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 up@3.am http://3.am =========================================================================