Should you hire based on academic credentials or demonstrated ability?

Has your company hired autodidacts? The accompanying link gives access to a list of many well-known individuals including former presidents, musicians, writers, and scientists.

https://www.autodidactic.com/profiles/profiles.htm

Whole categories of attributes from self-help to self-directed inquiry have been coined to disguise and set apart individual learning as an aberration so as not to displace the hierarchical power of educators.

We need colleges and universities just as we need teachers and people who are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge with others. But the idea that the only learning respectable enough for economic compensation comes from institutions, which treat it as a scarce resource, is patently absurd. 

Company's speak about diversity in the workforce, yet hiring practices reflect a different philosophy.

 # Years’ Industry Experience – check

College Degree – Check.

Demonstrated ability regardless of other factors – not interested.

 Many people think that diversity only applies to the EEOC protected categories. Despite completing many years of education designed to enlighten and open minds to new ways of thinking and acceptance of what was previously unknown, many remain bound by rigid thinking in the area of education.

Some of the most successful individuals we all know were self-educated. And while this path is an exception among our population, discriminating against them might prevent your company from hiring a performer that is indeed, exceptional.

An excerpt from an article by Pat Galagan posted on ATD (Association for Talent Development) states “autodidacts are rare” and goes on to say “Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Steve Jobs, founders and leaders of three of the most successful tech companies in the world, are famous autodidacts, known for dropping out of college to pursue their passions. They learned by means other than school, including voracious reading, talking to experts, and plenty of trial and error. Their success in business and their talent for innovation has encouraged some people to forego college and disdain formal training”. 

Autodidacts learn whatever is needed without formal help or instruction.

Harry Truman said, “ it’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.”

Shouldn’t we also understand that it’s amazing what you can learn without college credit?

Do you think discriminating against a solid performer that lacks formal education credentials is morally correct? Or beneficial for your company?

What do you think?