Gemini Project

Enter The Gemini Project. This is a program that the University of Minnesota has created in order to produce well rounded engineers. Now I am not making a blanket statement that all engineers are socially handicapped, but based on experience, there is that tendency. The program might sound silly and even crazy, but for those real-life Rajs, it might be a heaven sent!

The program will have 11 classes in total, each class focusing on a different topic. The classes will now be offered every semester, so that those who have a need for the program will have the chance to participate. The topics range from leadership to office politics to teamwork. Honestly, I think that even those believe that they are sociable enough ought to take a look at the classes. Maybe they can pick up a thing or two – engineer or not! Oh, the best thing about these classes are that they do not cost a single cent. I think it’s brilliant. Who would want to say that they paid to learn some social skills anyway?

The only thing lacking, I think, is offering programs of a similar nature to those who are not engineering students or those who may already be out of school but need some guidance anyway. Still, it’s pretty cool to see an educational institution pay more attention to the personal/social side, which in itself is not a new concept – check out the Neumont geeks.

For more information on the classes and program details, visit The Gemini Project’s web site.

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.