🚀 go-pugleaf

hi net world
	i am interested in the current thread on formal programming education.
some associates from high school have *claimed* (note i have problems
swallowing this) that they have held major programming and marketing jobs
in the industry with just high school education.
	one fellow claimed to have worked as the product manager for a major
software publisher/distributor, the other claims to have worked for litton
systems (a canadian defence contractor) and the department of defence. both
say they were making in excess of $100k a year since they were 17. 
	this strikes me as being completely nuts, but they say there are
"back doors" into most corporations where "ability" is worth more than
formal training. 
 	my degree is in physics and i've worked the past 2 years doing software
design, electronics systems and general interfacing work for a research
lab in the physics department. these guys claim with my experience in
computer programming and hardware systems a job in the computer industry
would be no problem, but i've always thought unless you have a masters
in computer science or engineering most places aren't interested. 
	musings apppreciated....

thanks in advance
	vic spicer