Advantages of Joining the British Computer Society

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What are the Advantages of Joining the British Computer Society?
Will it be useful for finding a job?
(I can only join as an Affiliate)

 

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By companies in the know it's a good thing to have on your CV, alot of companies (and recruiters/recruitment agencies, sadly) don't know what it entails.

 

I assume you mean an Associate as there is no "affiliate" grade of membership ?

Member benefits and services are listed here

As to what you get out of it, it's like any professional body and can depend to a certain extent what you put in to it.

At your level, probably :

1) shows you take your career seriously by joining the associated professional body

2) gives access to structured CPD (continuing professional development) logging

3) access to information, BCS Recruit jobsite

4) ISEB exams

5) networking contacts via your local branch

Search the forums and you'll find many other BCS threads; alos worth checking your local BCS branch out - most offer non-members the chance to attend meetings.

HTH

 

In terms of employment through the current array of poorly educated recruitment consultants at Reed and other large named recruitment consultants (Hays too), do you honestly think it holds as much weight as some other certifications/affiliations?

I have to say, having seen how they search CV databases (eg, they type MCSA Windsor) - I don't honestly think it'll help unless you're in a position where you've got alot of experience or applying directly to a good computing company. This is only my opinion, my degree has been undervalued to an MCSA/E several times because they can't quantify my knowledge in the darn areas of computing they need, I don't think in terms of job searching through mainstream sites this is going to be a clincher, although you have said they have their own job board which may be a boost.

 

No it won't be a clincher but it helps to portray a picture of a rounded IT professional.

I would point it out in a covering email/letter by saying something along the lines of "I value my career as an IT professional and am an Associate Member of the British Computer Society".

It's a bit different at CITP level as this is an assessed process as opposed to a cert/qualification gained by just payment of a fee.

If more people made more of their BCS membership (at whatever grade) and the BCS marketed more to companies(employers) and recruiters then it will start to mean more. There is a lot going on to that end and, as I highlighted, being a member and going to branch meetings can help as per this. Obviously there's a whole other debate in that

 

I did wonder about this myself. I've seen a couple of people who are BCS professionals, but had no idea what it meant.
Is it something worth doing when you are just starting your career?

 

I've only recently joined the BCS but have 10 years in IT running my own support business before it failed unfortunately at the end of 2007. Attempted a restart but not viable so for last 6/7 months have been unemployed and going back to get certs or anything that can help me get a job as an IT manager. The CITP (Chartered IT Professional) status has prompted more enquiries from recruiters when viewed along with my experience but the BCS is about people of all levels/grades in the profession.

Branches usually have a "young professional" on their committees to put the views of those that are new to IT or just starting on certs etc.

Being in Weymouth you would come under my branch in Dorset. There's a meeting on Tuesday night at Bournemouth Uni if you wnat to come along (or anyone else for that matter). I've attached details.

View attachment 20Jan.pdf

 

Ooops ! missed that when I looked !

 

So in general it is probably a good idea to join even at this low level?
The conferences might be interesting, are they free once you are a member?
How do you join? How do you join a branch?

 

Conferences may depend on what/where etc.

When you join you will be asked to pick what email info you want sending through from branches (max 3).

You can join online here

 

I was a student member the last year. TBH the publication IMO is small and utter bllx - unless ur some big wig CIO. Also anything in it u cud get of the web. The general position of people I have worked with in I.T. is that the BCS membership is rubbish + same with Uni people.

Thing is to go to the meetings you dont really need to be a member either. Personally tho at end of the day I think every lil thing you have on ur cv the better (+ shows potential employers your commitment to I,T,), tho honestly the BCS membership doesn't mean alot IMO unless your one of the chartered folks. I will probably rejoining at the end of the year. Besides they keep sending me stuff anyway.

 

That is actually down to the local branch to decide and they probably wouldn't be too happy if you went to most meetings but never joined.

As to what people think of the BCS, it's what you make of it. It's your professional body and you have input to make it change. Generally tho', people can't be bothered and so just whinge about it

Hope you're coming to the March meeting ?!