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From: reggie@dinsdale.paradyne.com (George W. Leach)
Newsgroups: comp.edu,misc.education
Subject: Re: What is a professional?
Message-ID: <1990Sep10.132253.2781@pdn.paradyne.com>
Date: 10 Sep 90 13:22:53 GMT
References: <1991@apctrc.UUCP>
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Reply-To: reggie@dinsdale.paradyne.com (George W. Leach)
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In article <1991@apctrc.UUCP> zjrs10@gpss14.trc.amoco.com (J. Rusty Sandschaper) writes:
>  Companies and organizations have traditionally classified individuals
>as either professionals or non-professionals.  The measure of which has
>usually been based on a 4+ yr. degree. As non-professionals obtain
>experience and training in computer programming and usage the following
>questions arise. 

>  Can these individuals at some point become professionals?

     I don't think it is a question of can they, they do.  Many companies
do employ non-degreed professionals.  In addition, there are a great many
people in programming positions who have degrees in other disciplines as
well.

>  What level of experience and knowledge is required in order to make 
>the transition.                                                         

     Many wonder if a four year CS degree is a decent requirement to be
a professional.
                               
>  How can a company measure these qualities and be assured that the
>individuals seeking to cross ladders have the necessary knowledge and
>skills?

     As long as the demand for programming talent far exceeds the supply,
no one will care.

>  Are there any standards other than a degree by which to measure?

     There are certification tests, but I have yet to hear of anyone who
takes them seriously, either employers or employees.

>  Are there any respected organizations which perform testing?

     No.

>  What are the implications with regard to degreed professionals?

     Good question.  I used to think that a CS degree was a requirement
for being a decent professional.  I thought that the problems of any
organization would be minimized by requiring that all project team members
hold a CS degree.  While I think this would have effectively weeded out many
people who should not have been in the profession, there are still many out
there with CS degrees who haven't a clue as to what they are doing.

     In addition, I have seen people without degrees who are just as
qualified to be a professional as those with degrees.  It is rare, but it
happens.

George W. Leach					AT&T Paradyne 
reggie@paradyne.com				Mail stop LG-133
Phone: 1-813-530-2376				P.O. Box 2826
FAX: 1-813-530-8224				Largo, FL 34649-2826 USA