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How much work experience is equivalent to a Computer Science degree? [closed]
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A lot of software developer jobs list "a CS degree or equivalent work experience" as a requirement. I have a degree in a somewhat related field but only about 6 months of on-the-job experience as an intern and then a severely underpaid developer. How much work experience will it take for employers to consider me as on par with a CS graduate, and take me seriously as a candidate for a junior level position?
software-industry job-search applications work-experience
edited Apr 5 '13 at 20:42
Elysian Fields♦
96.9k46292449
asked Aug 28 '12 at 19:13
Hunter Gathers
8615
closed as not constructive by Jim G., CincinnatiProgrammer, jcmeloni, Kate Gregory, Elysian Fields♦ Apr 8 '13 at 21:59
As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, visit the help center for guidance. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
add a comment |Â
up vote
14
down vote
favorite
A lot of software developer jobs list "a CS degree or equivalent work experience" as a requirement. I have a degree in a somewhat related field but only about 6 months of on-the-job experience as an intern and then a severely underpaid developer. How much work experience will it take for employers to consider me as on par with a CS graduate, and take me seriously as a candidate for a junior level position?
software-industry job-search applications work-experience
edited Apr 5 '13 at 20:42
Elysian Fields♦
96.9k46292449
asked Aug 28 '12 at 19:13
Hunter Gathers
8615
closed as not constructive by Jim G., CincinnatiProgrammer, jcmeloni, Kate Gregory, Elysian Fields♦ Apr 8 '13 at 21:59
As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, visit the help center for guidance. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
Well, as I stated, I managed to get an internship, which has led to what I guess you might call a junior position. But I'm still being severely underpaid because they know I'll have trouble finding a job elsewhere with as little experience as I have. So what it boils down to is how long will I have to accept this kind of pay before I'll have a decent shot at a position elsewhere.
– Hunter Gathers
Aug 28 '12 at 19:26
@ramoneramone - I've been working for 14 years now and still make less than my degree-weilding peers. As for how much experience to let you move, it depends on your job market.
– Telastyn
Aug 28 '12 at 19:29
If you base it off of their applicable knowledge straight out of college... 30 days.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Aug 29 '12 at 12:47
I'd say at least 7 standard time units.
– JohnFx
Sep 1 '12 at 0:12
They want you to be able to work on your own.
– Thorbjørn Ravn Andersen
Dec 22 '15 at 6:52
add a comment |Â
up vote
14
down vote
favorite
up vote
14
down vote
favorite
A lot of software developer jobs list "a CS degree or equivalent work experience" as a requirement. I have a degree in a somewhat related field but only about 6 months of on-the-job experience as an intern and then a severely underpaid developer. How much work experience will it take for employers to consider me as on par with a CS graduate, and take me seriously as a candidate for a junior level position?
software-industry job-search applications work-experience
edited Apr 5 '13 at 20:42
Elysian Fields♦
96.9k46292449
asked Aug 28 '12 at 19:13
Hunter Gathers
8615
A lot of software developer jobs list "a CS degree or equivalent work experience" as a requirement. I have a degree in a somewhat related field but only about 6 months of on-the-job experience as an intern and then a severely underpaid developer. How much work experience will it take for employers to consider me as on par with a CS graduate, and take me seriously as a candidate for a junior level position?
software-industry job-search applications work-experience
edited Apr 5 '13 at 20:42
Elysian Fields♦
96.9k46292449
asked Aug 28 '12 at 19:13
Hunter Gathers
8615
edited Apr 5 '13 at 20:42
Elysian Fields♦
96.9k46292449
edited Apr 5 '13 at 20:42
Elysian Fields♦
96.9k46292449
edited Apr 5 '13 at 20:42
Elysian Fields♦
96.9k46292449
96.9k46292449
asked Aug 28 '12 at 19:13
Hunter Gathers
8615
asked Aug 28 '12 at 19:13
Hunter Gathers
8615
asked Aug 28 '12 at 19:13
Hunter Gathers
8615
8615
closed as not constructive by Jim G., CincinnatiProgrammer, jcmeloni, Kate Gregory, Elysian Fields♦ Apr 8 '13 at 21:59
As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, visit the help center for guidance. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
closed as not constructive by Jim G., CincinnatiProgrammer, jcmeloni, Kate Gregory, Elysian Fields♦ Apr 8 '13 at 21:59
As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, visit the help center for guidance. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
Well, as I stated, I managed to get an internship, which has led to what I guess you might call a junior position. But I'm still being severely underpaid because they know I'll have trouble finding a job elsewhere with as little experience as I have. So what it boils down to is how long will I have to accept this kind of pay before I'll have a decent shot at a position elsewhere.
