The Fight of the Century: Degrees vs Skills in the Modern Job Market
Ken Schmitt
CEO & Founder | Board Member | Private Equity Executive Search | Author & Speaker | Podcast Host | Sales, Marketing, Operations, C-Suite & Board Leadership Recruiting | Succession Planning | Human Capital Management
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An age-old battle has gained new urgency: Skills versus Degrees. With the rapid rise of technology, remote work, and a demand for specialized talents, many industries are shifting their focus away from traditional academic qualifications to real-world skills and competencies. But is it accurate to say that skills have completely overtaken a degree’s value? Or do degrees still play a vital role in specific fields? The answer depends on the industry, the role, and the individual’s career goals.
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The Value of Skills In a world where technology is evolving faster than academic curricula, employers increasingly prioritize skills, experience, problem-solving, and adaptability over formal education. Degrees often provide a broad education in a particular field. Still, skills are developed through hands-on experience or targeted training, making them more closely aligned with the demands of specific roles. Employers recognise that candidates with relevant skills can quickly apply their knowledge to real-world problems, making them valuable assets to the organization. A report by Intelligent.com stated that 45% of companies plan to eliminate bachelor’s degree requirements for some positions this year, and 55% of companies eliminated bachelor’s degree requirements in 2023.
The benefits of focusing on skills are particularly evident in certain fields…
Tech and IT Industries: The tech world is one of the prime examples where skills often outweigh degrees. In roles like software development, data analysis, or cybersecurity, what you can do matters far more than a degree on your resume. Many top tech companies, including Google and Apple, have made headlines for de-emphasizing degree requirements in favor of practical problem-solving abilities and coding expertise. Bootcamps, certifications, and hands-on projects speak louder than a four-year degree here.
“There simply aren’t enough degree-candidates to fill the open roles and the output today (and in the future) simply cannot meet the demand—nor is it necessary for candidates in these roles to have degrees. Fortunately, more employers are opening their eyes to that reality and adjusting their approaches accordingly, creating a pathway for a more skill-based, performance-focused, and equitable workforce," according to Anthony Hughes, Forbes Technology Council.
Creative Fields: In industries like design, writing, or digital marketing, portfolios and tangible results are often the deciding factor in hiring decisions. Employers want to see what you’ve created and the impact you’ve had, not just the qualifications you’ve earned. Many professionals in these sectors are self-taught or have developed their expertise through freelance projects, online courses, or internships.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: For those aspiring to start their own businesses, skills, resourcefulness, and experience are often more important than formal education. Many successful entrepreneurs have launched companies based on their ability to identify market needs, innovate, and pivot quickly—traits not always taught in traditional academic settings.
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Ken Schmitt, Founder and CEO at TurningPoint Executive Search says, “Degrees continue to be an integral part of a candidate’s profile, however in many instances having a degree is a plus, not a must. In the leadership recruiting space, we always say that attitude is more important than aptitude. In many instances, technical skills can be taught – with many positions but certainly not all – but culture fit and alignment on communication and leadership style is all or nothing.”
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The Value of Degrees While skills may dominate in many industries, degrees are far from obsolete. There are several regulated and high-impact fields where having a degree is essential or signifies a deeper level of formal training, credibility, and compliance with regulatory standards that skills alone cannot provide. A?degree provides more than just knowledge—it offers access to certifications and licenses that are often prerequisites for practice. If you’re pursuing a career in healthcare, law, or engineering, a degree is essential to your journey, and employers will continue to value it highly.
The benefits of having a degree are particularly evident in specific fields…
Healthcare and Medicine: Degrees are non-negotiable in fields like nursing, medicine, and healthcare management. These roles require a deep understanding of science, ethics, and specialized training, which can only be obtained through years of formal education and clinical experience. A surgeon without a medical degree? Not an option.
Law, Finance, and Engineering: Like healthcare, industries like law, finance, and engineering still heavily emphasize formal education. While skills are essential, degrees are necessary for certifications, licensure, and career progression. In these fields, academic qualifications provide foundational knowledge, credibility, and trust needed to operate in highly regulated environments.
Leadership and C-Suite Roles: In many traditional organizations, especially within large corporations, degrees are still seen as a marker of credibility, leadership, and long-term commitment. While soft skills like communication and decision-making play a significant role, educational qualifications can be essential to progressing into leadership roles.
Striking the Right Balance
The best approach is to recognize the value of both skills and degrees depending on the field and role. In many cases, combining practical skills with a relevant degree can give candidates a competitive edge. Employers often appreciate candidates who have formal education and demonstrate initiative through real-world problem-solving, continuous learning, and hands-on experience. The key for professionals is to understand what’s valued in their target industry and role and to find the right balance between acquiring new skills and leveraging educational qualifications.
Co-founder at nobrainer universe | Forward looking data ??????
2 个月This is a tough one, Ken! I think there is no right answer between the two, as degrees and skills hold different value depending on the field and role, as you mentioned. Skills tied to outcomes appeal to employers, while degrees still show commitment and foundational knowledge, especially in regulated fields. Nowadays, many candidates degrees don’t even align with their specialties, as much is learned along the way. It’s crucial to focus on what candidates can do, rather than just where they studied. Great article!
Digital Marketing & Communications
2 个月Great insight here. Cc: Human Resource Managers' Association of Uganda (HRMAU)
Executive Search | Recruiting | C-Level Positions | International Talent Acquisition I German
2 个月From a recruiter's perspective, the debate between degrees and skills is less about choosing one over the other and more about understanding the needs of the role and the company. Degrees can provide a baseline of theoretical knowledge, signalling that a candidate has a strong foundation in learning and problem-solving. However, in today’s hiring landscape, practical skills and the ability to adapt quickly often hold equal or greater weight. We’re seeing more companies prioritize candidates who bring hands-on experience, a proven track record, and a willingness to keep learning—whether through formal education or on-the-job training. For recruiters, it’s about finding that balance and recognizing the unique value both bring to the table. Great discussion topic, Ken Schmitt!
President & Chief Research Strategist at Q2 Insights | Expert in Advanced Research Methodologies & Strategic Brand Insights
2 个月Great article, Ken. While there's no doubt that skills are essential in today's fast-changing environments, a degree signals a candidate's ability to learn new skills. Degrees demonstrate commitment, perseverance, foundational knowledge, and critical thinking. Additionally, fields like statistics, languages, or specialized technical knowledge, as you mentioned, benefit from structured learning environments. This said, real-life skills are also crucial. We all need to develop skills beyond what we learn in school to stay competitive.
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2 个月Good discussion, Ken. While both degrees and skills are important in advancing one's career, it seems that today skills tend to have more weight in actual career performance. However, degrees seem to be necessary for opening doors, especially early on. In my opinion, building a strong foundation of skills, while having relevant credentials, offers the best balance for career growth, generally. Thanks for sharing.