[olug] [OT] IT degrees

[Jeff Hinrichs - DM&T]

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