– Hunter Gathers
Aug 28 '12 at 19:26
@ramoneramone - I've been working for 14 years now and still make less than my degree-weilding peers. As for how much experience to let you move, it depends on your job market.
– Telastyn
Aug 28 '12 at 19:29
If you base it off of their applicable knowledge straight out of college... 30 days.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Aug 29 '12 at 12:47
I'd say at least 7 standard time units.
– JohnFx
Sep 1 '12 at 0:12
They want you to be able to work on your own.
– Thorbjørn Ravn Andersen
Dec 22 '15 at 6:52
add a comment |Â
Well, as I stated, I managed to get an internship, which has led to what I guess you might call a junior position. But I'm still being severely underpaid because they know I'll have trouble finding a job elsewhere with as little experience as I have. So what it boils down to is how long will I have to accept this kind of pay before I'll have a decent shot at a position elsewhere.
– Hunter Gathers
Aug 28 '12 at 19:26
@ramoneramone - I've been working for 14 years now and still make less than my degree-weilding peers. As for how much experience to let you move, it depends on your job market.
– Telastyn
Aug 28 '12 at 19:29
If you base it off of their applicable knowledge straight out of college... 30 days.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Aug 29 '12 at 12:47
I'd say at least 7 standard time units.
– JohnFx
Sep 1 '12 at 0:12
They want you to be able to work on your own.
– Thorbjørn Ravn Andersen
Dec 22 '15 at 6:52
Well, as I stated, I managed to get an internship, which has led to what I guess you might call a junior position. But I'm still being severely underpaid because they know I'll have trouble finding a job elsewhere with as little experience as I have. So what it boils down to is how long will I have to accept this kind of pay before I'll have a decent shot at a position elsewhere.
– Hunter Gathers
Aug 28 '12 at 19:26
Well, as I stated, I managed to get an internship, which has led to what I guess you might call a junior position. But I'm still being severely underpaid because they know I'll have trouble finding a job elsewhere with as little experience as I have. So what it boils down to is how long will I have to accept this kind of pay before I'll have a decent shot at a position elsewhere.
– Hunter Gathers
Aug 28 '12 at 19:26
@ramoneramone - I've been working for 14 years now and still make less than my degree-weilding peers. As for how much experience to let you move, it depends on your job market.
– Telastyn
Aug 28 '12 at 19:29
@ramoneramone - I've been working for 14 years now and still make less than my degree-weilding peers. As for how much experience to let you move, it depends on your job market.
– Telastyn
Aug 28 '12 at 19:29
If you base it off of their applicable knowledge straight out of college... 30 days.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Aug 29 '12 at 12:47
If you base it off of their applicable knowledge straight out of college... 30 days.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Aug 29 '12 at 12:47
I'd say at least 7 standard time units.
– JohnFx
Sep 1 '12 at 0:12
I'd say at least 7 standard time units.
– JohnFx
Sep 1 '12 at 0:12
They want you to be able to work on your own.
– Thorbjørn Ravn Andersen
Dec 22 '15 at 6:52
They want you to be able to work on your own.
– Thorbjørn Ravn Andersen
Dec 22 '15 at 6:52
add a comment |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
up vote
24
down vote
accepted
It depends.
Some people may have 20 years experience as software developers but in practice are juniors (no idea about separation of concerns, design patterns, SOLID and DRY).
