BCS?
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Are any of you members of the British Computer Society? If so, what benefits (if any) do you think there are in being a member? Does chartered status make a diference in your company (for software development positions)? Sorry - a bit boring but I'm interested because my company wants to know who is interested in joining. I was back in the early 90's but they seemed to be very industry oriented and *way* behind on the emerging technologies of the time.
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Are any of you members of the British Computer Society? If so, what benefits (if any) do you think there are in being a member? Does chartered status make a diference in your company (for software development positions)? Sorry - a bit boring but I'm interested because my company wants to know who is interested in joining. I was back in the early 90's but they seemed to be very industry oriented and *way* behind on the emerging technologies of the time.
Wags wrote:
Are any of you members of the British Computer Society?
Wags wrote:
If so, what benefits (if any) do you think there are in being a member?
Increasing professional recognition.
Wags wrote:
Does chartered status make a diference in your company (for software development positions)?
No. But my company does encourage membership.
Wags wrote:
I was back in the early 90's but they seemed to be very industry oriented and *way* behind on the emerging technologies of the time.
It depends. The Glasgow branch recently discovered email. :rolleyes: While the Edinburgh branch often has some very interesting lectures. So it really depends on where you are - some branches are quite close to each other so travelling to a more useful branch can be done. I'm lucky that where I live the distance to get to the Edinburgh, Dundee & Glasgow branch meetings are roughly equal so I have a good choice. I've also presented to the BCS on the subject of SQL Injection Attacks - a great group of people who are genuinely interested in the subject. So, you can also meet some good people.
My: Blog | Photos "Man who stand on hill with mouth open will wait long time for roast duck to drop in." -- Confucious
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Are any of you members of the British Computer Society? If so, what benefits (if any) do you think there are in being a member? Does chartered status make a diference in your company (for software development positions)? Sorry - a bit boring but I'm interested because my company wants to know who is interested in joining. I was back in the early 90's but they seemed to be very industry oriented and *way* behind on the emerging technologies of the time.
The BCS website lists these benefits[^]. It doesn't make a "hard" difference in my company, but it does make a "soft" difference in that my professionalism has been recognised to some extent by an external body, and that impresses non-technical staff. If you're looking for an immediate hard difference, there are software discounts that might exceed the cost of membership. As I'm not a very active member, I'll refer you to Colin's reply for more worthy benefits. Gavin Greig "Haw, you're no deid," girned Charon. "Get aff ma boat or ah'll report ye." Matthew Fitt - The Hoose O Haivers: The Twelve Trauchles O Heracles.
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Are any of you members of the British Computer Society? If so, what benefits (if any) do you think there are in being a member? Does chartered status make a diference in your company (for software development positions)? Sorry - a bit boring but I'm interested because my company wants to know who is interested in joining. I was back in the early 90's but they seemed to be very industry oriented and *way* behind on the emerging technologies of the time.
I have been looking at that lately also. MBCS after youe name couldnt be any less worthwhile than MCAD, MCSD, MCP etc. Especially if you think how hard they are to get http://www.codeproject.com/script/comments/forums.asp?forumid=1650#xx1286461xx[^] Hint: its the SQL Connection Question :sigh: (Words fail me) Jon
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I have been looking at that lately also. MBCS after youe name couldnt be any less worthwhile than MCAD, MCSD, MCP etc. Especially if you think how hard they are to get http://www.codeproject.com/script/comments/forums.asp?forumid=1650#xx1286461xx[^] Hint: its the SQL Connection Question :sigh: (Words fail me) Jon
jonathan15 wrote:
MBCS after youe name couldnt be any less worthwhile than MCAD, MCSD, MCP etc
Yes, you cannot just pick up an MBCS. You need real actual verifiable industry experience to get an MBCS. On my application form I had to put a sponsor who would verify the information (In my case it was the MD of my company, who also happened to be on the committee of the local branch). They also contacted me for clarification on a number of items. It is on the website, but there is a points system. A degree will get you so many points (but not enough). Industry experience will also get you points (I guess so there isn't any discrimination against people who have a different background but are very competant at what they do). When you reach so many points you can apply.
My: Blog | Photos "Man who stand on hill with mouth open will wait long time for roast duck to drop in." -- Confucious
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jonathan15 wrote:
MBCS after youe name couldnt be any less worthwhile than MCAD, MCSD, MCP etc
Yes, you cannot just pick up an MBCS. You need real actual verifiable industry experience to get an MBCS. On my application form I had to put a sponsor who would verify the information (In my case it was the MD of my company, who also happened to be on the committee of the local branch). They also contacted me for clarification on a number of items. It is on the website, but there is a points system. A degree will get you so many points (but not enough). Industry experience will also get you points (I guess so there isn't any discrimination against people who have a different background but are very competant at what they do). When you reach so many points you can apply.
My: Blog | Photos "Man who stand on hill with mouth open will wait long time for roast duck to drop in." -- Confucious
Colin Angus Mackay wrote:
Yes, you cannot just pick up an MBCS. You need real actual verifiable industry experience to get an MBCS.
Whereas these days you obviosly can just pick up (or buy) an MCSD. Either that or the quality of the testing is not so good. Jon
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Colin Angus Mackay wrote:
Yes, you cannot just pick up an MBCS. You need real actual verifiable industry experience to get an MBCS.
Whereas these days you obviosly can just pick up (or buy) an MCSD. Either that or the quality of the testing is not so good. Jon
jonathan15 wrote:
Whereas these days you obviosly can just pick up (or buy) an MCSD. Either that or the quality of the testing is not so good.
I think that the quality of the testing is fine. I actually failed one of my exams and had to resit it. However, I know of people who have managed to find the actual answers prepared for them, so all they have to do is memorise that. I find that disheartening because I actually worked and studied for my certification.
My: Blog | Photos "Man who stand on hill with mouth open will wait long time for roast duck to drop in." -- Confucious
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Are any of you members of the British Computer Society? If so, what benefits (if any) do you think there are in being a member? Does chartered status make a diference in your company (for software development positions)? Sorry - a bit boring but I'm interested because my company wants to know who is interested in joining. I was back in the early 90's but they seemed to be very industry oriented and *way* behind on the emerging technologies of the time.
I'm a member - mainly because the qualification was dead easy (recommendation from my manager counted for a certain number of points, experience for the rest) & my employers pay the fees :-). I've not noticed any benefits as yet...although there has been talk that you'll need to be chartered to sign off safety-related things, and we're in the safety-critical software arena, so I may need to do the chartered thing at some point.