|
I think this article is right on the money. I work in a big college in Florida (50,000+ students) and I run a fairly successful Cisco networking program. About 50% of my incoming students already work in the field, about 30% get jobs in Cisco networking before the end of their third class (CCNA), about 15-17% don't look for a job because they are concentrating on school, and the other 3-5% couldn't get a job to save themself (they can't pass drug screens).
When I came here the curriculum had 6 computer classes and 17 classes in business, accounting, finance, and general education (the associate's degree). After conducting research with area employer's we changed all that around. The students now get A+, MCP, Linux+, one or more programming classes in Java, C++, or .NET as "general ed of computing" and then specialize with 7 classes in CCNA/CCNP and two in VOIP. It seems to be working very well.
My colleagues from around the state are starting to see the value in a general computer background with a specialization field like Cisco, Microsoft, Unix, Linux, CISSP, and programming.
With respect to computer security classes I just gave a present on "why computer security courses are failing in community college" What was meant to be an intellectual discussion turned into a verbal bashing of "how could I ever have suggested such things..." like (1) no upward track to computer security training (where is entry-level), (2) no pay for good teachers ($35k is "average" starting pay for community colleges) (3) No one wants to hire someone with an associates degree in computer security, unless mom owns the company, (4) declines in programming courses are making it difficult to keep "good" security programs, (5) Too many non-computer security trained managers running computer security departments, and (6) the "best" computer security students are strong in mathematics...90% of incoming community college students cannot even place into college algebra...
As far as transfering in to a university...more and more, we are hearing employers scream about generalists with lots of business and management courses. They want a "chameleon," someone with a broad background who can adopt quickly in any circumstance...just make one type a programmer, one type a networker, and one type a databaser (if you will). Of course every employer has their own specific wish list too.
Very intriguing article. Kudos.
|