Some people come out with CS degree and need to learn software engineering from scratch (never worked in a team, wouldn't know maintainable code if it hit them in the face, source control is a new concept etc, etc, etc...).
My point with the above two paragraphs is that the comparison is meaningless. Experience does not translate to a CS degree and vice versa.
What matters is provable capability - some of that comes from experience, but not all.
If you can show your developer chops (open source projects or your own private projects) and impress them, they will consider you.
answered Aug 28 '12 at 19:28
Oded
21.1k57597
2
+1. Amazing how different developing on a large project is compared to individual projects which don't have to be maintained beyond a small amount of time.
– Elysian Fields♦
Aug 28 '12 at 19:34
8
This makes sense for a programmer, but I strongly suspect HR writes that thinking "4 years is 4 years" thus 4 years of work = 4 years of school. You have to get past HR to "show your chops."
– Rarity
Aug 28 '12 at 20:20
If only everyone hired this way. I'm with @Rarity.
– user8365
Aug 28 '12 at 20:26
@Rarity - I can tell you that 4 years of actual work experience is worth more then a 4 year degree and this comming form somebody who actually has one. I have learned more in 2 years then my entire college sprint.
– Ramhound
Aug 29 '12 at 11:38
4
@Ramhound - I don't think Rarity contests that. The point being made is that HR don't usually think this way.
– Oded
Aug 29 '12 at 11:43
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
If they don't state the amount of experience, you should apply anyway. You've done an internship and have a full-time job as a programmer.
The low salary at this point in your career would be considered as a valid reason to leave that job.
Make sure you have strong recommendations from your internship. While you are looking at other jobs and hopefully landing interviews, keep track of the skills they want. You maybe able to do some new project at work where they can implemented.
I can't imagine a years worth of experience, wouldn't get you past the lack of degree for a junior position. There may be some companies that just prefer college graduates, so there's no getting around this bias in their mind.
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I usually see the line CS degree or equivalent. Or the line: "Bachelors degree plus 10 years experience, or masters with 5 years experience, or PHD +1 year experience."
When it is written this way it means that if there is an automated process to screen applicants or resumes the lack of degree will stop the resume from being moved forward. I have even seen a resume rejected because they wanted a BS, and the person had a BA.
The requirements "CS degree or equivalent" means that they will take a large assortment of technical degrees. They can even take a degree if is not technical but related to the subject matter. The less automated the screen the better the chances of them taking a degree in marketing.
In a few cases I have seen them write the line: "X years experience developing software, a Bachelors degree can substitute for A years, or an advanced degree can substitute for B years."
In this case they can be very flexible.
Remember that they might also trying to meet the requirements of a customer. If they are a government contractor, the customer frequently establishes for the contract the specific rate levels. If the applicant can't meet the requirements for the lowest rate category they can't be hired for the position. The category and rate level they fit into determines the maximum salary for that contracted position.
answered Aug 29 '12 at 10:14
mhoran_psprep
40.3k463144
So ignoring a ba would rule out the elite unis that dont give out BSC's
– Neuro
Aug 29 '12 at 10:27
@Neuro - What school doesn't offer a Bachlor degree?
– Ramhound
Aug 29 '12 at 11:39
@Ramhound Cambridge doesn't you get a BA in Engineering
– Neuro
Aug 29 '12 at 12:40
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If the posting states "relevant work experience considered in lieu of a degree", apply for the job. Basically what they're asking for is proof you can do the job, and you can answer that two ways; by showing them you've been taught to do the job, or by showing them you've already done it. If you have a few years' experience at a job level roughly equivalent to what they're hiring for, you should be considered (perhaps even more so in this environment since without a degree you'll probably be asking for less). That gets you the interview, where you show them you can do the job.
answered Aug 28 '12 at 22:26
KeithS
2,085912
add a comment |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
24
down vote
accepted
It depends.
Some people may have 20 years experience as software developers but in practice are juniors (no idea about separation of concerns, design patterns, SOLID and DRY).
