Offer your employee his choice between a raise and a new computer and the software engineer will pick new hardware any day.
I would hope that the employee would consider the cost & availability of said hardware, vs. the dollar amount of raise before making that decision. If not, I would certainly question their ability as an 'engineer'.
(Shameless plug: Incidentally, if you're concerned about finances, and who isn't, you may want to consider UWaterloo, if you don't mind moving away for awhile. Their CS programme is very good, the tuition is cheap -- especially if you're paying in US$ -- and they offer lots of co-op, bursaries, and other student financial support, as well as a great learning environment.)
.....heh.....Tuition is cheap...heh....I know who to come to when Jan 2003 rolls around.;)
But in all seriousness, do consider Canadian Universities. In comparison to their American counterparts, you won't find a better bang for your buck anywhere. UW's programme in CS (Soon to be a "School" of CS) is top notch across North America and around the world.
Sixth reason: Interesting courses outside of CS and computers. I'm currently taking a psychology class and it is amazing! Often times, us CS and Engineering types tend to laugh at our fellow arts students, but really we envy them. A social science elective is such a treat after spending the entire day integrating and deriving formula after formula.
Currently, Engineers that practice Professionally are required by law to be licensed (or at least here in Canada they are). There is currently no similar legislation in place for professional coders that I know of, although I do know that governing Engineering bodies are moving towards making software engineering and C.S. programs accredited. With this, it may also bring along professional licensing for programmers. It would not be far fetched to throw in a requirement that they follow applicable laws (such as the DMCA, or the Canadian equivalent) or face having their licensing revoked. That would be bad, especially if your job required that you have that licensing.
Slashdot Mirror
geez, can't a purple-haired, suit wearing guy get a break around here?
I would hope that the employee would consider the cost & availability of said hardware, vs. the dollar amount of raise before making that decision. If not, I would certainly question their ability as an 'engineer'.
(Shameless plug: Incidentally, if you're concerned about finances, and who isn't, you may want to consider UWaterloo, if you don't mind moving away for awhile. Their CS programme is very good, the tuition is cheap -- especially if you're paying in US$ -- and they offer lots of co-op, bursaries, and other student financial support, as well as a great learning environment.)
.....heh.....Tuition is cheap...heh....I know who to come to when Jan 2003 rolls around. ;)
But in all seriousness, do consider Canadian Universities. In comparison to their American counterparts, you won't find a better bang for your buck anywhere. UW's programme in CS (Soon to be a "School" of CS) is top notch across North America and around the world.
Sixth reason: Interesting courses outside of CS and computers. I'm currently taking a psychology class and it is amazing! Often times, us CS and Engineering types tend to laugh at our fellow arts students, but really we envy them. A social science elective is such a treat after spending the entire day integrating and deriving formula after formula.
Detour, Future BASc
Well how about this scenario.
Currently, Engineers that practice Professionally are required by law to be licensed (or at least here in Canada they are). There is currently no similar legislation in place for professional coders that I know of, although I do know that governing Engineering bodies are moving towards making software engineering and C.S. programs accredited. With this, it may also bring along professional licensing for programmers. It would not be far fetched to throw in a requirement that they follow applicable laws (such as the DMCA, or the Canadian equivalent) or face having their licensing revoked. That would be bad, especially if your job required that you have that licensing.
When the FBI outlaws quantum mechanics, only outlaws will have quantum mechanics...