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Back to school?

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    Back to school?

    I'm a mainframe contractor (cobol, db2, ims, cics) ...haven't worked in 18 months.

    I'm toying with the idea of doing a Java stand-alone course at the OPen University.
    I'd hope to increase my marketability by doing this, but am aware that a study
    qualification is unlikely to be viewed in the same laight as commercial experience.

    Has anyone else tried this?

    It's not cheap so qould like to thi k it wasn't a complete waste of time!

    #2
    I would be very careful with the OU. They do not update their courses as often as you would like and some of the information can be very dated. The concepts and principles don't date but the actual software you use could be woefully out of date. Now I know sweet fanny adams about Java but I notice in the test for M256 it says...

    Software models are created with UML and implemented with Java 6, using NetBeans. You need Java experience, preferably by prior study of an OU Level 2 Java course.
    This isn't the latest version of Java is it? I don't know how much difference it makes between versions but if only educational experience is not going to be helpful for getting a gig getting it in an old version surely is suicide?

    OU courses are not designed really to train you up to go do it as a specialist, they are modules towards a rounded degree.

    You really need to pay for a course from a proper training provider, not the OU and yes you are quite correct. A qualification in it with no practical experience is not going to help you one iota.
    'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

    Comment


      #3
      We now need a good argument as to whether or not you can claim these courses back through the company as well
      'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

      Comment


        #4
        A course with an IT training provided will probably be cheaper than an OU module now they've put the prices up. And it will be a networking opportunity too.

        Good luck!

        Comment


          #5
          Personally I would be having a think about my current skillset with a view to adapting it to get into some other area.
          I don't believe that doing a one off course in a single discipline makes anyone more marketable especially when you are trying to make the leap from mainframe to another disparate environment. Think about someone coming the other way that has done a course on DB2/SQL. It's a good start but db2 is rarely of any use by itself and without skills such as cobol, cics, jcl, tso, dfsort et al them that person wouldn't get very far.
          I hate to be a downer but I think you have to be very careful about just jumping into courses as they are unlikely to lead to any jobs without a lot of other related stuff on the cv.

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by alluvial View Post
            Personally I would be having a think about my current skillset with a view to adapting it to get into some other area.
            WHS

            Clients love diversity. If you want to learn another language make it German, or French.
            "Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience". Mark Twain

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by alluvial View Post
              Personally I would be having a think about my current skillset with a view to adapting it to get into some other area.
              I don't believe that doing a one off course in a single discipline makes anyone more marketable especially when you are trying to make the leap from mainframe to another disparate environment. Think about someone coming the other way that has done a course on DB2/SQL. It's a good start but db2 is rarely of any use by itself and without skills such as cobol, cics, jcl, tso, dfsort et al them that person wouldn't get very far.
              I hate to be a downer but I think you have to be very careful about just jumping into courses as they are unlikely to lead to any jobs without a lot of other related stuff on the cv.
              +1. The best approach is to slowly expand your skill set within what you currently do slowly and surely.

              For me one option was C# / asp.net / javascript -> MS CRM. Another would be sideways to architecture or Analysis. I seem to do that anyway I just don't like it enough to go hunting for contracts that do that.

              Mind you I'm probably one of the few jack of all trades left in the contracting market.
              merely at clientco for the entertainment

              Comment


                #8
                self study is always the way for me -Using Videos Trainsignal, CBts are my armor . All I need is a Lab, Ear phones, and concentration - Then i am good. I have come to realize that all these degrees wont get you anywhere if you dont have the practical knowledge ..

                I have manage to come where i am today through self study and a giant Lab .

                Comment


                  #9
                  Just to note, Java 6 is probably new enough but I would not reckon OU is a great option, except that it shows you are actively working to learn.

                  Have you considered looking for permie jobs?

                  Otherwise it sounds like you want to target companies porting all their old mainframe stuff to PC.
                  Originally posted by MaryPoppins
                  I'd still not breastfeed a nazi
                  Originally posted by vetran
                  Urine is quite nourishing

                  Comment


                    #10
                    You could train up for a Microsoft Master Certification.

                    No, hang on, they've just cancelled them. Well done M$!

                    qh
                    He had a negative bluety on a quackhandle and was quadraspazzed on a lifeglug.

                    I look forward to your all knowing and likely sarcastic and unhelpful reply.

                    Comment

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