Some people come out with CS degree and need to learn software engineering from scratch (never worked in a team, wouldn't know maintainable code if it hit them in the face, source control is a new concept etc, etc, etc...).
My point with the above two paragraphs is that the comparison is meaningless. Experience does not translate to a CS degree and vice versa.
What matters is provable capability - some of that comes from experience, but not all.
If you can show your developer chops (open source projects or your own private projects) and impress them, they will consider you.
answered Aug 28 '12 at 19:28
Oded
21.1k57597
2
+1. Amazing how different developing on a large project is compared to individual projects which don't have to be maintained beyond a small amount of time.
– Elysian Fields♦
Aug 28 '12 at 19:34
8
This makes sense for a programmer, but I strongly suspect HR writes that thinking "4 years is 4 years" thus 4 years of work = 4 years of school. You have to get past HR to "show your chops."
– Rarity
Aug 28 '12 at 20:20
If only everyone hired this way. I'm with @Rarity.
– user8365
Aug 28 '12 at 20:26
@Rarity - I can tell you that 4 years of actual work experience is worth more then a 4 year degree and this comming form somebody who actually has one. I have learned more in 2 years then my entire college sprint.
– Ramhound
Aug 29 '12 at 11:38
4
@Ramhound - I don't think Rarity contests that. The point being made is that HR don't usually think this way.
– Oded
Aug 29 '12 at 11:43
add a comment |Â
up vote
24
down vote
accepted
It depends.
Some people may have 20 years experience as software developers but in practice are juniors (no idea about separation of concerns, design patterns, SOLID and DRY).
Some people come out with CS degree and need to learn software engineering from scratch (never worked in a team, wouldn't know maintainable code if it hit them in the face, source control is a new concept etc, etc, etc...).
My point with the above two paragraphs is that the comparison is meaningless. Experience does not translate to a CS degree and vice versa.
What matters is provable capability - some of that comes from experience, but not all.
If you can show your developer chops (open source projects or your own private projects) and impress them, they will consider you.
answered Aug 28 '12 at 19:28
Oded
21.1k57597
2
+1. Amazing how different developing on a large project is compared to individual projects which don't have to be maintained beyond a small amount of time.
– Elysian Fields♦
Aug 28 '12 at 19:34
8
This makes sense for a programmer, but I strongly suspect HR writes that thinking "4 years is 4 years" thus 4 years of work = 4 years of school. You have to get past HR to "show your chops."
– Rarity
Aug 28 '12 at 20:20
If only everyone hired this way. I'm with @Rarity.
– user8365
Aug 28 '12 at 20:26
@Rarity - I can tell you that 4 years of actual work experience is worth more then a 4 year degree and this comming form somebody who actually has one. I have learned more in 2 years then my entire college sprint.
– Ramhound
Aug 29 '12 at 11:38
4
@Ramhound - I don't think Rarity contests that. The point being made is that HR don't usually think this way.
– Oded
Aug 29 '12 at 11:43
add a comment |Â
up vote
24
down vote
accepted
up vote
24
down vote
accepted
It depends.
Some people may have 20 years experience as software developers but in practice are juniors (no idea about separation of concerns, design patterns, SOLID and DRY).
Some people come out with CS degree and need to learn software engineering from scratch (never worked in a team, wouldn't know maintainable code if it hit them in the face, source control is a new concept etc, etc, etc...).
My point with the above two paragraphs is that the comparison is meaningless. Experience does not translate to a CS degree and vice versa.
What matters is provable capability - some of that comes from experience, but not all.
If you can show your developer chops (open source projects or your own private projects) and impress them, they will consider you.
answered Aug 28 '12 at 19:28
Oded
21.1k57597
It depends.
Some people may have 20 years experience as software developers but in practice are juniors (no idea about separation of concerns, design patterns, SOLID and DRY).
Some people come out with CS degree and need to learn software engineering from scratch (never worked in a team, wouldn't know maintainable code if it hit them in the face, source control is a new concept etc, etc, etc...).
