British Computer Society - Benefits?

Discussion in 'Professional Associations' started by onoski, Jul 9, 2008.

  1. Mathematix

    Mathematix Megabyte Poster

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    For starters if they were to have special interest groups addressing developments in games development and associated gaming platforms, maybe something similar to what the US based IGDA do. :)
     
    Certifications: BSc(Hons) Comp Sci, BCS Award of Merit
    WIP: Not doing certs. Computer geek.
  2. onoski

    onoski Terabyte Poster

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    Pointed taken, but still think something is better than nothing as the BCS tries to incorporate everything IT without being streamlined to a niche aspect of IT.
     
    Certifications: MCSE: 2003, MCSA: 2003 Messaging, MCP, HNC BIT, ITIL Fdn V3, SDI Fdn, VCP 4 & VCP 5
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  3. Mathematix

    Mathematix Megabyte Poster

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    Agreed, but it does call itself the 'British Computer Society', so I would expect it to at least make a determined effort to address all industries where computing technology is used. It looks to me like they're not too keen on any aspect of the entertainment industry - and I don't just mean games, I also speak of animation and film.

    We will be taken seriously! :biggrin
     
    Certifications: BSc(Hons) Comp Sci, BCS Award of Merit
    WIP: Not doing certs. Computer geek.
  4. BrizoH

    BrizoH Byte Poster

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    Cool, if you don't mind I may PM you for some advice nearer the time? Despite working for a software company none of my colleagues is a member
     
    Certifications: CCNA, CCNA Security
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  5. GiddyG

    GiddyG Terabyte Poster Gold Member

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    Count me in...8)
     
  6. GiddyG

    GiddyG Terabyte Poster Gold Member

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    Maybe you could set up a Special Interest Group for Game Professionals? It's worth asking them if one doesn't exist already.
     
  7. GiddyG

    GiddyG Terabyte Poster Gold Member

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    I'm an MBCS, and I'm in a number of the Special Interest Groups, including Service Management, and Training. They send out regular invites to meetings.

    There was a meeting in London this week about Virtualisation. I actually wanted to go, but I had to be in Telford for a meeting first thing the day after... had to miss it as a consequence. :(

    I've never been to any other meetings... never sure if you have to wear dinner jacket, or if you can go in sports jacket and slacks (showing my age... :rolleyes: ).
     
  8. Mathematix

    Mathematix Megabyte Poster

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    You know what, GiddyG? That might not be a bad idea. I'll run it by some of my piers to see what they think. :)
     
    Certifications: BSc(Hons) Comp Sci, BCS Award of Merit
    WIP: Not doing certs. Computer geek.
  9. Mr-Blue-Sky

    Mr-Blue-Sky Bit Poster

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    I've been a MBCS for 2 years; This year even got a nice plastic card to boot! I recommend them.
     
    Certifications: BSc Distributed Information Systems
    WIP: MCDST
  10. GiddyG

    GiddyG Terabyte Poster Gold Member

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    Let us know if you get something started. Who knows? You may even get ISEB-type quals for games designers and programmers. 8)
     
  11. Kitkatninja
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Kitkatninja aka me, myself & I Moderator

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    Sure :)

    That would be good, while I'm not a games developer, I have beta tested some games when they are released for open/closed beta testing. I'd be interested in joining that SIG :)

    -ken
     
    Certifications: MSc, PGDip, PGCert, BSc, HNC, LCGI, MBCS CITP, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCE, A+, N+, S+, Server+
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  12. michael78

    michael78 Terabyte Poster

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    Just to revive this thread I'm toying with joining the BCS but am struggling to see the benefits of it. What is the online library like and what is the networking with other pro's like is there a lot of benefits and doors opened through it? Lastly what is the online job searching facility like? Are most the jobs posted in London etc and for high level jobs like in Computing magazine.
     
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  13. onoski

    onoski Terabyte Poster

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    A few post above reckons it's worth the hassle if you go through you'd find out. Cheerio as I still think I might be joining very soon:)
     
    Certifications: MCSE: 2003, MCSA: 2003 Messaging, MCP, HNC BIT, ITIL Fdn V3, SDI Fdn, VCP 4 & VCP 5
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  14. UKDarkstar
    Honorary Member

    UKDarkstar Terabyte Poster

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    I contacted the guy running my local area and he said the meetings were very good for networking with other local IT people tho' it may well depend on what the local group does in your area.

    It's a professional Institute and is gaining more recognition (I've spoken to some agencies and HR staff) so there is a plus there.

    For me, I think it's worth it and my application is "in".

    Hope that helps you decide.
     
    Certifications: BA (Hons), MBCS, CITP, MInstLM, ITIL v3 Fdn, PTLLS, CELTA
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  15. Dunny

    Dunny New Member

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    Hi Ya!

    When I went for Charted status last year, I had to get two people who knew what I had done over the past 5 years in IT, they had to fill a form out, I had to fill a form to say what I had did and then I had a interview at Swindon to say what I had achieved and done in my time in IT, lasted about 1.5 hours.
     
    Certifications: MCSA Messaging
    WIP: MCSE Messaging
  16. Kitkatninja
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Kitkatninja aka me, myself & I Moderator

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    The online job search is ok, but like all job searches it does depend on what you're looking for and where you are.

    The online library is not as up to date as I would like on certain subjects, they update their library every 6 months to 1 year, this month is the month that the online library is being updated so if current members want to see more books on xyz, all they have to do is to put in a request.

    As for networking, I get no end of e-mails inviting me to breakfasts, lunches, brunches, evening do's (on special occasions), etc. The more specialist groups you join the more networking opportunities you get.

    It also has to do if you support what the BCS (or any professional association) does, for me it is the professionalism of the IT industry.

    -Ken
     
    Certifications: MSc, PGDip, PGCert, BSc, HNC, LCGI, MBCS CITP, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCE, A+, N+, S+, Server+
    WIP: MSc Cyber Security
  17. michael78

    michael78 Terabyte Poster

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    Cheers guys for the replies. I think I'm going to give it ago and see what it's like for a year.
     
    Certifications: A+ | Network+ | Security+ | MCP | MCDST | MCTS: Hyper-V | MCTS: AD | MCTS: Exchange 2007 | MCTS: Windows 7 | MCSA: 2003 | ITIL Foundation v3 | CCA: Xenapp 5.0 | MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7 | MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician on Windows 7
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  18. mickaveli2001

    mickaveli2001 Byte Poster

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    Maybe there should be a sticky about membership details, pro's and con's??

    Would save Ken a lot of PM work lol
     
    Certifications: NC Communication/Computing
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  19. michael78

    michael78 Terabyte Poster

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    Gets my vote as it would probably help people like me pondering whether to join or not.
     
    Certifications: A+ | Network+ | Security+ | MCP | MCDST | MCTS: Hyper-V | MCTS: AD | MCTS: Exchange 2007 | MCTS: Windows 7 | MCSA: 2003 | ITIL Foundation v3 | CCA: Xenapp 5.0 | MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7 | MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician on Windows 7
    WIP: Online SAN Overview, VCP in December 2011

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