Bernard Thompson is a graduate of the Higher Diploma in Science in Computer Science and BSc Information Technology from South East Technological University (SETU). He says his course offered the flexibility needed to juggle study and family life.
"I am now working as a graduate app dev consultant at Red Hat and since being employed there, I can see how current this course is." SETU Graduate, Bernard Thompson
First choice for education
As I am living in Waterford, SETU was always going to be my first choice when returning to education. I also had many friends who previously spoke of courses which they completed in SETU and couldn't speak highly enough of the content and possibilities after completing courses. I had previously completed a BSc in Information Technology part-time at South East Technological University (SETU) which I enjoyed. I wanted to continue with my education and reach my desired level 8 qualification.
After exploring both the level 8 Hons BSc in IT and the HDip in Computer Science, I felt the HDip was more in line with areas that I was interested in within the IT industry. The option of also taking this course online allowed me to have the flexibility to manage studying around my day-to-day family and working life without having to be tied to particular days and times.
Transitioning to a new career
Before studying in SETU, my most recent employment was in the aviation industry where I was employed for 11 years. Here I was part of airport operations, security and airport fire service. My main reason for returning to education was due to my current position where I was placed on short-time working hours as well as being temporarily laid off, therefore I decided to return to education to change the course of my career.
The more you put in the more you get out
As this course is pretty much all online except the onsite days, I would encourage all participants to actively engage on the course communication tool (slack in our case). This can be a great space to get to know other students and seek any help required during the course.
At some stage we can all get stuck on a subject and failing to reach out to other students could make you feel isolated with the feeling that you are the only one struggling while others are flying ahead and usually more than often once you reach out for help or support you will find that someone else is also stuck on the same problem, which can be a relief.
From an early stage, I would highly recommend planning your time to ensure you do not fall behind. Ensuring you stay up to date will allow for extra time to explore each module more deeply giving you more in-depth knowledge of the modules. As the cliché goes, the more you put in the more you get out of this course.
Progression to Red Hat
During the course, I applied for a graduate position at Red Hat Waterford and I was successful. I am now working as a graduate app dev consultant at Red Hat and since being employed there, I can fully see how current this course is. I would say pretty much everything we have covered in the HDip in Computer Science course, I have come across in my current role. This has been a real highlight for me knowing that everything we have covered is so current in the IT industry.
Outside of work, highlights have been the onsite days, where those currently in the industry often come in to give talks about roles currently on offer. There is great support from both fellow students and lectures which helped in my progression throughout the course.
