Who says that geeks have no social skills at all? Well, if we were to ask the employers of the graduates of Neumont University, they would probably not hesitate to say yes. As a matter of fact, they have filed some complaints to that effect.
Neumont University is one of the best schools for computer science today. To back this statement with figures, the LA Times recently noted that 90% of graduates from the university have jobs within 3 months of graduation. More so, many of them land jobs with big companies like IBM and Microsoft. So what seems to be the problem?
The grads are “addicted” to their computers. Some have a different smell. The Escapist details these complaints:
The smell’s just part of a bigger problem. Companies that have recruited Neumont graduates have been pleased with their computer skills, but have complained that the students lack basic social skills and suffer from computer addiction.
And the fix?
To fix this Neumont’s administration is taking drastic measures by forcing students to shut down laptops in class, start social clubs, and take at least three classes in interpersonal communication before they can graduate.
I just find the whole issue hilarious. Leave them geeks be. If they wanted to socialize, they wouldn’t be who they are. If they wanted to start social clubs while attending college, they would probably have gone to another university.
Thanks for your interest in the Neumont story in the LA Times. While some comments in the LA Times article were incorrect (employers never complained that our students lacked social skills) many of the comments are accurate – Neumont has created the perfect enviornment for the Forever Geek, Hogwarts for Geeks, or Geek Heaven if you will. If you’re ever in Utah we’d love to have you out for Neumont events like Nerdigras (http://www.neumont.edu/nerdigras/) or Project Showcase (http://www.neumont.edu/project_showcase.html).
If you have a chance take a moment to check out all the recent news about Neumont University, you’ll see the Neumont reviews have a lot more important things to talk about than the scent of our student body(ies): http://www.neumont.edu/news_and_events.html (no pun intended).
It’s too bad the the amazing success of our students and programs has to be overshadowed by old “geek stereotypes.” In 2011 Geek is the new jock, and mainstream media needs to take note. Thanks for helping spread the word, and eliminate the old punch line of the Cheeto-eating, beasement-dwelling technophile, sometimes we like to LAN in public too. :)
Stacy Hughes
Communications Manager
Neumont University