The Pongo Blog
Do Employers Put Too Much Emphasis on a College Degree?
November 10, 2010 (2:45PM) by Rick Saia, CPRW
Since the 1950s, most Americans have looked at college education as a goal for their children. And why not? In those heady days after World War II, the U.S. became seemingly invincible, an economic and military giant with unlimited potential.
That notion of unlimited potential permeated many families as well. That's why many parents tell their kids when they're in pre-school that that they will go to college after high school. That's also why these same parents start socking money away for their children's college years before they even learn to crawl.
But the cost of a college education has soared over the years, and many recent graduates lament the prospect of paying off education loans averaging more than $20,000 after they graduate. Some schools have even responded to the cost pressures by introducing three-year degree programs.
But does everyone need a college education? More to the point, if a job posting calls for a bachelor's degree, and you meet all the other requirements, should it matter that you don’t have a degree?
Granted, there are jobs for which a college education is a non-negotiable requirement, such as physicians, lawyers, and teachers. But what of an accountant whose resume lists five years of solid experience, great references, but no degree vs. another accountant with a degree, three years of semi-solid experience, and good—but less than great—references?
Which person should get the job offer?
Let me throw this question out to you: Is it fair that employers focus so heavily on a college education as a "price of admission" to a job?
I look forward to your answers in the Comments section below.
RELATED LINKS
7 Resume Writing Tips for Your Education Section
The Blue-Collar Job Makes a Comeback
New Grads: What Did College Prepare You For?
No. Education is great but there is no substitute for experience. Employers are getting carried away with the education thing. I've seen so many entry-level, minimum wage jobs ask for a degree. Lets get real. I'm not knocking education I went back to school myself and re-learned the basics but my 20 years of experience is the best teacher.
Posted by: Susan Graves | November 13, 2010 at 12:51 PM | Quote This Comment
Hi Rick,
When recruiting, I look at what a person has accomplished. Why? Because I have worked with grads from top universities who weren't particularly effective on the job and I have worked with people who haven't earned a degree who were tremendously effective on the job.
Sadly, I believe I'm in the minority. Often a degree is the price to play. Thus, it's a good idea to get one.
Donna
Posted by: Donna Svei | November 14, 2010 at 1:23 PM | Quote This Comment
I have to say I completely agree!! I am a VERY dedicated and hard-worker and if you have an ample amount of on-the-job experience, then you end up gaining knowledge that you would have learned in school anyway--and then some!!!!
Posted by: Sierra | November 14, 2010 at 5:25 PM | Quote This Comment
@ Susan -- Thanks! I think the older and more experienced you get, the less your education seems to matter.
@ Donna -- Yes, it seems as if a degree seems more a price of admission. But I also believe that it's more the amount of effort you put into your college academics that can determine your career potential.
@ Sierra -- Hear hear! Anyone can show a high level of diligence and dedication, whether you hold a doctorate or if you dropped out of school at 16.
Posted by: Rick | November 15, 2010 at 11:49 AM | Quote This Comment
I agree with Susan. I've been hitting the job boards pretty hard for the last two months and I'm amazed (and a little dismayed) by the number of entry level, or very low paying jobs asking for a degree as part of the requirement. Granted, many job postings will ask for a specific degree "or equivalent experience", but I have to wonder if the hiring managers are glossing over otherwise very qualified applicants if no degree is listed.
In my last managerial position, the only person I regretted hiring, and consequently had to let go after 90 days, was the guy with a bachelor's degree. Everyone else was hired based on experience alone. Not that there isn't value in education - there most certainly is! But experience, proven knowledge, and good references should put an applicant at the top of the pile.
Posted by: James Burnitt | November 19, 2010 at 12:42 AM | Quote This Comment
@ James -- Thanks for stopping by. I agree that there's no substitute for experience, and there are certain things college doesn't teach you, such as listening skills and getting along with others.
Posted by: Rick | November 19, 2010 at 2:25 PM | Quote This Comment
Unforturnately the fact is most employers are playing the college card ,thinking they are getting the best for less. A great misunderstanding in many of cases. an applicants experience has always been my best guage, and any formal education was a plus .However an excellant prospective will not always have a college degree . New school of thought is a misconception "that a college degree makes an applicant work hard or smarter, not so I go with experience first....
Posted by: PETER | November 20, 2010 at 2:17 PM | Quote This Comment
@ Peter -- You make a good point. College doesn't inspire us to work harder or smarter. One can argue that a college education can help you think more analytically and critically, but I think anyone can do that on the job if you work at a company that encourages and fosters it.
Posted by: Rick | November 22, 2010 at 11:50 AM | Quote This Comment
That's also why these same parents start socking money away for their children's college years before they even learn to crawl.
Posted by: cheap jerry seinfeld tickets | November 24, 2010 at 10:45 AM | Quote This Comment
I wanted to go to college. But, my situation was different than most. I started working hard at a young age and always enjoyed music and art. I made the money I wanted to make and enjoyed staying busy along with my hobbies. High school was so lame and bored me, though I got good grades. I wanted to move and go to better schools. This turned me off to college for along time and ruined my self confidence. My confidence lacked for years. Left home at 17 to live alone. Then I had oppurtunity to move to Cali and stay with rich fantastic diabetic uncle. He died. I was bumbed again! Could of went to expensive music school. Case in point: We need better school system in US. If you want kids to advance their education, we need a good reliable school system first, everywhere, along with a 'Hopeful' loving family unit at home. And, alot less divorces. With knowledge, comes money. Lets all let our politicians know we want GREAT schools instead of mediocrity. I think the schools should be the nicest buildings in our towns & cities. Keep PE and dump the sports programs that take money from our kids education. Your kid won't be playing football when he is 50, or even 30. Then if this happens, we will all want to learn more and go onto college. And with this economy and lack of trained people for tech. jobs. I say its something to take seriously if everyone still wants happy enlightened children. Lets fix the problem and lives will change.
Posted by: James Kerr | January 07, 2011 at 4:43 PM | Quote This Comment