How to Keep America Competitive

pkbarbiedoll writes to tell us that in a recent Washington Post article, Bill Gates takes another look at the current state of affairs in computer science and education. According to Gates: "This issue has reached a crisis point. Computer science employment is growing by nearly 100,000 jobs annually. But at the same time studies show that there is a dramatic decline in the number of students graduating with computer science degrees. The United States provides 65,000 temporary H-1B visas each year to make up this shortfall — not nearly enough to fill open technical positions. Permanent residency regulations compound this problem. Temporary employees wait five years or longer for a green card. During that time they can't change jobs, which limits their opportunities to contribute to their employer's success and overall economic growth."

Comments

Re:Large costs, no security, short career, H1B

[AutopsyReport]

1) Absolutely KILL yourself in college with 35 hours a week of homework for ONE Database class while your friends are spending about 12 hours a week for all homework in all classes.

35 hours a week of homework for one class? Assuming you had at least 25 hours of class a week, plus 15 hours in homework, you're doing almost 80 hours of school a week? Sounds like someone hadn't caught up to the rest of the class, or your just extremely exaggerating.

3) Graduate into a low-status job when it comes to dating.

I'm sorry, but what kind of idiot takes a CS degree (or any degree) assuming it will get him a woman? That low-status job is a lot better than a lot of other work you tend to ignore (janitors, etc.).

4) Start with a reasonably high salary-- but after a few years, it becomes clear you need to leave the field and project lead or manage (that's me these days) if you ever want to make "real" money.

There's money to be made for managers and developers (assuming that's what you are) alike. Both can have high salaries.

5) Be managed by people who absolutely HATE that they have to have you- they view you as a COST.

You're probably not a good employee, then.

6) Never ever be understood by management (either overworked when you are stupid or underworked once you smarten up). They'll replace you in a heartbeat with crappy but cheaper labor.

See last comment.

7) And then-- at 55-- no more work. I've known so many who were just pushed out of the field. And you need the insurance you see. (Hence also my shift into manager+tech skills).

This is the same for many industries. Eventually you get phased out because the young bloods have the same skills, but with less experience and cheaper salaries.