[NTLUG:Discuss] RFC: ITT Tech

[Tom McDonald]

On Sun, 09 May 2004 15:32:08 -0500
al <al_h at technologist.com> wrote:

> I have been a hardware-centric proffesional for 15+ years now and want
> 
> to change direction, and contribute to the OSS comunity more.
> I am considering pursuing a degree in programing through ITT starting
> in June.
> I chose ITT because of its proximity and the fact that I have finacial
> 
> aid approved there.
> I would like to see some comments/experiences on the quality of this 
> school and its graduates.
> 
> thank you
> 
> ./aal
> 
> _______________________________________________
> https://ntlug.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss


Okay, I wasn't going to get into this 'but' I couldn't resist.  :')

I have taught classes at DCCD North Lake campus, and ITT Tech in
Arlington, and I have been an executive at a very large software vendor
and hired and fired many programmers.   I also started as an electronic
technition so I have ideas on the hardware side as well.  I offer you
the benefit of my experiences.

Although both ITT and DCCD offer curriculum that are several years
behind technology, ITT curriculum was much more current that DCCD's. and
they were a lot more open to change and correction of the curriculum.

I think if you apply yourself at ITT you will get useful knowledge,
however, because you are paying a lot of money they will cut some
corners to ensure you pass the classes and some un-qualified people do
make it through.  

I was suprised at how hard they work to place students in jobs.  It's
not just marketing hype they do try, however, their success is not
reflective of their efforts.

On the employement side, *most* hiring managers could care less about
your degree.  It is usually the company policy that decides whether one
is required.  It generally shows that you have stuck it out through
a trying experience, and are serious about your education.

In 10+ yrs as an exec I hired one person because of the degree and then
only because they graduated Summa Cum Laude.  That one time was a big
mistake and I almost wound up in court when I fired her.

(Now for the flame bait :')  

Having said that, I strongly encourage you to get a degree even if you
have to buy one.  You will never even get to talk to the hiring manager
without it.  

I rank MCSE and college degrees about the same.  It is a necessary
requirement for most jobs, but is not really an indication of your
abilities or skills.   There are more idiots with college degrees than
MS could ever hope to get through their training programs and I think
everyone on the list has probably met a dolt with a MCSE.

The evaluation of your skills, your ability to get along with other
employees, etc.  will all be done in the interview with the hiring
manager, even if he isn't aware of it.

As far as hardware vs software direction, I don't see much difference. 
If you think hardware is a secure field in the US, think about how many
TV's are produced here, or even where the motherboards and peripheral
cards are produced.  

There will always be demand for good programmers and good hardware
engineers in the US, and, there will always be competition from other
countries.  Right now emphasis is on cost reduction, but the brain drain
in the companies will be felt soon and I expect some turn around.  Not
to the levels pre-9/11 but an improvement over today.

If you can get the degree through ITT faster or cheaper than traditional
schools, then it will only help you.  If you can use life experience as
credit, then good for you, you lived it, you earned it.

If you want to impress someone with your degree, then let me know, I
know some people at Harvard that might be able to help, (but it will be
very expensive.)

Tom


----

Tom McDonald <tom at compuclaim.com>
Compuclaim Inc.


I'm sick of being trodden on!  The Elder Gods say they can make me a
man!  All it costs is my soul!  I'll do it, cuz NOW I'M MAD!!!
- Necronomicomics #1, Jack Herman & Jeff Dee