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User: brownc4

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  1. Formal Education != Current Skills on Ask Slashdot: Best Alternative To the Canonical Computer Science Degree? · · Score: 1

    I went down the same road you're considering, dropped out of school and did self-taught. While I can honestly say I've done well IMO, not having the degree has kept several doors closed for me.

    I'm not trying to belittle you but the fact of the matter is there are more and more people popping up all over the place who have a knack for web design/programming/network security/etc. Employers aren't looking at the degree so much to determine what you know, but how you got to where you are currently. Were you part of a more formal structure? Did you learn how to communicate effectively? Are you able to cope with difficult clients/customers? How do you cope with high stress/short deadlines?

    In a recent interview, the interviewing manager I was with quite literally said "I don't consider or look at the resumes/applications of people who don't have at least a BS. They typically have the talent but are severely lacking in formal structuring and communication skills." These are skills you get with a degree and with years of experience. It's not something you can spend 6 months studying on your own and learn. If you're doing well in your classes, stick with it. You may consider it a waist now but it will pay off down the road. Consider it an investment in yourself. Investments don't pay off right away (the ones that do tend to be crappy anyways) but always grow with time.