where I am sitting, IT seems to be picking up quite nicely, we have just had a record year. How about joining an IT firm specialising in finance software?

Brendan Hughes

When I did a career change via a full-time Masters, I shamelessly used my Masters thesis to interview (and therefore effectively introduce myself to) potential future employers, ie "you're an expert in this field and I'm studying it, what are your views on these challenging questions that make you think?"


It worked

Nicci

I am in a similar position to you, but in accounts.

I have completed night school to get an accounting qualification. It was time consuming and not fun but it was my personal challenge.

I have now found my qualification of no help at all and have found there are a lot of people in the same position as me searching out the same jobs.

In the lower levels of accounts, the pay is very poor.

Are you willing to spend 3/4 years studying for the full accountancy qualification?

pathetic shark

YHM

uksti

Having started as a beanie then wandered into IT I do sympathise, even if your choice smacks of running away from the circus to become an accountant

Unless you really want to start again from scratch then I suggest either moving within your own firm, changing jobs into a Business Analyst role specialising into Finance or doing an MBA. The latter imho would be best as it focuses your mind on personal development. You can do them using mostly distance learning if modular or full-time is not an option.

XRS

Hawk yourself around some of your local accountancy practices. You'll probably find that your IT skills will be of interest, and they could well be happy to put you on an accountancy course as well. Alternatively, local authorities also train accountants, so there are more opportunities there too.

djski

Hi,

First post, hello all.
Had my scooby 2 weeks, MY 98 UK standard and loving it.

As for accountancy I moved into it after working for 4 yeras for a travel firm at age 26.

Started on very low wages in a medium sized practice. Had to sign an ICAEW (Intitute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) training contract to stay with them for 3 years but they pay for all the training (about £8k all in, plus about 8 weeks off paid a year to revise).

3 years later I'm now very nearly a qualified ACA and things have really been worth it money wise. So many jobs open to me now also.

BUT it has been hard, I have had to give up many evenings and weekends to study and it has not been easy.

Also finding one of these contracts was hard but if you are persistent you will find an employer. Took me over 6 months.

If you are prepared to live on lowish wages for 3 years, work hard in your own time and really want this I'd say go for it. You'll have the qualification for life and should never be out of a good job.