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| GeoCommunity Mailing List |
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| Subject: | RE: [gislist] RE: GIS education/degree |
| Date: |
02/14/2005 01:20:02 PM |
| From: |
hvp |
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A potential flame-bait in defense of education: In one of the many polls conducted last year, one statistic that got discussed was how a disproportionally higher number of PhDs were socially progressive as opposed to socially conservative. In media discussions too, it gets pointed out how the academia is predominantly socially progressive.
This may be because "knowledgeable professionals" exhibit a more nuanced style of thinking, something that is inherent in progressive philosophy. The keyword is "knowledgeable" not "educated", but education [like traveling] often leads to a more progressive social and professional outlook, and is therefore important.
Anyway, we all know how frequently people/firms get work/contracts not because they are the best or possess the right educational qualifications, but because they are good and they "know the right people".
In any case, a nuanced approach is not required at all times nor is the management equipped to appreciate it at all times. Often, an off-the-cuff style works fine, but just on the surface and only in the short run.
Harsh Prakash
PS: [http://www.directionsmag.com/article.php?article_id=759]
---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: "Anthony Quartararo" <ajq3@spatialnetworks.com>
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 12:20:32 -0500
Barb,
Universities are for-profit organizations, that should not come as a
surprise. Regardless of legal tax standings, the de facto reality is that
they increasingly get less per student from Fed/State/Local government, and
so they turn to tuition increases, sports sponsorships, and other creative,
if not unsavory ways to keep their organization in competition with others.
However, it's my opinion that this is not really related to whether a
potential candidate has the qualifications to perform a set of specific job
skills in the market place (whether private or Government work). The USGS
is one of the most respected and successful organizations in the world, and
they are very very good at what they do (not a perfect organization), and I
think it is fair to say, that they have achieved this because of who they
hire: BA, MA, PhD candidates (essentially experts in their respective
domains). Would the best universities in the world hire professors that had
not achieved some accredited academic expertise ? Even if someone devoted 20
post-high school years to mastering a subject (lets say quantum physics),
without the requisite and traditional credentials, what chance would this
person have of gaining employment (either as a professor or in the
commercial sector)? There is considerable, and often unappreciated value in
the accreditation process. Now, this is not to say that all PhD's are
created equal, in fact, some countries (particularly in the GIS industry)
hand out MA and PhDs like junk mail.
This discussion has taken on several forms on this list over time, but I
think your point is that depending on the job requirements, a 4-year degree,
or more advanced degree may or may not be required. Is this a fair
distillation of your main issue ? I would agree with you that there are many
jobs now in the industry that would not require a 4-year degree, in fact, in
India, there are literally tens of thousands of people employed in the GIS
industry that have nothing more than a certificate in CAD training. Far cry
from a career geographer or even a GIS professional, but it fits a need and
qualifications for that particular job. I think your concern is valid, but
perhaps aimed at the wrong group of people (it is more of an
employer-related issue than a university issue).
Best Regards
Anthony
-----Original Message-----
From: gislist-bounces@lists.geocomm.com
[mailto:gislist-bounces@lists.geocomm.com] On Behalf Of Barb Wallner
Sent: Friday, February 11, 2005 12:18 PM
To: gislist@lists.thinkburst.com
Subject: [gislist] RE: GIS education/degree
I'm sure there are enough people on this listserv who are working in some
compacity in GIS without a university degree, and who do not have the time
or the money to pursue a 4-year degree to move into the graduate program
were it seems that universities like to offer it. I'm sure there are 2
reasons for this. The "official" reason is to have students who already
have a discipline "on paper". The "unofficial" reason is that GIS can be
learned without a 4-year degree but universities need the revenue. If you
have passion in the areas of mapping, earth science, environmental issues,
geography, you are already, I'm sure, well-versed in your passion, and can
do just as well as someone with a "paper degree".
I would like to see some defense, one way or another, on this discussion
from university people.
Sincerely,
Barb
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