My Choice

[tr313]

well as some of you know i appied to join the navy as an Engineer (Information Systems) Officer. well it turns out that i have to redo 5 GCSE's, as i dont have any at grade a-c, i have a degree but they want GCSEs,

so i booked my Exams for may but ive got a feeling i wont pass them all, which leaves me with a choice, i could spend the next year or so doing them while working or i could join up the navy as an Communications and Information Systems Specialist, redo my GCSEs in the navy and hope that i can apply for a commission when im in?

i just wanted to know what people think would be the best route, right now im leaning more to working and getting the GCSEs, i really want to be a Engineer (Information Systems) Officer, but then i do want to join as soon as possible?

 

[rogerthecabinboy]

This may seem cruel but: degrees are similar to buttholes, most people have one. The fact is the mob are looking for a low benchmark (GCSE) and will teach you what they need you to know. I would not wish to appear overcritical, however, written communications are a desired skill set. I noticed several errors in your post which a recruiter would mark you down on. My advice would be to enlist as a rating and progress to a Warrant or Commission as your abilities are recognised. Good luck !

P.S. You are all now free to critisise my speling and gramar

 

[Six_and_a_Half]

This may seem cruel but: degrees are similar to buttholes, most people have one.

That does seem a touch cruel, but yet the real cruelty is the truth of it. The most annoying thing of it is that these 'degrees' are often a load of codswallop (David Beckham Studies, anyone?) that devalue the work put in by the genuine academics who have worked hard to achieve their qualifications.

Anyway, keeping to the point of the thread. I would recommend you spend a year in civvy street working and obtaining your GCSE's. As you said, you really want to be an Engineering (Information Systems) Officer. So if you want it that much, what is one year to aquire the neccessary certificates? The real question is: How important is it that you are an officer?

 

[tr313]

The real question is: How important is it that you are an officer?

is not so much about if im an officer or not, its the job its self is what i want to do,

 

[slim]

The 5 GCSE passses at grade C or above in recognised relevent subjects give the recruiters certain information on your potential that many degrees today do not give.
You have not mentioned what subject your degree is in. Unfortunately many degreesare not worth the paper that they are printed on.

 

[tr313]

sorry i thought i had, i did a BEng in Computer Networking.

 

[chieftiff]

The RN isn't the only employer to insist on Key Skill qualifications, many jobs require that in addition to a degree you can prove an adequate level of numeracy, literacy and communication. For example to be a state qualified English teacher you would need an appropriate degree, a PGCE, QTS and believe it or not an English GCSE (as well as maths)

If you seriously want to be an officer spend the time gaining the necessary GCSE's therefore improving your key skills.

 

[trufflehunter]

If i may ask...how did you get so far as to do A-levels, let alone a degree without 5 passes at A*-C?

 

[tr313]

I had really big problems at school with being Dyslexic, so I went to college, I did a city and guilds in office Technology for a year which most colleges except instead of the GCSEs, so I then did my AVCE which gave me the UCAS points, and then went to Uni and did my degree.

 

[trufflehunter]

Wow, you're a little determined then. Best of luck on getting in

 

[tr313]

yeah want this so much, i think what im going to do is still the GCSEs in may, so how i do on each one and what i need to improve on and then do them again in october, hopfully be able to join next year, i guess i just need to get a full time job untill then,

 

[chieftiff]

yeah want this so much, i think what im going to do is still the GCSEs in may, so how i do on each one and what i need to improve on and then do them again in october, hopfully be able to join next year, i guess i just need to get a full time job untill then,

I have a few questions so be patient...........
What GCSE's do you intend to do?
Were your problems with dyslexia due it not being diagnosed or the lack of a coping strategy?
Did your college help you to develop any coping strategies?
Are you just dyslexic or do you have dyscalculia as well?

If you don't want to answer on here feel free to PM