Bob Axtell wrote:

> Having no degree is not a problem if you are older. I
> long ago found out that the best embedded programmers
> dropped out of high school to play video games. Einstein
> had to be home schooled because he didn't like normal
> school.
<snip>

Well, I've observed fairly recently that there seems to be something of a
turnaround
in such attitudes (at least in my interviewing experience)... I actually
went on an
out-of-state interview trip not long ago; of course, they had already
perused my resume
and done a phone interview.  They knew &^%% well that I don't have a
degree... but when
I sat down with one of their "associates" (having been there all of 10
minutes), he
bluntly announced that "we can't possibly hire YOU--- you don't have a BS!"
(!)
I politely pointed out that I've got 30+ years of real-world experience, in
addition to
some graduate-level coursework under my hat, but he said "so what?!".   I
told him I wanted
to speak with the manager ... he came in and gave me the same load of crap.
I let them know
in no uncertain terms that a) I hadn't ever heard of a more advanced case of
'degree snobbery'
... ever!, and b) I wouldn't work for them under any circumstances even if
they were to bow
down and lick my boots.   Then I submitted an expense voucher for a REALLY
nice lunch (which
they paid! :^)
   I've got more programming and design experience under my hat than almost
(I say, ALMOST)
all of the people I've had the occasion to work with (of course, probably
"because" I'm older
than dirt!)   But it's not always an easy "sell", as I've discovered.
  By the way, in case anyone's curious as to the identity of the company...
it's in Las Vegas,
and it's name begins with "B".  They're off my christmas list, that's for
sure!

Jim

> http://www.piclist.com
> View/change your membership options at
> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist

_______________________________________________
http://www.piclist.com
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist