Re: SAGE, certification, and you

[Corey Herbel <cherbel@cgi.com>]

*** NOTE: I am a new member of SAGE and haven't dwelled in any way on certification. ***
  
  I think we as sysadmins should strive for a formal education curriculum.  Typically certification programs only mean
something to HR, and our mother.  In the past, practical experience has always been the best for developing a good
sysadmin, but it took time to groom a new sysadmin.  Today the need for qualified sysadmins is very high with a very
small selection pool and a long learning curve in some cases or topics.
  Our objectives should be to go to our alma mater or our local colleges and demand they provide formal sysadmin
courses.  This will require little financial resources of SAGE, and give credibility to our profession.  Lets face it,
colleges can't get their eyes focused off the dollar.  Getting them to develop a curriculum with SAGE as an advisory
community, would be very cost effective.  Lending our name and knowledge base would benefit us, our companies, and give
new sysadmins a fighting chance. 
  I know, everyone is going to scream about the cost of college.  My reply is simple, have you seen the cost to go to
LISA or even a SUN sysadmin 1 week course?  Each of these week long learning opportunities could pay for a semester of
classes at a public college.
  
-- 
Corey D. Herbel

              If at first you don't succeed,
              then skydiving is not for you.