Welcome Back Gray - return to the alma mater

For those who don't know, two days ago I went back to the University for a brief speaking engagement at the University for the co-op program. My fellow developers and I were mistaken for students more than once (probably a tribute to our dashing good looks and youthful exuberance). The first time was minor ("you guys can fill out your name-tags over there"..."um, actually, we're employers. I think you've got our name tags on the table") but the second time was a little funnier, as the three of us were sitting at a table when we were approached by some older gentleman...

Old (sits down): So, how would you like to be involved doing system security for the federal government?
J: Uh, I think we'd...
Old: Let me tell you a bit more about it. It's involving...(talks for another minute)
J: This sounds great, except that we're not students. We're actually employers. But feel free to sit with us if you'd like.
Old: Damn it!

I was pretty pleased with the response we recieved after we were done speaking. The other developers and I (although obviously biased) really felt like we were a great company to work for and had some of the most exciting stuff to do out of the companies in attendace. Apparently the students there felt the same vibe - we had a lot of kids come up to us afterwards and tell us that we sounded like the coolest company there. I wouldn't have even bothered noting this if it weren't for the fact that *Bioware* was also in attendance! And Bioware is a video game company!!

Overall, it was an awesome night - it was *wonderful* to see so many great and talented people interested - not just in our company, but in the software development business period. The industry can only get better with better people!