My point with the above two paragraphs is that the comparison is meaningless. Experience does not translate to a CS degree and vice versa.
What matters is provable capability - some of that comes from experience, but not all.
If you can show your developer chops (open source projects or your own private projects) and impress them, they will consider you.
answered Aug 28 '12 at 19:28
Oded
21.1k57597
answered Aug 28 '12 at 19:28
Oded
21.1k57597
answered Aug 28 '12 at 19:28
Oded
21.1k57597
answered Aug 28 '12 at 19:28
Oded
21.1k57597
21.1k57597
2
+1. Amazing how different developing on a large project is compared to individual projects which don't have to be maintained beyond a small amount of time.
– Elysian Fields♦
Aug 28 '12 at 19:34
8
This makes sense for a programmer, but I strongly suspect HR writes that thinking "4 years is 4 years" thus 4 years of work = 4 years of school. You have to get past HR to "show your chops."
– Rarity
Aug 28 '12 at 20:20
If only everyone hired this way. I'm with @Rarity.
– user8365
Aug 28 '12 at 20:26
@Rarity - I can tell you that 4 years of actual work experience is worth more then a 4 year degree and this comming form somebody who actually has one. I have learned more in 2 years then my entire college sprint.
– Ramhound
Aug 29 '12 at 11:38
4
@Ramhound - I don't think Rarity contests that. The point being made is that HR don't usually think this way.
– Oded
Aug 29 '12 at 11:43
add a comment |Â
2
+1. Amazing how different developing on a large project is compared to individual projects which don't have to be maintained beyond a small amount of time.
– Elysian Fields♦
Aug 28 '12 at 19:34
8
This makes sense for a programmer, but I strongly suspect HR writes that thinking "4 years is 4 years" thus 4 years of work = 4 years of school. You have to get past HR to "show your chops."
– Rarity
Aug 28 '12 at 20:20
If only everyone hired this way. I'm with @Rarity.
– user8365
Aug 28 '12 at 20:26
@Rarity - I can tell you that 4 years of actual work experience is worth more then a 4 year degree and this comming form somebody who actually has one. I have learned more in 2 years then my entire college sprint.
– Ramhound
Aug 29 '12 at 11:38
4
@Ramhound - I don't think Rarity contests that. The point being made is that HR don't usually think this way.
– Oded
Aug 29 '12 at 11:43
2
2
+1. Amazing how different developing on a large project is compared to individual projects which don't have to be maintained beyond a small amount of time.
– Elysian Fields♦
Aug 28 '12 at 19:34
+1. Amazing how different developing on a large project is compared to individual projects which don't have to be maintained beyond a small amount of time.
– Elysian Fields♦
Aug 28 '12 at 19:34
8
8
This makes sense for a programmer, but I strongly suspect HR writes that thinking "4 years is 4 years" thus 4 years of work = 4 years of school. You have to get past HR to "show your chops."
– Rarity
Aug 28 '12 at 20:20
This makes sense for a programmer, but I strongly suspect HR writes that thinking "4 years is 4 years" thus 4 years of work = 4 years of school. You have to get past HR to "show your chops."
– Rarity
Aug 28 '12 at 20:20
If only everyone hired this way. I'm with @Rarity.
– user8365
Aug 28 '12 at 20:26
If only everyone hired this way. I'm with @Rarity.
– user8365
Aug 28 '12 at 20:26
@Rarity - I can tell you that 4 years of actual work experience is worth more then a 4 year degree and this comming form somebody who actually has one. I have learned more in 2 years then my entire college sprint.
– Ramhound
Aug 29 '12 at 11:38
@Rarity - I can tell you that 4 years of actual work experience is worth more then a 4 year degree and this comming form somebody who actually has one. I have learned more in 2 years then my entire college sprint.
– Ramhound
Aug 29 '12 at 11:38
4
4
@Ramhound - I don't think Rarity contests that. The point being made is that HR don't usually think this way.
