Getting an IT job if you don't have IT qualifications....

[cedricthecat]

Is it possible?

The reason I ask is that I have recently been made redundant from a middle-manager role in the NHS, after nearly 20 years of service. The department I managed was re-structured and my role became obsolete

My background is such that I don't have a lot of specific qualifications. My first job was as a Shop Manager (tiny, family owned bookshop), then I gained myself an HGV Class One driving licence, bought a truck on HP and set up my own haulage firm, which did reasonably well but eventually faltered after I sub-contracted to a firm who went into receivership owing myself and many other firms lots of money, bringing all of us down in the process (and then they promptly started again with a new name/director ). After this I was lucky to find a job with the NHS which was instigating and running a new screening service for people with diabetes, and I stuck with this through many changes eventually moving from a "one man band" to manager of a fully fledged operation with 21 staff.

My problem now is that I am in a difficult position with experience and qualifications. I have 11 O levels, a couple of A levels and the HGV Class One licence, but my main experience lies with my NHS management role. I'm 50 now and don't really want to return to truck driving (even if anyone would have me) and my NHS experience is so specialised that there's not really anything for me there

However, one thing that I have found I am pretty good at, and am quick to learn with, is IT. I recall buying myself an Acorn Electron (cut down BBC Micro computer) around 30 years ago, and have since then had a large variety of PCs and laptops running most of Microsoft's operating systems. I taught myself very basic programming on the Electron, something I continued with Superbase in the late 90's/early 2000's, and have since then moved on to Excel. Now I don't claim to be an expert, and much of what I can do has been taught with help from some of the fine people on here, whose knowledge I don't have a fraction of. However, I do realise that conversely I do have an Excel knowledge that is much, much broader than most users who are involved with it on a daily basis. Whilst still in my last job, I was regularly approached by people from all over the hospital in which I worked to help them with Excel issues, often even the IT bods would ask for help!

So..... What I am thinking is "What am I good at? What do I enjoy doing?" and it boils down to IT and Excel! But, I don't have qualifications. I'm guessing that this is going to mean I am screwed, but you never know!

Has anyone managed to make a living in IT without qualifications? If not, am I too old to get some at 50? If not, what's best?!

Cheers folks!

 

[SydneyGeek]

Hi Dave,

Do what you know -- in this case, leverage your NHS experience to see if you can get some work building spreadsheets / models in the health sector.
I spent 14 years as an independent consultant without any formal IT qualifications (my field was molecular biology). When I started out I knew more about Excel than my clients but found myself on a huge learning curve to improve my skills. I also picked up Access knowledge along the way; Excel and Access are incredibly powerful together.
At the core, consulting is simple.
Know your tools
Know your client's needs
Use your tools to meet those needs.

The hard part is getting started, and that's where going back to your field is important. Badger people as nicely as you can to get some work. Do those first jobs well, and start to build some referrals. You may well find yourself working in a range of industries over time. It's very rewarding personally (and, if you get a good contract, financially it's pretty good too).

Best of luck

Denis

 

[cedricthecat]

Thanks Denis!

There's an NHS job that just might be OK for me come up in the past few days! TBH, I'd like to stay away now I've got away, and work for myself if possible, but it may be a case of "needs must".....

 

[obiron]

Hi Cedric,

There is plenty of Contract work going in NHS for information analysts. If you have Excel skills (you will generally need decent pivot table knowlege and probably some mid-level VBA). Contracts are normally 3-6 months and rates are between £180-£300 per day on a Ltd co basis (i.e. you pay your own PAYE and NI). Generally equivalent to Bands 6-7

If you have not already done so, I would also download MSSQL Express and teach yourself some SQL. If you understand manipulating data in Excel, SQL should be a doddle.

If you would like me to introduce you to some agencies, I would be more than happy to do so. PM me

If you have NHS management experience and an understanding of the tools, then you may be able to get a team leader role.