UNISA qualifications -good or not?

[Cokefest]

Nice smooth criminal,never thought about it in that way but people who do go to normal varsities are arrogant, when I say UNISA they do show that they look down at you. Screw them (not all are arrogant-but definatley the ones I met)

[DarkDenim]

I've registered for a Bsc Computer Science degree at UNISA as it's not offered part-time at Wits/UJ. I currently have no degree but earn way more than most degreed individuals in my field

[Sackboy]

We had two Wits Electrical Engineering graduates start with us. Five months later and they still need to be babysit. Sorry but actual, proven experience counts far more for me. Some people are academically inclined, but are absolutely useless when it comes to the working world.

Also one thing that irks me is that most (full time) university graduates seem to carry an air of arrogance around with them, almost as if people owe them something. This is especially true for engineering graduates. Yet when they get crapped on for not being able to cope in their jobs, they don't seem to have it in themselves to admit that they screwed up and they're not as smart as they thought they were.

Don't get me wrong, this doesn't apply to everyone, but certainly the majority. I myself did engineering at Wits and I too started off with a big head. But the working world quickly brings you back down to earth. For that reason, my preference when hiring would have to go to someone with proper experience, regardless of where they obtained their degree. Unisa degrees have a distinct advantage in that it shows the ability to commit and work under pressure. I'm not sure how many Tuks/Wits/UCT graduates would have been able to complete their studies while holding down a full time job.

I think you need to distinguish between academic qualifications and usable skills. Of course a fresh grad is not going to be able to just get the work done. Is that what you were expecting? What role exactly were they expected to do? Perhaps the company should have done their homework and looked through the course prospectus and seen what was actually taught instead of making assumptions.

Nice smooth criminal,never thought about it in that way but people who do go to normal varsities are arrogant, when I say UNISA they do show that they look down at you. Screw them (not all are arrogant-but definatley the ones I met)

What you're seeing is the result of years of study. They've done years of hard graft, so some 'arrogance' is expected from an elite bunch.

As long as UNISA is open to all, it will always be seen in a different llight. It was meant to be a distance learning institution and the notes allow for that. It is now being used as a convenience for colleges that are too small to issue degrees of their own - or perhaps too commercialized. This method would definitely reduce their overheads. I wonder how the qualifications of those ever-so-friendly lecturers at VC compare with a typical UCT one.

[Smooth Criminal]

I think you need to distinguish between academic qualifications and usable skills. Of course a fresh grad is not going to be able to just get the work done. Is that what you were expecting? What role exactly were they expected to do? Perhaps the company should have done their homework and looked through the course prospectus and seen what was actually taught instead of making assumptions.

They've done years of hard graft, so some 'arrogance' is expected from an elite bunch.

It entails some very basic development work, it really is not difficult. It is much easier than the software development courses that they have done in undergrad (I would know, I've been through the same program at the same institution).

The company did request that they bring through their course outlines for the software-related courses they have done and deemed them to be at an acceptable level for the type of development we had in mind for them. It seems as though you're the one making assumptions.

That aside, you cannot tell me that after five months that it is normal that they have shown absolutely no improvement at all. In fact the one guy has even taken a step backwards because of his inability to remain calm and to assess the situation before actually pounding on buttons.

And I am sorry to burst your bubble but arrogance is not warranted, unless you have 100% confidence that you can do whatever is thrown at you. Yes they worked hard to get their degree, but so has everyone before them. Take a year off after your studies and go act as arrogant as you want, but do not bring it to the workplace. Your attitude on this highlights my point that full time students think of themselves as elitist. Yes I used to be the same, but at least I realised the err of my ways.

As far as Unisa being open to all and sundry, I am not sure about that so I can't comment on it. But as far as I know, their mathematical degrees still require a C at matric HG level. I know this because I chose to register part-time in order to supplement my mathematical knowledge gained through engineering. Can't speak for the other departments, but I'm sure that if people are referring to BA degrees, then anybody can get into those even at full time institutions.

[Cokefest]

they are first year student so no years of study and most lecturers are people who have retired from their professions (or just prefer to lecture).

Yes UNISA does let a lot of people in but so do other institutions- (on colour)

2 of my friends applied for medicine -one who got 5 distinctions(Chinese guy) and my black friend who got around 60s-guess who they accepted

Even though UNISA lets you in,you have to pass.

