I've had plenty of experience over the years hiring people to do computer work. Software development, tech support, training... you name it. And I can't count how many times I had someone walk into an interview with a degree in computer science or a wall full of certifications, but when I asked them to actually do something, they froze.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying degrees or certifications are bad. They can absolutely be helpful. They show dedication, discipline, and at least some base level of competency. In some industries, they're essential. And I know a few folks in our community, some of my own moderators included, who have taken the time to get officially certified in Microsoft Access. That's great. It helps validate your skills on paper, especially in the eyes of employers or clients.
But the paper isn't the prize. The skill is.
You see, I don't have any formal education worth mentioning. A couple of years of college in the early 90s, sure. I studied computer science, but honestly, I was bored out of my mind. So I dropped out and started my own business. Everything I know today about databases, Access, VBA, web development, running a company, I taught myself. From books. From tinkering. From breaking things and fixing them again. We didn't have YouTube back in my day - damn I sound so old.
That kind of experience sticks.
This is why I say skills beat degrees. Because once you're in the field, especially in tech, people care more about what you can actually do than where you studied. Lifelong learners, problem solvers, self-taught doers... these are the folks who thrive.
Now, of course, there are definitely fields where formal education is absolutely required. I would not go to a brain surgeon who isn't a certified medical doctor. Some careers need that foundation, and rightly so. But in technology, and especially in software development, you can absolutely learn everything you need on your own with the right books, tutorials, and hacking away.
I actually have a whole other page on my website for people who ask whether I offer certification exams or test prep courses. And the short answer is: I don't. Because I'm not here to teach people how to pass a test. I'm here to teach people how to actually learn the software. If you need a piece of paper for a job requirement, great, go take a test prep course somewhere. But if you're trying to learn Access to build something real, to solve problems, to improve your business or your workflow, then get hands-on experience. Watch my tutorials. Read books. And practice.
Most certification prep courses are like cramming for high school exams. You'll remember just enough to pass the test, and then you'll forget it all. What good is that? The world changes fast. Especially in technology. Degrees are snapshots. Skills evolve. And those who are constantly learning and adapting will always be ahead of the curve.
As Captain Kirk once said, "sometimes the best training is just figuring it out while the ship is on fire." OK, OK, Kirk didn't actually say that... but it sounds like something he would have said. :)
So if you've got a degree or certification, awesome. Be proud of it. But keep sharpening your skills. And if you don't? That's fine too. You can still outwork, outlearn, and outperform.
Never stop learning. Never stop building. Never give up. Never surrender!
I do have to say that AI absolutely nailed that image. Here's what I asked ChatGPT to create for me...
I would like a picture to go with this article, please. I'm imagining Captain Kirk sitting in his captain's chair on the bridge of the original Enterprise, just leaning on his arm like he does with a smile on his face. But yet everyone else on the bridge around him is panicking and while consoles are on fire and stuff like that, but he's just sitting there calm and smiling.
Thomas Gonder
@Reply 3 days ago
I got my first degree in computer science, the second in Business/Accounting and the final in law.
None of them prepared me for anything other than how to think. I think.
In my experience, as a CPA or lawyer, the first five years on the job, in any technical/professional field are where you really learn how to get things done and what the real world is about. I haven't used trig or calculus since I graduated. I have taught and used a lot of statistics.
That all said, the best programmers I've hired all had degrees. They were curious by nature. As an employer, I consider a degree as a foundation and display of persistence. But don't get me wrong, not all that had degrees were able to perform without significant training. And the ones that failed, I think the major factor for it was lack of discipline and curiosity.
In another thread I mentioned my infamous explorer/coconut programmer test. It's sad to say, but 95% of all that applied, degree or no, couldn't think their way through that problem.
Matt Hall
@Reply 3 days ago
When my kids earned their black belts in Taekwondo, they were told they had mastered the basics and were now prepared to start their journey learning Taekwondo.
Working in and around manufacturing, I can tell you that fresh engineering graduates can't do much. They are, however, prepared to learn the job without stopping to learn all of the underlying, fundamental elements of that job. As a result they can learn the job much quicker than someone without the degree. That seems to be the point of the education.
To Richard's point, the skill is the prize. That is what you sell. The path you took to get there largely doesn't matter.
Chris Bezant
@Reply 2 days ago
Hello Rick
This really resonates with me. I left school at 16 with just one O level but in 1967 I was given a break with ICL and a 45 year career in IT followed.
In 1993 I left IBM as a senior prog rammer after 23 years.
Over that time I encountered degree level people who had no application for the work.
Having said that, an IBM manager told me that the only way to get a short list of job applicants was to only consider those with a degree.
Happily, the last 8 years was spent teaching Excel and Access.
As I have told you before my success with Access was largely due to you Mr Rost. For this I will always be grateful.
At the age of 77 I an still getting enormous pleasure learning and using Access.
I am currently developing a database for my English teacher granddaughter in Hong Kong.
So Rick thank you for being part of my story.
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