Dana Bell

Today I completed my third day at University of Texas at Tyler. I am studying Computer Information Systems, and have 2 years of classes to complete the degree requirements.
Many IT professionals have opinions about the direction that IT education is going, most from the perspective of an employer or IT manager. That's important, but there is also the perspective of the student that may need to be considered. Or, even the instructors in a computer science department. That's what I am going to try to log.
Whereas most students are in their early 20's and are going to get their degrees, I am an older student with a perspective that may be a little more practical, that looks at workplace opportunities and needs.
Instead of looking at the value of having some letters behind my name when I'm looking for a job, I wonder how my education is going to help me perform in my field. What am I missing and what am I looking forward to? Similarly, what does the university and credentialing organization think I need to know to earn a B.S. and the right to be called an IT professional?

I come to class with a 20+ year background in personal computer experience and study, based on need and availability. I know a number of languages, lots of applications and much of the basics behind computer building and maintenance.
What I would like to learn is everything there is to know about networking and security. I'm not criticizing the value of an IT education, at least not yet, but I do have questions.

An answer to one of those questions came from an instructor yesterday when he described the experience level of a group of IT professionals. His assurance to us as a class was that we would be learning more than most systems analysts working today, or something to that effect. Paraphrasing, he also said that most IT professionals don't have 10 years experience, but 6 months experience repeated about 20 times. Many pros live and work in a narrow swath of the industry, but we would be learning new things every day we study, participate and evaluate our abilities.

That prompts another question. So, what's more important, experience or education? My answer to that must begin with "It depends." A person's professional value must combine education (formal or not) and experience with performance, and take into consideration the scope of both education and experience. You can learn from both, and it is that applied knowledge that makes an IT professional valuable.

But, then, what applied knowledge is valuable in this field? That's what I'll be finding out.

A family member recently sent this zodiac description of my sign, and I was amazed at the accuracy of the description. Sure, any random commentary on a person's character has a chance at getting a few things right, but this... This personality analysis, in every detail, is the antithesis of my character.

SAGITTARIUS - The Happy-Go-Lucky One (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Good-natured optimist. Doesn't want to grow up (Peter Pan
Syndrome). Indulges self. Boastful. Likes luxuries and gambling.
Social and outgoing. Doesn't like responsibilities. Often
fantasizes. Impatient. Fun to be around. Having lots of friends.
Flirtatious. Doesn't like rules. Sometimes hypocritical. Dislikes
being confined - tight spaces or even tight clothes. Doesn't like
being doubted. Beautiful inside and out.

Before I started reading this, I was skeptical of zodiacal predictions and analyses. It is difficult to be a critic of everything and be optimist. I feel that too much optimism demonstrates a person's immaturity, and I don't particularly like immature people. I'm not indulgent. I buy stuff when I need it, and look for things that are practical. Luxuries are wasteful if it doesn't have a purpose.
I'm a down to earth kind of person, and want things that are stable, secure, and try to be that kind of person. Risk-taking is just another quality of the childish personality.
I'm quiet (in person), and try to tend to my own business. I don't dislike people, but I don't have or need a lot of friends. I like rules, order and organization. But, then, I also find humor in things, like this caricature of some other people. It wouldn't be bad to be this kind of person. I like some people that are like this, but as some famous person once said, "I yam what I yam."

Oh..., wait..., there's one..., the last one, "beautiful inside and out". I guess that could be me. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.