[Peder]

I think you need to distinguish between academic qualifications and usable skills. Of course a fresh grad is not going to be able to just get the work done. Is that what you were expecting? What role exactly were they expected to do? Perhaps the company should have done their homework and looked through the course prospectus and seen what was actually taught instead of making assumptions.


What you're seeing is the result of years of study. They've done years of hard graft, so some 'arrogance' is expected from an elite bunch.

As long as UNISA is open to all, it will always be seen in a different llight. It was meant to be a distance learning institution and the notes allow for that. It is now being used as a convenience for colleges that are too small to issue degrees of their own - or perhaps too commercialized. This method would definitely reduce their overheads. I wonder how the qualifications of those ever-so-friendly lecturers at VC compare with a typical UCT one.

So what you are saying then is that all students that get accepted in UNISA get a degree through unisa? (because thats what you are implying)

If you read the beginning of the thread there were stats given as to how many people fail at UNISA compared to another UNI... (sorry for the sarcasm, but i wonder why?)

So i think you are biased.

[Cokefest]

[Sackboy]

they are first year student so no years of study and most lecturers are people who have retired from their professions (or just prefer to lecture).

Yes UNISA does let a lot of people in but so do other institutions- (on colour)

2 of my friends applied for medicine -one who got 5 distinctions(Chinese guy) and my black friend who got around 60s-guess who they accepted

Even though UNISA lets you in,you have to pass.

Oh, the colour thing again. There's not a lot we can do about that. It's unfair, but those that get accepted by colour will eventually suffer for it.

So would you say the staff are from business or academic life?

It entails some very basic development work, it really is not difficult. It is much easier than the software development courses that they have done in undergrad (I would know, I've been through the same program at the same institution).

The company did request that they bring through their course outlines for the software-related courses they have done and deemed them to be at an acceptable level for the type of development we had in mind for them. It seems as though you're the one making assumptions.

That aside, you cannot tell me that after five months that it is normal that they have shown absolutely no improvement at all. In fact the one guy has even taken a step backwards because of his inability to remain calm and to assess the situation before actually pounding on buttons.

And I am sorry to burst your bubble but arrogance is not warranted, unless you have 100% confidence that you can do whatever is thrown at you. Yes they worked hard to get their degree, but so has everyone before them. Take a year off after your studies and go act as arrogant as you want, but do not bring it to the workplace. Your attitude on this highlights my point that full time students think of themselves as elitist. Yes I used to be the same, but at least I realised the err of my ways.

As far as Unisa being open to all and sundry, I am not sure about that so I can't comment on it. But as far as I know, their mathematical degrees still require a C at matric HG level. I know this because I chose to register part-time in order to supplement my mathematical knowledge gained through engineering. Can't speak for the other departments, but I'm sure that if people are referring to BA degrees, then anybody can get into those even at full time institutions.

You're forgetting that most commercial programming tasks differ in many ways from academic exercises.
They usually involve modifying existing code, which is tricky.
They usually involve working to very short deadlines.
You can't always ask for help.
The code is never fully understood, with proprietry API's etc..

You can't compare directly the circumstances. OK, nowadays you will find some students copied work at Uni or did a certain amount of bluffing (!). Not so much in my day, but there is no excuse for sloppy preparation before hitting the buttons.

I think you're envious of their qualifications and are maybe setting them up to fail so you can make a point.

So what you are saying then is that all students that get accepted in UNISA get a degree through unisa? (because thats what you are implying)

If you read the beginning of the thread there were stats given as to how many people fail at UNISA compared to another UNI... (sorry for the sarcasm, but i wonder why?)

So i think you are biased.

I didn't say anything of the sort. I'm pointing out a heirarchy of academia. This is how the system works. You either accept that it exists or you don't. Is Harvard better than Kwazulu Natal? If you agree, then there isn't really room for further argument.

UNISA has it's place in the scheme of things, but you have to accept that it will never be regarded in the same way as UCT.

[Maelly]

I think UNISA is still up the with the best varsities, especially if u only do a PG degree.

[Peder]

Oh, the colour thing again. There's not a lot we can do about that. It's unfair, but those that get accepted by colour will eventually suffer for it.

So would you say the staff are from business or academic life?


You're forgetting that most commercial programming tasks differ in many ways from academic exercises.
They usually involve modifying existing code, which is tricky.
They usually involve working to very short deadlines.
You can't always ask for help.
The code is never fully understood, with proprietry API's etc..

