Hey! I consider myself to be one of those "technical people" and I'm a "Momma's Boy" (So, I STILL cut her lawn) College was GREAT. I lived in a diverse dorm with CS majors, Math majors, Philosophy majors, and a guy who was just plain crazy. Where else can you learn about Unix, build a "Tone-Dialer", learn to play Dominos, AND ponder the meaning of life? Programming assignments were considered a FUN puzzle! I learned more from that dorm than all my classes put together.
FYI: I didn't JUST drink alcohol... the pot was pretty good too!:)
Let's face it, the IT world is changing and it seems that the "sense of worth" measurement has changed from "how much money you make" to "how many books you've written", "how many technical patents you have" and/or "where you got your MS from". One might say, "It's hip to be square".
I leaped into an IT career with only an AS degree in Information Systems. Quickly, I found myself writing programs in a variety of languages and designing solutions for "a major corporation" (I can't speak for the salary increases like this guy, but I was doing okay). Eventually, I found myself 29 years old and swimming in a pool of PhD colleagues.
I considered myself to be a reasonably smart guy. I too, attempted to go back to school in hunt of a CS degree, but the *ahem* calc requirements alone crushed my plans (I still get chills even typing c-a-l-c). Additionally, I found no quick way to accomplish this task. Working all day and schooling at night and on weekends really does a job on your hairline. So, I settled for a BS in Management of Technology (which was still no joke to obtain). I am currently finishing my MS in Computer Information Systems (I know, I know.. a degree for computer people that CAN'T handle the math) However, <shameless plug> I currently hold 2 technical patents, numerous publications/presentations, and I am working on a book that no one will find useful </shameless plug>
I guess the moral of the story is: if it could be done in a year and was a "cakewalk", everyone would have a CS degree. Further, don't let that piece of paper undermine your ability to accomplish other tasks.
Slashdot Mirror
Hey! I consider myself to be one of those "technical people" and I'm a "Momma's Boy" (So, I STILL cut her lawn) College was GREAT. I lived in a diverse dorm with CS majors, Math majors, Philosophy majors, and a guy who was just plain crazy. Where else can you learn about Unix, build a "Tone-Dialer", learn to play Dominos, AND ponder the meaning of life? Programming assignments were considered a FUN puzzle! I learned more from that dorm than all my classes put together. FYI: I didn't JUST drink alcohol... the pot was pretty good too! :)
Let's face it, the IT world is changing and it seems that the "sense of worth" measurement has changed from "how much money you make" to "how many books you've written", "how many technical patents you have" and/or "where you got your MS from". One might say, "It's hip to be square".
I leaped into an IT career with only an AS degree in Information Systems. Quickly, I found myself writing programs in a variety of languages and designing solutions for "a major corporation" (I can't speak for the salary increases like this guy, but I was doing okay). Eventually, I found myself 29 years old and swimming in a pool of PhD colleagues.
I considered myself to be a reasonably smart guy. I too, attempted to go back to school in hunt of a CS degree, but the *ahem* calc requirements alone crushed my plans (I still get chills even typing c-a-l-c). Additionally, I found no quick way to accomplish this task. Working all day and schooling at night and on weekends really does a job on your hairline. So, I settled for a BS in Management of Technology (which was still no joke to obtain). I am currently finishing my MS in Computer Information Systems (I know, I know.. a degree for computer people that CAN'T handle the math) However, <shameless plug> I currently hold 2 technical patents, numerous publications/presentations, and I am working on a book that no one will find useful </shameless plug>
I guess the moral of the story is: if it could be done in a year and was a "cakewalk", everyone would have a CS degree. Further, don't let that piece of paper undermine your ability to accomplish other tasks.