[Ken Patton]

I would like to complement (not compliment) Steve's great remarks. He mentions transferrable skills as an important part of what is being demonstrated and passed on in FIRST. I totally agree.

The technical skills are important, too. The problem-solving skills, the creative design effort, the I'm-not-willing-to-give-up-just-yet-lets-make-it-a-little-bit-better mentality are huge parts of what makes great engineers and scientists. These are the types of technical professionals that are going to make this a better place. Not only following in someone's footsteps but making some tracks of their own.

So, go ahead and buy stuff if you want. You can still get a great technical experience as JVN has described. But don't forget that overcoming the challenge of making something new will be some GREAT training. Something you can explain to a job recruiter that WILL get their attention.

Ken