[AccessD] OT? - Certification

Mark,

I hope I didn't give you the impression that I thought a Masters degree
was worthless.  A good theoretical underpinning is always helpful, but
not enough to solve practical problems.

As to your comment that your degree will not expire; what you learn at
the Masters level today will probably be expected to be the minimum for
a Bachelors degree in ten years time.  So you still have the degree, but
your level of theoretical knowledge has shifted downward.  What I did my
dissertation research on is now taught in undergraduate courses!

Charles Wortz
Software Development Division
Texas Education Agency
1701 N. Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701-1494
512-463-9493
CWortz at tea.state.tx.us



-----Original Message-----
From: Porter, Mark [mailto:MPorter at acsalaska.com] 
Sent: Wednesday 2003 Jun 11 11:08
To: 'accessd at databaseadvisors.com'
Subject: RE: [AccessD] OT? - Certification

I agree with your statement completely.  Personally, I not hold much
weight in either higher education or certifications.  Once you are in
the door they are effectively toilet paper.

However, with your degrees and certifications you have the option of
presenting them if it is convenient for you to do so.

My route was a judgement call for going for higher education rather than
certifications.  I always seem to be put in charge after a time and
figured it to be the best choice.  We'll see how it pans out.

Mark


-----Original Message-----
From: Wortz, Charles [mailto:CWortz at tea.state.tx.us]
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 4:47 AM
To: accessd at databaseadvisors.com
Subject: RE: [AccessD] OT? - Certification


As one that has acquired many degrees and many certifications over the
years, I have found they are only good for getting hired at the types of
organization that I don't want to work for.  I prefer working where I
enjoy the work and they value my performance, not my degrees and
certificates.  I no longer even list any of my degrees and certificates
on my business card.

Charles Wortz
-----Original Message-----
From: Porter, Mark [mailto:MPorter at acsalaska.com] 
Sent: Tuesday 2003 Jun 10 12:14
To: 'accessd at databaseadvisors.com'
Subject: RE: [AccessD] OT? - Certification


I got tired of the certification and recertification mess before I even
passed my first one.  New ones came out (or were comming out) before I
could complete my current ones.

I'm pursuing a Masters in IT instead.  At least they don't expire.