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Subject:Re: A question about education From:Bruce Byfield <bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Sun, 17 Dec 2000 19:54:44 -0800
Tracey Claybon wrote:
>
> I wanted to know if anyone had advice on whether it was better to
> "transition" into TW via experience and catch as catch can, or to get a
> community college certificate, or go to college in TW?
>
It's hard to evaluate this question.
On the one hand, a degree or certificate can be useful, since it's
on many human resources departments' checklists. On the other hand,
in the end, nothing beats experience on your resume. Similarly, any
academic program is going to be several years behind the most recent
thinking in any field, but, if you simply jump into the field, your
learning's not likely to be very systematic. And, while you might
make some useful contacts in the class room if your teachers are
active professionals, I've also heard of cases in which programs
were used as recruiting grounds for half-skilled labor, and, anyway,
your most useful contacts are satisfied employers and headhunters.
In the end, the choice probably depends on the type of person you
are. For example, if you are unsystematic, a course of study might
make you focus on what you have to learn. If you are a self-starter
and have some writing experience, you might do just as well by
jumping right into the employment pool.
Good luck either way. Just don't be unduly influenced by anyone.
Choose what's right for you.
--
Bruce Byfield, Outlaw Communications
Contributing Editor, Maximum Linux
604.421.7189 bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com
"Untie these bonds from 'round my hands,
And give to me my sword,
There's not a man in all Scotland,
But I'll brave him at a word."
- "McPherson's Rant"
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