[olug] [OT] IT degrees

[Kevin]

Seems to be the time for geek comics http://xkcd.com/519/

On Fri, Apr 3, 2009 at 08:32, Jeff Hinrichs - DM&T <dundeemt at gmail.com> wrote:
> On Fri, Apr 3, 2009 at 12:06 AM, Bill Brush <bbrush at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Wow, what a discussion.
>>
>> Let me say that I just finished an online degree, and I learned a ton
>> (non-technical field of study.)  So yes, an online degree can be quite
>> valuable.
>>
>> I will also say that a degree can be completely and utterly worthless.  Two
>> people from the same school, going through the same program can both
>> graduate, and one will have a worthless degree and one will have a
>> worthwhile education.  Note the difference in noun there.  School is a lot
>> like bank account, what you get out of it depends on what you put into it.
>>
>> I've been in the I.T. industry for about 15 years now, and the last ten
>> I've
>> been in a position to help interview a lot of people.
>>
>> Here are the key factors that lead us to hire people:
>>
>> Shows initiative
>> Shows a desire to learn and develop
>> Has basic technical skills
>> Has aptitude for computers
>> Has personality that will mesh with the team
>> Is passionate about their interest in I.T.
>
>
> Bill is spot on here.  I run the internship program and have significant
> input in the IT hiring process where I work and these are the attributes
> that I look for in applicants.
>
>>
>>
>> Basically if you love working with computers, do it during your time off,
>> love to learn new skills, and are willing to learn, you're an ideal
>> candidate.  People who are just getting into I.T. because "I think it will
>> be really interesting, and I want a job that is always changing," come
>> across as "I want a job that won't bore me, and I hope computers will be
>> it,
>> but I never touch one outside of class or work."
>>
>> Really if you want to get into the I.T. industry all you have to do is
>> prove
>> that you are willing to do whatever it takes.  Volunteer as computer
>> support
>> for some place.  Do internships.  Do SOMETHING.
>>
>> I'll just say that anyone in the Lincoln area that wants to get practical
>> hands-on experience working in I.T. can just let me know, and I'll see what
>> I can do to get them the experience.    I won't promise you'll get paid, in
>> fact you probably won't, but I can (probably) get you a chance to get your
>> hands dirty and learn from some very sharp people.  (We're fun too.)
>>
>> Bill
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Jeff Hinrichs
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