Hoi peter,

>Probably the focus here in Holland is more on achievement in work than on achievement in education. I'm not saying that education doesn't matter, but a degree is simply not enough to convince co-workers and employers.
>Good to know/realize that our perceptions differ.

I think you´re right. Just like you, in holland I never, cared to put my degree on my business card or in other documents. However up in north america (I´m writing this in Toronto), it seems more important to do so. Esspecially in programming where a lot of home grown programmers who started in the DOS ages programming in Basic, clipper, etc, don´t have the level of intelligence and / or education to be a good programmer nowerdays. However, people don´t realise that having a degree does not say much about their ´problem solving´ capabilities.

But when applying for a job, it is important, even in holland, though I might agree less important than in the US.

For the company I work for, I now have a business card with my degree on it, as my colleages have. It would only confuse people if it was not present on mine, while present on those of my coleages.

Walter,


>>It is very important when applying for a job. However, once in the door, don't mention it again unless you are specifically asked - otherwise it is a major faux paus. If you are hired and you have a PHD you can bet EVERYONE in the company knows about it and the company will use it whenever it will further their business with the public e.g. Let me introduce you to Dr... or let me bring Dr... into this conversation...
>>
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>>>>
>>>>I think I understand your feelings. Personally, I have a Ph.D., but I don't use it, not here, not on my business card, not in my signatures on letters. Simply because I think it's irrelevant in those cases. But the fact is that I DO have it. I made an effort somewhere in the past to get the degree. And although I don't want to emphasize this achievement, I also do not want people to completely neglect or ignore it, as if I never made that achievement.
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