> Maybe it's because of the advent of self taught engineers? Engineers, especially software engineers, are far less frequently self taught now than 20 or 30 ye

> Maybe it's because of the advent of self taught engineers? Engineers, especially software engineers, are far less frequently self taught now than 20 or 30 years ago. There's far more to learn, far more opportunity for formal education, and (don't laugh, I'm serious) the level of professionalism required is significantly higher now. When I was a kid you could get an entry level programming or web dev job on the strength of building a web site over the holidays. Now, most places you need some sort of formal qualification to be an intern.