My name is Simon Perriton and I am the Managing Director and founder of Just IT Training and I would like to share my experience with you.

The answer to the question above depends on your background. My knowledge of talking to graduate employers is that an MSc can be a good idea if you have a 2.1 from a redbrick university and strong A-Levels. Even in this competitive market graduate IT programmes are available for the top 5 – 10% of IT graduates. If you are not in this section academically then it is probably a bad idea to spend a whole year focusing on another qualification and paying the associated fees. It may be enjoyable, but you need to ask employers if it will really help you get a job.

I met a lady last week who initially visited us 2 years ago with a 2.2 in IT from Thames Valley University. Sadly, she decided to do an MSc against our suggestions. Two years later she is working part time in a retail job and she is fed up with her lack of interviews. After all here studying at university she feels that she does not have the hands on skills that employers are looking for. She is now reviewing whether to spend the money and time now to do the Network Professional Programme. She is in need of more applied hands on skills and industry recognised certifications like A+ courses, MCP’s and Cisco CCNA. She also feels that she needs more commercial work experience that the Network Professional Programme can give her.

So the answer to whether you should do a MSc or the Network Professional Programme, depends on your academic background. Only if you have a background of A levels and a first degree that puts you in the top 10% of graduates academically will a MSc really help you get a job. If you are not sure what direction to go in and are looking for advice then contact Just IT.