Jerry Stuckle wrote:
> Sanders Kaufman wrote:

>> But you're probably right. I have noticed that experience and
>> competence aren't the highest priorities for large corporations.
>> Towing the corporate line can cover a LOT of shortcomings.
>
> I didn't say the company would hire programmers who don't know how to
> program!
>
> But many companies hire people with limited programming experience for
> entry level jobs. The employees don't have as many bad habits to unlearn.

Big corporations.
Blecch.


> I've been on some projects with "experienced programmers". They're fast
> and good, but some of them have been a real PITA with their
> "know-it-all" attitude.
>
> OTOH, I've had some relatively new programmers on projects. Sure, these
> guys are slower and need more . And they can't be expected to do
> more of the advanced work experienced programmers do. But they make up
> for it in their dedication. Experience is NOT everything.
>
> As for competence - I don't know any company who will put up with a
> person who's unable to do a job and not willing to learn to do it
> (unless there is a union involved). In most companies it has nothing to
> do with "toeing the corporate line" - rather a willingness and ability
> to improve. Not doing the job and not improving and you're gone.

That's not my experience with big corporations, but in my defense - my
experience with those kinds of folks is with telecom and marketing
companies which have, thank God, mostly been wiped from the face of the
Earth.

So when someone asks about good career paths - they're not tops on my
list of recommendations.