Are Degrees Worth It? After COVID-19, Probably Not.

Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates- all have one thing in common. Apart from being a founder, CEO, and inspiration for millions, they have no fancy degrees to show. They don’t have master’s, some never graduated, and some even dropped out of college. Then how come they become so successful?

Well, because degrees don’t make CEOs, but experience and skills do. A degree might give your career a kickstart, but it can’t guarantee success.

Especially during a pandemic getting a master’s degree isn’t worth it. Right now, we’re living in a world where businesses are shutting down drastically. The unemployment rate is higher than ever. Job cuts and payoffs are the only normal in job markets.

In such scenarios, getting a master’s degree is the last thing you should think of. And, here’s a few more reasons to show you that getting any kind of degree during a global crisis isn’t such a good idea.

Higher Degrees Can Backfire

One of the biggest concerns of students is whether they should get a higher degree. They believe that getting a master’s or graduate from a prestigious college can help them land a high paying job.

But, the fact is during a pandemic, higher qualification can backfire sometimes. According to Career coach J.T. O’Donnell, a master’s degree on your resume could make you appear “over-qualified” for some job positions.

During an economic crisis, employers assume that candidates with higher qualifications might leave the entry-level job if something better comes along.

Your Experience Is What People Notice

Instead of degrees, employers are more prone to hire candidates with exceptional skills and experience. They want to ensure you’ll be able to adapt quickly to their work environment. As per a survey, 93% of employers think critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are more crucial than candidates’ undergraduate major.

Experience helps you gain practical skills which are relevant in any situation. It helps to build your character. With hands-on experience, you can get aware of your strengths and weaknesses and test your abilities.

So, focus on gathering first-hand experience from, internship or part-time job that can offer you transferable skill sets.

Networking Is Important

You can get a master’s degree with a perfect GPA. But, to thrive after a pandemic, having a solid network matters the most. If people don’t know you, they won’t care what degree you hold.

That’s why it’s crucial to start building a professional network as early as possible. Instead of getting higher degrees, focus on internship, volunteer work. Reach out to people in your field because networking is essential for personal development and gaining interpersonal skills.

Think About Your Retirement Goals

Most students assume that it’s never too late to get a degree. But, again, career coach J.T. O’Donnell said that unless you are new to the work, it’s crucial to determine when you’re going to retire.

This pandemic has encouraged a lot of people to retire early. And, if you want to retire within a few years, it’s not a wise decision to invest money for a degree. Because getting a degree now will cost you a lot of money without any return on investment.

The Bottom Line

A degree is important to set the groundwork. But, remember that investing your time and money in getting a higher degree isn’t always worth it. In these changing times, employers look for specific skills. So, focus on improving your emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and experience.