>>I recommended to several department chairs that both schools of >>Engineering and Computer Science should require a one year internship >>prior to graduation. >Interesting. My own proposal is similar to this. My proposal is that >prospective software developers should get a REAL degree in Math, Science, >and/or Engineering (preferably all three), THEN do (at least) a one year >internship. I tend to think it would be better if it were 1 1/2 years or >longer. I don't see why Comput(er|ing) Science should not be considered as a REAL degree, as long as the course content is adequate. I'm not a CS graduate, I did Electronic Systems and Microcomputer Engineering. I have a problem however with the suggestion that Maths and Science degrees are more REAL as far as software development is concerned than Comput(er|ing) Science. I have met quite a few Maths and Science grads who have been developing software and in quite a lot of those cases the results have been appaling! Certainly an internship (whatever that is) sounds like it is probably a good idea, but why not just make sure the CS degree course provides a suitable background. Surely that would not be too difficult? The impression I get from comments I've heard on this list is that CS course organisers need to use hip and trendy languages and methodologies to attract students. As far as I can see, this should not necessarily prevent CS students being taught the fundamental principles of software engineering, but your comments seem to suggest otherwise (not in all cases of course). John ******************************************************************** This email and any attachments are confidential to the intended recipient and may also be privileged. If you are not the intended recipient please delete it from your system and notify the sender immediately by telephoning +44(1252) 373232. You should not copy it or use it for any purpose nor disclose or distribute its contents to any other person. ********************************************************************