– Oded
Aug 29 '12 at 11:43
@Ramhound - I don't think Rarity contests that. The point being made is that HR don't usually think this way.
– Oded
Aug 29 '12 at 11:43
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
If they don't state the amount of experience, you should apply anyway. You've done an internship and have a full-time job as a programmer.
The low salary at this point in your career would be considered as a valid reason to leave that job.
Make sure you have strong recommendations from your internship. While you are looking at other jobs and hopefully landing interviews, keep track of the skills they want. You maybe able to do some new project at work where they can implemented.
I can't imagine a years worth of experience, wouldn't get you past the lack of degree for a junior position. There may be some companies that just prefer college graduates, so there's no getting around this bias in their mind.
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
If they don't state the amount of experience, you should apply anyway. You've done an internship and have a full-time job as a programmer.
The low salary at this point in your career would be considered as a valid reason to leave that job.
Make sure you have strong recommendations from your internship. While you are looking at other jobs and hopefully landing interviews, keep track of the skills they want. You maybe able to do some new project at work where they can implemented.
I can't imagine a years worth of experience, wouldn't get you past the lack of degree for a junior position. There may be some companies that just prefer college graduates, so there's no getting around this bias in their mind.
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
If they don't state the amount of experience, you should apply anyway. You've done an internship and have a full-time job as a programmer.
The low salary at this point in your career would be considered as a valid reason to leave that job.
Make sure you have strong recommendations from your internship. While you are looking at other jobs and hopefully landing interviews, keep track of the skills they want. You maybe able to do some new project at work where they can implemented.
I can't imagine a years worth of experience, wouldn't get you past the lack of degree for a junior position. There may be some companies that just prefer college graduates, so there's no getting around this bias in their mind.
If they don't state the amount of experience, you should apply anyway. You've done an internship and have a full-time job as a programmer.
The low salary at this point in your career would be considered as a valid reason to leave that job.
Make sure you have strong recommendations from your internship. While you are looking at other jobs and hopefully landing interviews, keep track of the skills they want. You maybe able to do some new project at work where they can implemented.
I can't imagine a years worth of experience, wouldn't get you past the lack of degree for a junior position. There may be some companies that just prefer college graduates, so there's no getting around this bias in their mind.
answered Aug 28 '12 at 19:32
user8365
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I usually see the line CS degree or equivalent. Or the line: "Bachelors degree plus 10 years experience, or masters with 5 years experience, or PHD +1 year experience."
When it is written this way it means that if there is an automated process to screen applicants or resumes the lack of degree will stop the resume from being moved forward. I have even seen a resume rejected because they wanted a BS, and the person had a BA.
The requirements "CS degree or equivalent" means that they will take a large assortment of technical degrees. They can even take a degree if is not technical but related to the subject matter. The less automated the screen the better the chances of them taking a degree in marketing.
In a few cases I have seen them write the line: "X years experience developing software, a Bachelors degree can substitute for A years, or an advanced degree can substitute for B years."
In this case they can be very flexible.
Remember that they might also trying to meet the requirements of a customer. If they are a government contractor, the customer frequently establishes for the contract the specific rate levels. If the applicant can't meet the requirements for the lowest rate category they can't be hired for the position. The category and rate level they fit into determines the maximum salary for that contracted position.
answered Aug 29 '12 at 10:14
mhoran_psprep
40.3k463144
So ignoring a ba would rule out the elite unis that dont give out BSC's
– Neuro
Aug 29 '12 at 10:27
@Neuro - What school doesn't offer a Bachlor degree?
– Ramhound
Aug 29 '12 at 11:39
@Ramhound Cambridge doesn't you get a BA in Engineering
– Neuro
Aug 29 '12 at 12:40
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I usually see the line CS degree or equivalent. Or the line: "Bachelors degree plus 10 years experience, or masters with 5 years experience, or PHD +1 year experience."
When it is written this way it means that if there is an automated process to screen applicants or resumes the lack of degree will stop the resume from being moved forward. I have even seen a resume rejected because they wanted a BS, and the person had a BA.