You can't compare directly the circumstances. OK, nowadays you will find some students copied work at Uni or did a certain amount of bluffing (!). Not so much in my day, but there is no excuse for sloppy preparation before hitting the buttons.

I think you're envious of their qualifications and are maybe setting them up to fail so you can make a point.

I didn't say anything of the sort. I'm pointing out a heirarchy of academia. This is how the system works. You either accept that it exists or you don't. Is Harvard better than Kwazulu Natal? If you agree, then there isn't really room for further argument.

UNISA has it's place in the scheme of things, but you have to accept that it will never be regarded in the same way as UCT.

You know what? You can't compare the university of Kwazulu natal to Harvard because they are TOTALLY different and don't run in the same league, whereas kwazulu natal and Unisa do... (IMHO)

What pisses me off though is that some people think they are more important than others because they went to a "supposedly" "glamorous" university...

[Smooth Criminal]

You're forgetting that most commercial programming tasks differ in many ways from academic exercises.
They usually involve modifying existing code, which is tricky.
They usually involve working to very short deadlines.
You can't always ask for help.
The code is never fully understood, with proprietry API's etc..

I've already discussed the level of skill required by them, you clearly don't read. Perhaps we should start making posts examinable to force you to.

I think you're envious of their qualifications and are maybe setting them up to fail so you can make a point.

Please explain how I'm "setting them up" to fail? How does their lack of delivery equate to me setting them up? And for the last time, I have the same qualification from the same university as they do, I am already their senior, what reason do I have to be envious?

Anyway I'm tired of repeating myself. I don't know why you blindly defend people you don't know and I don't care. I've contributed my opinion to the thread, it doesn't matter which university you went to because it counts for nothing when you're working. That is all.

[Sackboy]

I've already discussed the level of skill required by them, you clearly don't read. Perhaps we should start making posts examinable to force you to.


Please explain how I'm "setting them up" to fail? How does their lack of delivery equate to me setting them up? And for the last time, I have the same qualification from the same university as they do, I am already their senior, what reason do I have to be envious?

Anyway I'm tired of repeating myself. I don't know why you blindly defend people you don't know and I don't care. I've contributed my opinion to the thread, it doesn't matter which university you went to because it counts for nothing when you're working. That is all.

So why didn't you just employ some UNISA graduates then???

[Sackboy]

You know what? You can't compare the university of Kwazulu natal to Harvard because they are TOTALLY different and don't run in the same league, whereas kwazulu natal and Unisa do... (IMHO)

What pisses me off though is that some people think they are more important than others because they went to a "supposedly" "glamorous" university...

I don't see why you shouldn't compare KZN to Harvard. They 'compete' globally for research contracts, they produce doctors, present papers, attend conferences as peers, so why not? If you attended a university in the top 50 league you would know what I'm talking about.

[Smooth Criminal]

So why didn't you just employ some UNISA graduates then???

If they applied then we'd have to look at their skill set and assess their ability to do a job, same as any other applicant. We do have graduates from full time institutions who do a perfectly good job, and one person with no degree at all who is one of our better developers. If you could deflate your ego for a bit you would see my point instead of having to make me repeat myself.

I don't see why you shouldn't compare KZN to Harvard. They 'compete' globally for research contracts, they produce doctors, present papers, attend conferences as peers, so why not? If you attended a university in the top 50 league you would know what I'm talking about.

http://www.topuniversities.com/unive..._universities/

Don't see any SA university in the top 100, let alone KZN in the top 50.

[Sackboy]

If they applied then we'd have to look at their skill set and assess their ability to do a job, same as any other applicant. We do have graduates from full time institutions who do a perfectly good job, and one person with no degree at all who is one of our better developers. If you could deflate your ego for a bit you would see my point instead of having to make me repeat myself.
.

The truth is that you employed your candidates because you assumed they would be clones of you. You didn't take account of declining standards in the system and you employed engineers to do programming tasks.

You also didn't shortlist UNISA grads because they most likely wouldn't have been the best of the bunch. An employer always strives to get the best candidate.

http://www.topuniversities.com/unive..._universities/

Don't see any SA university in the top 100, let alone KZN in the top 50.

Did you expect to?
So again, would you shortlist someone from Manchester Uni or someone from KZN?