BCS Is it worth it ?

[PM-Junkie]

Sorry I do not mean to demean the BCS, all I am giving is a perception that some people have. For positions of management and business analysis, or any other business focussed roles then BCS membership is a no no. I am afraid that there is a stereotypical image that exists of BCS members having beards, jackets with elbow patches and being old.
It is not like having an MBA, or other "useful tools" accreditation. It simply says "I am interested in computers"

BCS and freemasonary are not for CVs

Not sure I agree with that. I am a fairly active member of the BCS mainly because I see it as a potential vehicle for getting IT as a profession more in tune with business rather than itself. Having said that, trying to get some of them to agree that the chartered designation should be used to indicate someone is well rounded in IT AND business is somewhat akin to banging one's head against a brick wall....but if the BCS can get it right it could be a useful organisation and the CITP could be a useful designation.

I never was one for sniping on the outside...rather get in there, roll my sleaves up and try to get something done. I guess I'm just weird like that.

I've happily discussed at interview many times (usually under the "what do you do in your spare time" bit), and I haven't had a problem yet. Most people are genuinely interested.

Then again, you many be right

[DodgyAgent]

Not sure I agree with that. I am a fairly active member of the BCS mainly because I see it as a potential vehicle for getting IT as a profession more in tune with business rather than itself. Having said that, trying to get some of them to agree that the chartered designation should be used to indicate someone is well rounded in IT AND business is somewhat akin to banging one's head against a brick wall....but if the BCS can get it right it could be a useful organisation and the CITP could be a useful designation.

I never was one for sniping on the outside...rather get in there, roll my sleaves up and try to get something done. I guess I'm just weird like that.

I've happily discussed at interview many times (usually under the "what do you do in your spare time" bit), and I haven't had a problem yet. Most people are genuinely interested.


Then again, you many be right

I have met a few contractors who are members of the BCS and spoken to a few on the telephone. Very pleasant people who have great enthusiasm, though possibly not hard edge business focussed individuals. My comments are based on my perception and that of a few clients that have voiced an opinion. I am not at all making a damning criticism, I am just suggesting that it is probably best to leave it off the CV.

[pmeswani]

Sorry I do not mean to demean the BCS, all I am giving is a perception that some people have. For positions of management and business analysis, or any other business focussed roles then BCS membership is a no no. I am afraid that there is a stereotypical image that exists of BCS members having beards, jackets with elbow patches and being old.
It is not like having an MBA, or other "useful tools" accreditation. It simply says "I am interested in computers"

BCS and freemasonary are not for CVs

Your perception is somewhat out of date. A lot of the members I have come across are a lot younger than you may think.

[the_duderama]

What about the IEEE? Don't know if it applies to Analyst/Development work, but it does to Networking and possibly PM.

Also, since the BCS positions itself as the proffesional body for ICT i would have thought that clients would look on membership as a positive thing, or do they just see us geeks to be exploited becuase they think we have no business acumen?

[kanulondon]

Your perception is somewhat out of date. A lot of the members I have come across are a lot younger than you may think.

WHS

I am a professional member (MBCS) and although I don't fully agree with the eligibility criteria (basically send them £70 and say you've worked in IT for 5 years) I think if they sort out some of the criteria you have a good organisations that's trying to make IT more professional.

Perhaps if they try and get to same model as ICE, where by you come in for assessment after showing your work and then your become a 'chartered professional' that would promote the organisation even more. I believe the top level new ITIL qualification will follow a similar path.

So in general I believe the MBCS is a good thing to mention, I have put it on my CV to show along with ITIL, Prince, etc

and I am a young un (wasn't born in 70's)who doesn't wear specks on dodgy jackets


KL

[DodgyAgent]

Your perception is somewhat out of date. A lot of the members I have come across are a lot younger than you may think.

OK, I will see what others think thesedays.

[Bob Dalek]

Sorry I do not mean to demean the BCS, all I am giving is a perception that some people have. For positions of management and business analysis, or any other business focussed roles then BCS membership is a no no. I am afraid that there is a stereotypical image that exists of BCS members having beards, jackets with elbow patches and being old.
It is not like having an MBA, or other "useful tools" accreditation. It simply says "I am interested in computers"

BCS and freemasonary are not for CVs

Nor "I have always liked Gary Glitter, and have all of his records." in the Interests section of one's CV - got burned with that one... don't make the same mistake.

[Scotchpie]

If it's more of a business angle you are after how about the IIBA (International Institute for business Analysis).

They produce the BABOK (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge) which anyone can freely download and have a UK chapter.

[kanulondon]

For more background to this thread, have a read of this link

http://www.bcs.org/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.20360

[kanulondon]

straight from a job spec i got this morning

Desirable:
• Member of a recognised professional Body E.g., BCS



DA - Still think it means you love computers??

The role was for a senior analyst / manager

KL