The requirements "CS degree or equivalent" means that they will take a large assortment of technical degrees. They can even take a degree if is not technical but related to the subject matter. The less automated the screen the better the chances of them taking a degree in marketing.
In a few cases I have seen them write the line: "X years experience developing software, a Bachelors degree can substitute for A years, or an advanced degree can substitute for B years."
In this case they can be very flexible.
Remember that they might also trying to meet the requirements of a customer. If they are a government contractor, the customer frequently establishes for the contract the specific rate levels. If the applicant can't meet the requirements for the lowest rate category they can't be hired for the position. The category and rate level they fit into determines the maximum salary for that contracted position.
answered Aug 29 '12 at 10:14
mhoran_psprep
40.3k463144
So ignoring a ba would rule out the elite unis that dont give out BSC's
– Neuro
Aug 29 '12 at 10:27
@Neuro - What school doesn't offer a Bachlor degree?
– Ramhound
Aug 29 '12 at 11:39
@Ramhound Cambridge doesn't you get a BA in Engineering
– Neuro
Aug 29 '12 at 12:40
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up vote
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I usually see the line CS degree or equivalent. Or the line: "Bachelors degree plus 10 years experience, or masters with 5 years experience, or PHD +1 year experience."
When it is written this way it means that if there is an automated process to screen applicants or resumes the lack of degree will stop the resume from being moved forward. I have even seen a resume rejected because they wanted a BS, and the person had a BA.
The requirements "CS degree or equivalent" means that they will take a large assortment of technical degrees. They can even take a degree if is not technical but related to the subject matter. The less automated the screen the better the chances of them taking a degree in marketing.
In a few cases I have seen them write the line: "X years experience developing software, a Bachelors degree can substitute for A years, or an advanced degree can substitute for B years."
In this case they can be very flexible.
Remember that they might also trying to meet the requirements of a customer. If they are a government contractor, the customer frequently establishes for the contract the specific rate levels. If the applicant can't meet the requirements for the lowest rate category they can't be hired for the position. The category and rate level they fit into determines the maximum salary for that contracted position.
answered Aug 29 '12 at 10:14
mhoran_psprep
40.3k463144
I usually see the line CS degree or equivalent. Or the line: "Bachelors degree plus 10 years experience, or masters with 5 years experience, or PHD +1 year experience."
When it is written this way it means that if there is an automated process to screen applicants or resumes the lack of degree will stop the resume from being moved forward. I have even seen a resume rejected because they wanted a BS, and the person had a BA.
The requirements "CS degree or equivalent" means that they will take a large assortment of technical degrees. They can even take a degree if is not technical but related to the subject matter. The less automated the screen the better the chances of them taking a degree in marketing.
In a few cases I have seen them write the line: "X years experience developing software, a Bachelors degree can substitute for A years, or an advanced degree can substitute for B years."
In this case they can be very flexible.
Remember that they might also trying to meet the requirements of a customer. If they are a government contractor, the customer frequently establishes for the contract the specific rate levels. If the applicant can't meet the requirements for the lowest rate category they can't be hired for the position. The category and rate level they fit into determines the maximum salary for that contracted position.
answered Aug 29 '12 at 10:14
mhoran_psprep
40.3k463144
answered Aug 29 '12 at 10:14
mhoran_psprep
40.3k463144
answered Aug 29 '12 at 10:14
mhoran_psprep
40.3k463144
answered Aug 29 '12 at 10:14
mhoran_psprep
40.3k463144
40.3k463144
So ignoring a ba would rule out the elite unis that dont give out BSC's
– Neuro
Aug 29 '12 at 10:27
@Neuro - What school doesn't offer a Bachlor degree?
– Ramhound
Aug 29 '12 at 11:39
@Ramhound Cambridge doesn't you get a BA in Engineering
– Neuro
Aug 29 '12 at 12:40
add a comment |Â
So ignoring a ba would rule out the elite unis that dont give out BSC's
– Neuro
Aug 29 '12 at 10:27
@Neuro - What school doesn't offer a Bachlor degree?
