Geek Chic, two words that I never thought would go together but it seems as STEM becomes fashionable everyone wants a piece. The term 'technologist' is another term that makes it's rounds, oftentimes self-proclaimed by those who lack a technical degree but want to be identified in the same group.
Most often, someone touting the title 'technologist' that lack technical chops are simply tolerated in the same manner as a toddler pretending to be Superman, it's cute and can be flattering. Those that once scoffed at math and science now see opportunity in the fashionable field of STEM and want to be part of it. Mostly, this of little consequence, but sometimes it's hurtful to the progression of tech and a slap in the face to those who have dedicated their lives to the profession.
Let's focus on one example, namely Google I/O. Entry into such a technical conference where the latest tech and products are showcased were originally intended for true tech-heads. The possibility of meeting top-tier engineers from across the world has the potential of supercharging technical pursuits. Sadly, when non-technical folks take the floor and leave deserving techies riding the bench, the game suffers. Fortune 500 companies get exclusive invites to participate and unfortunately oftentimes these seats are snagged by wanna-be's. In two words, that sucks.
The same result can take place at a larger scale. Technology should prevail under the 'best tech wins' criteria, and when the audience is purely engineering and scientists if often does. As marketing and popularity contests begin muddying the waters the discipline loses.
Let's look at one more example, perhaps the most important one to our future. STEM *needs* people and I'm always encouraged to see those interested in its pursuit. I am however *concerned* when they are misled or sold a false bill-of-sale. 'Influencers' are a-many, typically attractive young dynamic folks that spew 'self-taught coder' and 'learn to code' curriculum for a low, low price. Engineering is hard; period.....full-stop. Picking up a 'Java for Dummies' book and creating a simple app is only a small step in the process. I've changed hundreds of spark-plugs in my time, yet I don't call myself a mechanic. I've read Harry Potter, that doesn't make me a wizard. I've written dozens or hundreds of papers and that still doesn't make me a professional writer. Yet, somehow there has evolved this industry or accepted standard for the sale of 'silicon snakeoil', and unfortunately the audience is ill-prepared to identify it as such.
I'd invite you to go on to YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and search for such personalities. Go ahead....I'll wait. Now, if they are transparent about the topic, look for their qualifications. You'll likely not find veterans of software development, and are far more likely to find a career in marketing, sales or such followed by a short path to learning to code, followed by a strong focus of becoming an 'influencer' or the founder of yet another 'code camp'.
I'll avoid calling out specific names, but here is what i did. Since YouTube is rich with 'learn to code prophets' i did a quick search specifically for 'learn to code' and got just shy of a bazillion hits. Then, identify each person and look for them on LinkedIn. Most of the folks have 1-3 years worth of experience in software development, yet somehow feel qualified in telling the world how to be 'like them'. If your goal is to begin a career in X, you probably shouldn't be taking advise from a 1-3 year drop-out of X; a bit harsh, but 100% truth. Young engineers have an important part to share about the the journey, namely many challenges and feelings the long-in-the-tooth colleagues have long forgotten. Long in the tooth engineers have forgotten much of this, fresh faces can contribute on such important matters. But, young engineers don't yet have the long-term perspective of a long-term engagement in the field. People are signing up for long-term career paths along with a financial budget that of an exotic car (or house) with a fraction of information and it makes me sad.
I love this career, always have, always will, and I'm encouraged to see people expressing interest in the career but genuinely terrified that people are handing over money (unnecessarily) to folks that are not qualified nor honest in their intentions. Worse than the financial loss, people are dedicating a significant amount of time and emotional energy with the strong probability that they may fail after being convinced by ill-experienced 'professionals' how easy it is. Even worse, dedicating your time and energy only to find that the career is nothing they thought it was.
/shrug
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