By Lily Henderson
A debate has gone on for years about the importance of an education verses real world job experience. Many people are convinced that they will not be considered for a job that they want to apply for because the job posting states that they want someone with a Bachelor’s degree. While we all know that you won’t be able to become a doctor, or lawyer, or even a Certified Nurses Aid or Paralegal without some form of education, however, in most industries there is some leniency as to the requirements. Education vs. experience can be debated by both sides endlessly, but much like the topics of religion or politics, the answer is just as obscure; it depends on the one making the decision.
The Importance of Experience
When I first graduated from college I thought that I would be getting job offers left and right, almost effortlessly. I graduated from a university, I had my degree in hand, along with all of the knowledge that I had obtained. I had a solid work history as a server, with recommendation letters from both my employer and the Dean from the university. I just knew that someone would hire me immediately. I based this on the experience my sister had when she graduated from college. The difference between me and my sister was that she had gone to a trade school to become a paralegal.
My sister had earned an Associate of Arts degree as a paralegal, making her slightly more marketable than a paralegal with only a trade certificate (also sufficient to become a paralegal in the state of Oregon). Yet it wasn’t her degree that helped her land her first position as a paralegal, it was the on-the-job internship required for graduation. That was something that my fancy four year university had not required. The lawyer that she worked with for her internship offered her the job before she had even graduated, and she has been working with the same lawyer for more than 10 years. I, on the other hand, worked as a server for a year and a half after graduation before I landed my first professional position. What was the difference between me and my sister? Experience.
Education: The Sound Investment
I can make the same argument for education. When I began looking for work after graduation I had begun to apply for jobs that were only in my field of study, health science. As time wore on, and I greatly desired a professional career verses my current serving job, I contacted the career counselor I had worked with briefly before graduating from the university. I asked him what I should do about finding a job. He cited the falling economy and rising unemployment rate, which in 2004 was only 5.5%, compared to the national unemployment rate of 9% today. He said that I would need to apply for jobs outside of my field of study. I was confused. Why spend tens of thousands of dollars on an education if a degree didn’t matter? That’s when he corrected me; it wasn’t that education isn’t important; he wanted me to understand that I wasn’t limited to jobs in science.
When I expanded my job search to include other fields I found that I was going on a lot more interviews, and eventually landed my first professional job. I was hired as a Customer Relations Specialist for a co-op buying program for independent restaurant owners; a job that had absolutely nothing to do with my education, but that I never would have been considered for if I hadn’t graduated with a Bachelor’s degree.
What Employers Look For From a College Graduate
The main reason why an employer would list that they are looking for someone with a college degree is that the position they look to fill requires it; as in the case of doctors, lawyers, accountant, etc. Yet, there are more positions that don’t necessarily require a degree, but the employer wouldn’t consider anyone without an education, as in my case with my first professional position. This is based on the personal bias of the employer. They believe that someone with an education would make a better applicant because it proves that the individual has a proven ability to analyze problems and produce solutions, has the ability to learn complex subject matter, and has drive, motivation, and better interpersonal skills. They tend to believe that having a degree proves intelligence, and ensures the applicant has more credible qualifications.
We all know, however, that this is just personal biases that the employer has, and does not necessarily define one’s ability and qualifications to be successful at the job they are seeking. So, take the time to properly identify the required abilities, knowledge and skills necessary for the position, and make sure that your experience proves more valuable by reflecting these qualifications. Make sure that your resume reflects these skills, regardless of your education. Apply for the position, even if it states that it requires a degree, and if given an interview, sell yourself on your experience. If the topic of education does come up bring the employers attention back to your experience and qualifications. You could even pose the question: Do you really think I am any less qualified because my education comes from on-the-job experience?
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