So apparently Britain doesn't need IT specialists...

Shoseki

Shoseki

Shoseki

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http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/09/09/uk_skills_shortage/

"IT is flooded with half-skilled IT wannabes who have been on a course."

Discuss [20 marks].

So I have a question : how can I find out which camp I am in? The "super geek" area, or the "super weak" area?

There must be some online tests that people can take to test themselves and find out how strong they are, which areas could use improving...

I've always put myself down (especially amongst super open source gurus, the gnu build/configure system scares me to death) but I have no idea how to measure myself. And if I can't measure myself, how can I compare myself to other people / know my market worth?

I got into computers because I loved them, always have, started when I was 7/8 years old learning to program on the BBC Micro. But IT is seen as "easy money", anyone can jump on the web and read up a bit of HTML etc and start charging people to make websites...

:confused:
 
In my opinion, the "super weak" are those who know not a lot more than how to build a machine, apply MSI patches/installs, and may know a little about the registry. They won't have a clue about any OS other than Windows.

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of these people earning 35k+ in the financial sector in London.
 
Dj_Jestar said:
In my opinion, the "super weak" are those who know not a lot more than how to build a machine, apply MSI patches/installs, and may know a little about the registry. They won't have a clue about any OS other than Windows.

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of these people earning 35k+ in the financial sector in London.
Click to expand...

Well, I don't know how to do any of that :p
 
I think one of the problems is to do with these "boot camp" places where you can gain a certification like a MCSE in a week, but probably couldn't apply the subjects in the syllabus to real world situation, and these IT training companies fishing people in by saying things like "The average salary in IT is 37K" or some crap like that...

How old are you Shoseki? I'm 22 and just finished a degree in Computing and Networks and I'm pretty sure that I still don't know a lot.

From what you've said you have a passion for computing, specifically in the programming area and passion isn't something that can be gained, taught or be certified in so personally I wouldn't worry about your skills or how you fit in.

Don't compare yourself to other people, ask yourself if you're happy with your knowledge/experience and so forth. If you're not then plan to see how you can improve your current skills or gain new ones.

I too have a problem with putting myself down, for many reasons which I don't bore the readers with but to succeed in life you need to have confidence and be proud of your achievements and your potential.
 
Shoseki said:
I got into computers because I loved them, always have, started when I was 7/8 years old learning to program on the BBC Micro. But IT is seen as "easy money", anyone can jump on the web and read up a bit of HTML etc and start charging people to make websites...

:confused:
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same here :D


I think the reports is correct, just becuase someone has done a MS Project course, it doesn't make them a PM.

I think it's quite scary how code is so easy to pull together now. I have little or no experience in php but I've created websites using bits and bobs downloaded from the net. I don't see this as a bad thing just it's difficult to realise who is a true programmer and who isn't
 
Well I have no qualification in IT, no background in IT and I made a living for 4 years doing home repairs and charging to make websites after reading a little about HTML. But people kept calling me back, time and time again. I then went into employment knowing nothing about my subject and trained on the job. I learned it all there and from what I read here I was earning a lot more than many in a similar role elsewhere.

What's the problem with that?

Edit: The point of that report is the UK doesn't need It specialists from abroad, we have plenty here already.
 
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Jonny69 said:
Well I have no qualification in IT, no background in IT and I made a living for 4 years doing home repairs and charging to make websites after reading a little about HTML. But people kept calling me back, time and time again. I then went into employment knowing nothing about my subject and trained on the job. I learned it all there and from what I read here I was earning a lot more than many in a similar role elsewhere.

What's the problem with that?
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Nothing - you have succesfully combined technical skills with a strong work ethic to produce products/services that your customer appreciates.

Easy to define in hindsight...
 
Admiral Huddy said:
I think it's quite scary how code is so easy to pull together now. I have little or no experience in php but I've created websites using bits and bobs downloaded from the net. I don't see this as a bad thing just it's difficult to realise who is a true programmer and who isn't
Click to expand...

True programmers will do that all the time. There is no point re-inventing the wheel every time you write a piece of code.
 
Hmm, Well at the moment im an IT Exec from Uni on Placement. Basically i control the WHOLE of the IT in the company so its a bit of a Boss of the IT dept in my Company. Hard job to get, took 3 interviews, seems okay very stressful, but i like it. As someone said up there got into Computer since the age of 6/7. I may think there are a lot of IT graduates out there, but its not only about your degree and knowledge. Getting the job also is about how you are with prioritising and attitude. Well thats from what i know and experienced/experiencing.
 
Shoseki said:
So I have a question : how can I find out which camp I am in? The "super geek" area, or the "super weak" area?
Click to expand...

Why not apply to join a professional body like the British Computer Society or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. For full member status the BCS will review your experience* before giving member status, probably very similar for joining the IEEE. Some employers will even pay your membership fees out of their training budget.

*Must have 5+ years of relevant IT experience.

Edit to point out that there's still Associate, Student and Affiliate BCS membership available as appropriate for those who don't have 5+ years experience.
 
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