Who would you prefer for a technical role?

[irsprint84]

To me that comment is very short sighted.

 

My current team consists of myself, a Computer Science graduate about to finish a part-time masters degree, a computing grad, one member of staff who started at uni, but never finished and somebody who didnt go to uni. All have their own strengths and weaknesses. It takes all-sorts. Do I feel that the degrees have taught me anything that I either use or couldn't have learnt myself? Probably not, but like it or not, employers look for degrees, MCSEs, etc. Especially as you work your way up the ladder.

 

In answer to the OPs question about the 3 years experience or a degree for the role of a IT Tech, I'd interview both, the final decision would be taken by a panel of at least 3 and personality goes a long way. I would like to see some sort of quals and certs from the non-grad candidate though. The last time we advertised a post we had 65 applicants, the application needs to stand out. A non-existant quals section or supporting evidence/experience section stand out in the wrong way. One other point that would stick in my mind is why isnt the guy with 3 years experience looking to progress to a NM, etc. (obviously somebody that started very young would be an exception to this!)

 

Above all else showing a desire to learn and improve go a long way.

 

 

I would still be fair, via the usual point system but experience is alot more impressive

[Lee_K_81]

I would still be fair, via the usual point system but experience is alot more impressive

 

 

Not touching with a barge pole doesnt sound fair, but anyway, you can't get experience without a job. You can be seen as a dabbler but networking your home or repairing friends PCs will only get you so far on an application, regardless of whether you have a degree or not. I would put somebody with people skills that shows a willingless or an ability to learn, ahead of others - again regardless of degree or not. From the 64 applications we recieved we only interviewed 8. 56 candidates were rejected whether they had a degree, 5 years experience or no experience.

 

The point i'm trying to make is that it's all well and good saying 3 years experience is better than a degree, but if it's 3 years changing toners and replacing mice (BSF anyone?), with no desire to improve themselves, the systems or try to use new technologies then it's not necessarily good experience.

[srochford]

i always think it is better to work with someone who is prepared to admit they are wrong

 

Yes!!!!

 

I've seen too many people blundering along, not prepared to say "I'm not sure what to do here; I'm going to have to ask for help"

 

It's not a sign of failure or weakness to say "I don't know everything" In a school or other educational establishment it ought to be absolutely accepted that that's the way people work and it should be the norm everywhere.