Comments on: British Computer Society - Should I join? http://blog.zrmt.com/2008/01/11/british-computer-society-should-i-join/ A man who knows when enough is enough will always have enough -- Liao Tsu Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:44:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: Jez Goldmar http://blog.zrmt.com/2008/01/11/british-computer-society-should-i-join/#comment-108 Jez Goldmar Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:14:50 +0000 http://blog.zrmt.com/index.php/2008/01/11/british-computer-society-should-i-join/#comment-108 The BCS membership is only really beneficial to the corporate lightweight trying to gain instant gravitas. BCS seem to place more emphasis on business bollocks/acumen than pure computing skill. The BCS membership is only really beneficial to the corporate lightweight trying to gain instant gravitas. BCS seem to place more emphasis on business bollocks/acumen than pure computing skill.

]]> By: Mark Harrison http://blog.zrmt.com/2008/01/11/british-computer-society-should-i-join/#comment-107 Mark Harrison Fri, 11 Jan 2008 23:05:25 +0000 http://blog.zrmt.com/index.php/2008/01/11/british-computer-society-should-i-join/#comment-107 There are four possible reasons you might want to join: 1: Networking - as you've said, there are opportunities to meet a "different cross-section" of IT professionals to the group you might encounter at your local LUG. 2: Qualifications - while having the letters MBCS after your name isn't always a plus, I've never known it to be a minus. The sooner you join, the easier you'll find qualification (though talk to them first.) 3: Employability - if you are applying to some kinds of employers, then a clear demonstration that you are keen to work towards professional accreditation is, again, something with little downside. 4: The monthly meetings - some aren't great, let's be honest :-) But I've attended some very interesting presentations in my local chapter. I've been a member since 1992 - I couldn't say whether I point point to ABSOLUTE cash return on 15 years of membership dues... but renewal each year is a no-brainer for me. Mark Harrison, BA, MA, MBCS There are four possible reasons you might want to join:

1: Networking - as you’ve said, there are opportunities to meet a “different cross-section” of IT professionals to the group you might encounter at your local LUG.

2: Qualifications - while having the letters MBCS after your name isn’t always a plus, I’ve never known it to be a minus. The sooner you join, the easier you’ll find qualification (though talk to them first.)

3: Employability - if you are applying to some kinds of employers, then a clear demonstration that you are keen to work towards professional accreditation is, again, something with little downside.

4: The monthly meetings - some aren’t great, let’s be honest :-) But I’ve attended some very interesting presentations in my local chapter.

I’ve been a member since 1992 - I couldn’t say whether I point point to ABSOLUTE cash return on 15 years of membership dues… but renewal each year is a no-brainer for me.

Mark Harrison, BA, MA, MBCS

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