Is a college degree really necessary?
Job Search July 19th, 2008Often a college degree is needed in order to be hired into specific fields. On the other hand, there are several well-paying careers that don’t need a college degree. Successful experience means so much more to employers in several industries than a college degree.
How does a person gain experience without a degree? The short answer is that whenever possible, go through the open door of opportunity to gain experience whether it is volunteering or a part-time position!
The employer wants, of course, to see how you handled challenges and brought value to the company you’ve worked for. When an employer is deciding between a candidate who has the skills, experience and knowledge how to handle situations well (without the college degree) vs. a person who has the degree without the degree and skills, the experienced candidate typically is offered the job.
Greg IP of the Wall Street Journal wrote, “In short, a college degree is often necessary, but not sufficient, to get a paycheck that beats inflation.”
Ms. Dewing, after working for Sprint Corporation 15 years with a degree in computer science, was laid off. After finding another IT job 6 years later, she said she has a newfound appreciation for how insecure any job can be and how little a college degree by itself stands for. “There is enough competition for entry-level positions that employers are going to ask, ‘What else have you done in your life besides go to college?’” she says. “And in information technology, a portfolio of hands-on experience with programming is a really good thing to have.”
To me, the key is to work at whatever it is you really enjoy doing! Try to say ‘yes’ to gaining experience in areas you think you might enjoy! And, before paying for college (whether young 20’s or mid-life), figure out a direction that fits you well first!
As a Career Coach, my niche and passion is helping people discover career direction where they’ll enjoy Monday morning as much as Friday afternoon, their strengths, interests, and how to find a job in the hidden job market!
Contact me at Terri@SummitViewCareerCoaching.com for a complimentary 20-minute coaching session with no obligation to sign-up! To check out more of my services, go to www.SummitViewCareerCoaching.com.
Enjoy Monday morning as much as Friday afternoon!
