Hiring Computer Techs.

[Wagner, Steven G]

I work at an integration center similar to Avnet and have an A+. With the
instructions we're provided and the troubleshooter/engineering support we
have, I don't really think you _need_ an A+ but I was of the opinion that
there's really no reason why I shouldn't get it (year old book from Mesa
Public Lib and ~$300). It's relatively cheap (considering it never needs to
be renewed) and proves not only your basic understanding of the concepts
surrounding computer systems, but also that you are capable of setting a
goal, working a study plan and seeing it through to the end.

My company brought in a couple of prof's from MCC and did free A+ cert
classes for all techs and engineers that didn't have them. Then they
provided vouchers for everyone that passed the class to take the actual exam
for free. I heard of one guy that failed the exam (though passed the class)
and I _think_ one engineer took and passed the actual A+. Everyone else was
apparently satisfied with their corny little non-exportable MCC achievement
awards and never even bothered to go take the real exam. I think that's kind
of lame, considering how much money the company probably spent on bringing
the prof's down there and setting aside resources for the lab exercises,
classroom, etc. I don't really care one way or another and as far as I know
management never expressed any requirement for anyone to have to take the
exam if they took part in the classes. I suppose they probably assumed
everyone would want to get free A+'s and that it would be unnecessary to
force them.

Anyway, I've worked besides guys with MCSE's and other expensive certs and
they've mostly forgotten everything they learned in their $10K bootcamps
since they passed their exams. Probably their fault for not applying their
knowledge more frequently, at least at home or a lab somewhere.

I tend to agree that one doesn't need to know much about the internals of a
computer to write usable code (i.e.- Visual Basic, Javascript, etc.), but
that a programmer who has a deeper understanding of, say, the stack/heap or
solid networking principles will be able to utilize a lot more powerful
languages (C, perl, etc) and will probably write tighter, more secure and
more elegant code.

-----Original Message-----
From: plug-discuss-bounces at lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
[mailto:plug-discuss-bounces at lists.plug.phoenix.az.us]On Behalf Of Jason
Spatafore
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 11:46 AM
To: Main PLUG discussion list
Subject: Re: re[4]: Hiring Computer Techs.


You have a point. However, to keep within the context of the conversation.
The original conversation was "We're hiring technicians." The reply was
"What good is an A+ certification when my teacher was an idiot?" The reply
to that was "Certifications are important with regards to the job
announced." The reply to that was "I thought a bachelors of science is
much better." My reply was "What good is a programmer who can't build a
computer?" (Paraphrased, of course.)

Of course, my reply was completely within context of the original
announcement. I know programmers are important, I want to become one. (But
tell me why degree in programming doesn't require heavy math? Because I
suck at math. But when it comes to database design and database style
programming, I'm good. But there are no degrees which offer a "mathless"
path to a BA degree.) Anyway, the jobs offered are not of a programming
and development nature (except the Java one)...they are about following
instruction, testing, and providing worthwhile feedback. So, in the
perspective of the conversation, programming is not as important as an A+
certification. In the real world...I believe they remain the same level of
importance. But that is whole other topic.

I get annoyed when people like to come up some type of negative response
or even portray a holier than thou attitude in general. In the exact
context of the conversation, the A+ technician has as much worth as a
programmer. The programmer will get paid more in a programming job, but
will make the same if placed as a technician.

Now, I don't want all of you sitting here thinking I am trying to make you
look bad. And I won't sit here and say that Certfications are worth
more-than education. They both have merit and add value. However, for a
computer technician job, many programmers will be passed up. (And many
programmers will pass up technician jobs.)

The bottom line to the certification debate is that certifications are
important. Not everybody has the job which enables them to go to college.
Not everybody has the brains to be in the top 10% of their class to get a
scholarship. And not everybody has a rich relative who will pay their way
in college. And, not everybody wants to throw themselves $50,000 in debt
to get a degree. For those people, there are certifications which help
prove their knowledge without padding the pocket books of a university's
owner. Instead, they pad the pocket book of the company providing the
certification...but it's a much smaller hit on a wider scale. :)
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