>John,
>
>> If an advanced degree is not held that signfies software engineering, the
>> person IS NOT a software engineer. To do anything else diminishes the hard
>> work people undertake to earn that distinction.
>
>I'm more in favor of tough professional accreditations than advanced
>degrees. Holding a degree in accounting, actuarial sciences, law, and
>finance is not sufficient (and not always a pre-requisite) to bve called an
>Chartered General Accountant, Associate of the Society of Actuaries,
>Attorney, or Chartered Financiual Analyst respectively. These exams are
>tough and may require years of studies (after graduation) and several
>attempts before you pass.
>

But in order to sit for the exams, you usually have to have the educational requirements met.


>My main problem with the IT vendors accreditations (MSCD, Novell CNE, etc)
>is how easy they are to obtain. I have heard plenty of stories in which
>people attended a 1 to 5-day class or read Exam Cram books an got certified
>at the end of it. How tough is that?
>

Can't argue with this..

>Something too easily obtained is typically worthless. IMO, all the IT
>vendors accreditation programs fall within that category.

Can't argue with this either..

>I will always hire the old COBOL rogrammer who has designed and coded good
>systems over the kid who has no other claim to fame than his MSCD (or Sun
>Java certification or whatever). Learning a new technology is much easier
>than learning analytical and good coding practice skills.
>

Again, can't argue with this!!