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North American Network Operators Group Date Prev | Date Next | Date Index | Thread Index | Author Index | Historical Re: list problems?
On Wed, 22 May 2002, Leo Bicknell wrote: > If you ever want to become a team leader, or a manger, or run a > theoretical group you are going to need the math and English > backgrounds that college provides. You may also need a deeper > knowledge of hardware and software to understand a vendors limits, > and work with them on appropriate solutions. You will need to be > able to work on large projects, involving many people to do complex > tasks, all part of what college can help you learn. I really thought I was going to stay out of this, but I can't ignore this; sorry to those that are justifiably irritated by this thread: I'm not dismissing that a college education has real value, but let's keep it in perspective. Real-world example: I have only a few college credits. Since I'm almost 41, I don't see myself finding time to pursue it much further. My wife, on the other hand, just got her Phd from an Ivy League institution. I don't think anyone that knows us feels that she has a much better grasp of English or Math than I do. She has a *much* better grasp of her field (Sociology) than I will ever have, and I have a much better grasp of mine than she ever will. My point is this: There is no magic switch or metamorphosis that occurs when one gets a degree. It's an admirable achievement, but IMHO, no more so than starting an ISP from scratch and building it into a profitable business. I could easily make a case that the latter is a better "real world" lesson. It certainly is a better real world bread winner. > So, do you need a degree to get a job? Absolutely not. Can you > make the same money initially without a degree, most likely. > However, I suspect you'll find more often than not without one in > 5 years you'll have gotten your 10% raise and still be a grunt, > while your coworkers who had that preparation will have been moved > up to roles with more responsibility, and significantly more money. This is probably correct, unfortunately. That is why, after all is said and done, I would strongly encourage anyone who's started school to at least get a BA/BS. For real and perceived reasons, it leaves one with more options...and you won't need to haul around that big chip on your shoulder for the rest of your life, like I do. :=) James Smallacombe PlantageNet, Inc. CEO and Janitor [email protected] http://3.am =========================================================================
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