The British Computer Society is the accepted professional body for the IT industry but why should IT professionals join? Here's my personal reasoning (You can find more and maybe better reasons at bcs.org.uk) -
- The BCS bats for the profession - look at the new President's tough stance on the skills crisis - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology
- The BCS has a long established track record - its been doing its job since Turing was a lad!
http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles - Almost all IT professionals are eligible to join - grades of membership include Affiliates, Students, Associate Members and Companions. The top professional grades include Member (MBCS) and Fellow (FBCS).
Many of the leading lights in UK IT have been active in the BCS - past presidents include Maurice Wilkes (microprogramming), Basil de Ferranti (early computer company founder), Frank Sumner (my old prof and a pioneer back in the "Elder Days") and distinguished fellows include Gene Amdahl (mainframes), Edsger Dijkstra (structured programming), Tony Hoare (records and a few other things), Donald Knuth (where do I start?), Tim Berners-Lee, old uncle Bill Gates and all.
You will be in good company, as you see. Find out about joining at www.bcs.org
John Davies
iT4C Programme Director
