Conform. The dot com culture is gone for good: http://www.computerworld.com/managementtopics/management/story/0,10801,107885,00.html?source=NLT_CAR&nid=107885
Absolutly no doubt about it. I have to interact with people of all types and background, and the sterotypical "geek" type doesnt fly. Anyone ever see the Computer Guy on SNL? I can think of several highly skilled admin or engineers that basicly wore a Star Trek logo on their jackets. They were NEVER taken seriously. Sorry, but in some people minds that means you are still 13 years old. Most of the senior staff i work with do not fit the typical roles as far as personalities go. Most are sports and family oriented types that would surprise you that they worked in IT. Now are most big Battlestar Galactica fans like me..Yes, but you have to be able to interact with others on their level, not yours. Just a reality of the business world. Remeber the golden rule....he who has the gold makes the rules, and sets the standard...