What's more important? A DEGREE or EXPERIENCE?

*Sips coffee, stretches neck and pop opens laptop*

*I see a message from a talented young man, asking for some insight on how to apply some of his experience to grow his career. I love it when people reach out to me personally! It shows GRIT! It shows determination and a willingness to learn. *

Of course, I reached back out to him and book a 30-min discovery call. When we finally were able to sit down and talk, I discovered something about myself and my recruiting methods. What I discovered about myself spits in the face of modern American ideology.

He asked me, (without actually asking me) "Should I pour more energy in going back to school? Or should I pour more energy into getting more experience? "

My answer...

"To be honest, I don't even look at peoples education anymore. I look to see if you they have the ability to draft a thoughtful resume, if they are willing to be challenged and grow, and if they have experience in what I'm looking for in a candidate"

His eyes lite up! And a weight lifted off his shoulders. I could tell he wanted to hear something like that.

I discovered, I never really look at education. Not as much as I look for experience and attitude. To me and my line of work, you can have all the education in the world! But if you don't know how to write a user story into Jira. Then... I'm sorry. The lady with 3 years experience and a certification with an amazing attitude towards growth, just beat you out for the job.

#notsorry

Now I'm not saying higher education is a waste of time! NOT BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY AM I SAYING THAT!

But for my line of work, certifications and experience are more desirable than degrees. I do believe though, as a culture. The American work force favors Degrees vs experience. Most CEO'S would be SURPRISED to hear from their HR managers, that they turned down some great talent, all because they didn't have a piece of paper in a frame in their living room. By some standards I've seen, Steve Jobs wouldn't even get an interview!

*Slaps forehead*

When will HR departments recognize talent on their own teams? When will they seek hungry experienced people, willing to learn?

I think if you are in a position of power, and you are in a position to not only challenge the status quo, but you have the ability to CHANGE IT. Then you should do so, by all means necessary.

The American dream of getting a degree and getting a good job and staying with one company for life is no longer and option OR a desire for most people entering the work force. We should have a culture that speaks to that change too.

I'm not saying my methods are the best methods, nor Am I saying you should completely adopt my method of scouting talent. What I am saying though is this..... Next time you go to the doctors' office. And you see the Doctor with the College degree stating She graduated in 1990, and then you see the Doctor who, graduated 2021… Whom would you rather have stitching you up?

Any thoughts?