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Subject:Re: I need job search help From:Karen Kay <karenk -at- NETCOM -dot- COM> Date:Sun, 16 Jul 1995 13:05:13 -0700
James Mathewson said:
> I'm just completing a M.S. in STC and have begun the job search mode. I
> worked on a PhD for six years in philosophy only to settle for a M.A.
> when the job market in academia became impossible. The problem is, many
> potential employers are intimidated by all my education. They think they
> will not be able to manage me easily because of my credentials.
This has not been my experience at all. (I was a college professor for
8 years and have five college degrees, some from an Ivy League
school.) I can't say that finding work has been easy, but I don't
believe it has anything to do with interviewers being intimidated by
my education or thinking that I'd be difficult to manage. What they
have always said is that it's lack of experience specificially in the
computer industry.
As part of my interview spiel, I do try to disarm some ideas about
academics, though. I address those ideas directly. (Lack of
appreciation of deadlines is the big preconception that people have.)
I got some ideas about what points to address by talking to other
writers before my interviews.