– Ramhound
Aug 29 '12 at 11:39
@Ramhound Cambridge doesn't you get a BA in Engineering
– Neuro
Aug 29 '12 at 12:40
So ignoring a ba would rule out the elite unis that dont give out BSC's
– Neuro
Aug 29 '12 at 10:27
So ignoring a ba would rule out the elite unis that dont give out BSC's
– Neuro
Aug 29 '12 at 10:27
@Neuro - What school doesn't offer a Bachlor degree?
– Ramhound
Aug 29 '12 at 11:39
@Neuro - What school doesn't offer a Bachlor degree?
– Ramhound
Aug 29 '12 at 11:39
@Ramhound Cambridge doesn't you get a BA in Engineering
– Neuro
Aug 29 '12 at 12:40
@Ramhound Cambridge doesn't you get a BA in Engineering
– Neuro
Aug 29 '12 at 12:40
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If the posting states "relevant work experience considered in lieu of a degree", apply for the job. Basically what they're asking for is proof you can do the job, and you can answer that two ways; by showing them you've been taught to do the job, or by showing them you've already done it. If you have a few years' experience at a job level roughly equivalent to what they're hiring for, you should be considered (perhaps even more so in this environment since without a degree you'll probably be asking for less). That gets you the interview, where you show them you can do the job.
answered Aug 28 '12 at 22:26
KeithS
2,085912
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up vote
1
down vote
If the posting states "relevant work experience considered in lieu of a degree", apply for the job. Basically what they're asking for is proof you can do the job, and you can answer that two ways; by showing them you've been taught to do the job, or by showing them you've already done it. If you have a few years' experience at a job level roughly equivalent to what they're hiring for, you should be considered (perhaps even more so in this environment since without a degree you'll probably be asking for less). That gets you the interview, where you show them you can do the job.
answered Aug 28 '12 at 22:26
KeithS
2,085912
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
If the posting states "relevant work experience considered in lieu of a degree", apply for the job. Basically what they're asking for is proof you can do the job, and you can answer that two ways; by showing them you've been taught to do the job, or by showing them you've already done it. If you have a few years' experience at a job level roughly equivalent to what they're hiring for, you should be considered (perhaps even more so in this environment since without a degree you'll probably be asking for less). That gets you the interview, where you show them you can do the job.
answered Aug 28 '12 at 22:26
KeithS
2,085912
If the posting states "relevant work experience considered in lieu of a degree", apply for the job. Basically what they're asking for is proof you can do the job, and you can answer that two ways; by showing them you've been taught to do the job, or by showing them you've already done it. If you have a few years' experience at a job level roughly equivalent to what they're hiring for, you should be considered (perhaps even more so in this environment since without a degree you'll probably be asking for less). That gets you the interview, where you show them you can do the job.
answered Aug 28 '12 at 22:26
KeithS
2,085912
answered Aug 28 '12 at 22:26
KeithS
2,085912
answered Aug 28 '12 at 22:26
KeithS
2,085912
answered Aug 28 '12 at 22:26
KeithS
2,085912
2,085912
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
Well, as I stated, I managed to get an internship, which has led to what I guess you might call a junior position. But I'm still being severely underpaid because they know I'll have trouble finding a job elsewhere with as little experience as I have. So what it boils down to is how long will I have to accept this kind of pay before I'll have a decent shot at a position elsewhere.
– Hunter Gathers
Aug 28 '12 at 19:26
@ramoneramone - I've been working for 14 years now and still make less than my degree-weilding peers. As for how much experience to let you move, it depends on your job market.
– Telastyn
Aug 28 '12 at 19:29
If you base it off of their applicable knowledge straight out of college... 30 days.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Aug 29 '12 at 12:47
I'd say at least 7 standard time units.
– JohnFx
Sep 1 '12 at 0:12
They want you to be able to work on your own.
– Thorbjørn Ravn Andersen
Dec 22 '15 at 6:52