Thus spake "Blake Fithen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Stephen Sprunk > > Thus spake "Nigel Clarke" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > > Certifications are a waste of time. You'd be better off > > > obtaining a Computer Science degree and focusing on the > > > core technologies. > > > > If you're looking to write software, sure. A CompSci degree > > won't help you in the slightest at operating networks. > > Usually what you say is helpful. I have to disagree with > you here though. A few things I learned in a CIS degree program > which apply to networking:
With the exception of Scheme (yuck) and patience (yuck), I learned everything on that list long before I graduated high school. I understand many others didn't have the opportunities or interests I did, but it's hardly necessary to major in CS to understand basic data structures, logical processes, and a few useful Unix skills. A CS degree (or other BS) may be useful to some who have no other means of learning. However, I can't agree that it's the best way of obtaining that knowledge, or that it gives you any immediate way to apply that knowledge. Likewise, a cert doesn't demonstrate knowledge, it demonstrates a particular skill. Obviously, the best engineer will be one with knowledge and skills. > Plus, when you are in the labs, and if you have the slightest > bit of geek curiosity, the mind wanders and you inevitably > have to find out how everything is connected. Luckily the > curiosity blossomed from there. I was a unix hack until I got to college; I made the mistake of mouthing off to the network guru (hi cvk!) about the school's network, and got a rapid and thorough education about all the useful stuff that my professors weren't teaching. I was hooked. S