A handful of programmers (or perhaps thinkers works better), through entries in blogs, have been collaboratively jotting down a few things. What few things? 3 things they learned about software in college, and 3 things they learned about software outside of college.

Here are a few examples of this little phenomena: Dare Obasanjo, Scott Hanselman, Insane World’s Author, Kenegozi’s Author, Shawn Oster. I’m sure there are countless more I didn’t find, or haven’t read. Of that short list Shawn Oster’s is of particular interest.

Now, I didn’t go to a college. But, I work at one. So, I wondered, does that count? Can I play along too? I’ve been in IT for over a decade. I’ve created software solutions big and small for organizations like: the Department of Defense, the Computer Science Corporation, Lucent Technologies, all Six Stock Options Exchanges, and now Academia. And, in considering all those environments, I thought, “software is too tight a focus for me.” And, again, I never went to college.

Instead of what I’ve been reading, which has all been very useful, I decided to broaden the discussion slightly, to meet my experience. I wanted to contribute. Anyhow, here are: 3 Things Learned in School, and 3 Things Learned On-The-Job.

In School

1) Nothing in this life will be worth more than a teacher who can reach you.

2) History is a subject that speaks to us in the many colors of learned lessons. And, sometimes in shades of lies.

3) Show up on test days.

NOT In School

1) Speak up! Especially in the beginning don’t be afraid to offer your ideas, of getting fired or even just being noticed. The beginning is the best time for all those kinds of things! Its the time you’ll be expected to make mistakes. And, the time you’ll gain the most perspective on them.

2) If you are not your own master, the world will happily take you by the hand and lead you where it thinks it needs you. But, you may not be very happy with where you end up. So the lesson is, if you do not shape your world your way, your world will shape you its way.

3) Take off on test days.