Should i join the BCS?

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I have been thinking about joining, but wondered if it is worth it?

 

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I have thought the same thing after reading about it on here. Have seen some on here praise it and have seen others dismiss it. I had a very brief look at the BCS site and it appeared that i would have to pay to join or continue to pay for membership and the only "real" benefits i would get were to tell people i am a member or attend meetings with other members (not really my thing). I have heard it said that to be a member is to show others that you take your IT career seriously.

I don't really agree with that. I take my career seriously. I try to network where possible, improve my people skills and am currently trying to improve my technical skills and academic qualifications. I just don't see how it could actually do anything for me. Another logo on the CV?

As complained about on these forums, recruitment agencies would probably not know anything about it so it may not help with job applications if you go through an agency. Maybe someone who gets your CV would have heard of it and is a member... maybe.....

I am speaking from a certain level of ignorance as i am no expert on the BCS and invite anyone to give some real world reasons why i would want to join.

I don't mean to sound like i am knocking the BCS and hope members on here take no offense from my comments and perhaps enlighten those of us not in the know.

 

Short answer - No.

Long answer - If you're going to only get Associate (AMBCS), Student, Affiliate then no. Anything higher is good if it benefits (and complements) your current qualifications and level of experience.


Qs

 

QS

Why do you dismiss the more "junior" levels of membership?

 

I was looking at it, but I decided it was worth the money at this point in my career- especially after reading some recruitment consultants didn't even know what it was.
Perhaps when I get several years IT experience

 

Honestly? I think they're a waste of money.

I don't believe that employers currently value the lower levels of membership (hell, they don't widely recognize the higher ones!)

Obviously higher levels of membership are more worthwhile, especially when combined with industry certs such as MCSE/MCSA etc.


My two cents.

Qs

 

Thanks guys for you replies.

I think i will join, the main reasons are Networking and it can only help on a CV. I don't really have many friends working in the IT industry, so it is sometime hard to find out about opportunities in my area and to meet like minded people. Thats why i like this forum so much. I get to communicate with like minded people and i learn loads from it.

 

If you don't have many contacts then throw yourself in deep with your local BCS branch. Suggest topics for meetings if you don't like what's being put on.

I come from an age where you joined your professional body to show your professionalism and I still believe that. As to those who don't know about it (recruiters etc.) then TELL THEM - that's what I do and it all helps to raise the profile.

You may also want to join LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) if you haven't already. There's loads of us from Certforums on there and a big IT section.

Apart from that I endorse what Ken has said plus you can read some of my other posts on the BCS and my local branch in Dorset.

 

Good points Ken. I do believe that the IT industry needs some sort of official governing body to give it credibility to the non IT world. Perhaps the government should make it compulsory for all companies to sign up to a charter and adhere to a specific code of practice.

Without something forcing it to happen, i believe the process of real recognition will take a very long time. I suppose it is those with your own attitude that will speed up that process.

I still can't see that i will get any real benefit in the near future but i feel suitably educated now .

I will give it a miss for now and revisit it again when i have the certifications i require. I am feeling slightly addicted to badges and logos so you never know!

Thanks for the info.

 

a GOLD one for some of us Ken

 

You haven't have you ?! My cert is just in my folder with others so it's easy to bring out at interview (got caught out a few times with my Degree one being sealed in a frame). Figured I'd wait to get the plaque until I get a new job - then it can go in my office !