From:	Todd Montgomery <tmont@****.WVU.EDU>
Subject:	Re: Levels of Expertise
Date:	Tue, 24 Aug 1993 13:56:29 -0400

Here is a point I don't remember seeing, but I could be wrong.

A degree in something implies more theory than actual practice. Now
before I get thwapped, let me explain why. People generally a taught
the theory behind things in college, etc. The actually experience
part comes about in labs, work, etc. Nothing, and I mean nothing,
can prepare a programmer to work on a large MIL stnd. project. You
have to do it! You can be taught all year about standards, practices,
and theories, but it is the real application in a REAL environment that
really sinks it home in the ol' noggin.

What does this have to do with skills in SR?

Well someone with a degree in a field would have to ultimately have much
more theoretical background than the person who just found out by trial and
error. But conversely, the person with a degree may not have the practical
knowledge. I found this to be the general case with some professors
who have never been in industry. But that is off the mark.

The point is that I think most persons with a degree would have high
theoretical skills (Computer Theory, Magical Theory, Physical sciences, etc.)
but little in the way of practical knowledge (Computer, Sorcery) unless
they really appplied themselves to learning that knowledge (Co-Op,
Industrial Sabaticals, etc.) Then they may have high skills in both
areas.

-- Quiktek
-- Todd Montgomery
tmont@****.wvu.edu
tmont@***.wvu.edu
un032507@*******.wvnet.edu