Brandon, I am in the same boat. Full time job as a software contractor, 5 years combined java and other technologies, two young kids (www.simpsonboys.com), a house that needs more work than I am able to do, and on and on and on.
I am currently taking one night class at Eastern Michigan University per semester. I am considering doubling up and taking an online course as well. My focus is in English / technical writing, because I believe my writing needs more practice. I veered away from a computer science degree because I wanted to broaden what I offered the project team. Financially, there are some tax advantages for undergraduate course work, state tax incentives (at least in Michigan) and student loan advantages if you still have any outstanding. Consider those advantages when looking at the whole picture. Another thing to consider; you get to be around other adults with common interests. If you take night classes, you will have an opportunity to socialize with other (computer programmers?) if computer science is your area of emphasis. It has been my experience, this list being the exception that it is, not to expect too much when considering the social benefits of being among programmers. Good luck, spring classes start in a few weeks. Online classes are being offered by real universities all over the country at in state tuition rates (www.EMich.edu included). Good luck, Benjamin Simpson [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: Arron Bates [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2003 9:36 PM To: Struts Users Mailing List Subject: Re: Does a degree matter? Brandon, If you can do the deed (which it sounds like you can), I would hazard offering my opinion in thinking that it wouldn't be the best use of your time. By education I'm a graphic designer, not a computer scientist. First job was web design, programmer ever since. Results... I've only had two places not take me on because it's not a computer degree. Two interviews of hundreds. Not having the comp sci degree hasn't been a thorn in my side. People just worry that you can get the job done. I've worked along side people with masters, and some rock, other's aren't fit to fetch me my coffee... :P ...most employers recognise that (and as a result, get better people to fetch me my coffee). If you're thinking about spending time to put yourself out there... I reckon the best thing I ever did was while away some hours eventually becomming a participant in an open source project. Followed with a tiny site with some tutorials, helping a few people out along the way. It's been a good thing. I'd just tend to say, pick a project that scratches and itch, write something for it, and put it out there. The big plus is that in an interview, if the topic comes up that touches on the topic that your thing works against, you can spiel about it with great enthusiasm which is hard to ignore. But, if there's something at uni that you want to scratch an itch, I'd probably go ahead with it. I'd love to go to uni to do 3D graphics, but it's hard for me to be pragmatic when the end result is still just looking for work. Then you add to the mix that getting a job is more than just your quals. It's interview technique (spielability skills), are you confident, communicate, etc etc. Which is another entirely depressing rant all together. Anyways, it's all just my opinion. All the best mate. Arron. > Hey all, > > I'm trying to make a decision as to what I am going to do. I am sucking wind on profitable work. So, I was thinking about going to school and getting a BA in Comp Science to make myself more attractive in the job market. Is it really worth doing? I've been doing development for 5 years professionaly. 2 years Perl and ASP, 3 years Java. Prior to that I was hobbying in those languages on my own. My knowledge is competitive with anyone else in my realm of experience. Anyways, I was just wondering how important you all think a BA in Computer Science is for a family man trying to give his career a boost. > > Brandon Goodin > > --------------------------------------------------------------------- > To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
