There’s no question that some careers require a specific degree or two, while others do not.
Health care, law and finance readily come to mind, where very specific skills need to be thoroughly and expertly mastered.
But many job descriptions still demand a college degree, even though the actual job has little to do with the applicant’s degree. Instead, that box merely confirms that he/she made it through college without dropping out.
Some HR departments regard a “yes” checkmark as essential, no matter what the applicant’s specific major happens to be.
But if HR departments rely on a job description that’s been used for years without deleting the need for a college degree, they will miss out in hiring many otherwise highly qualified job candidates.
Waiving the degree requirement isn’t practical in all instances, of course. But in many cases, a degree should be a “nice to have” instead of a requirement.
In fact, according to SHRM (Society of Human Resource Management), about two-thirds of working-age adults (64%) do not hold a bachelor’s degree.
I’m fully aware that the lifetime earnings trajectory for college grads is higher and faster than non-grads.
And I would hope that non-grad workers are motivated to continue their education and/or training and possibly earn a college degree or certificate in their chosen field.
Benefits of technical training and leadership
But in many cases, the benefits of technical training and visionary leadership skills outweigh those of formal education. Consider that 10% of the CEOs on Fortune’s Future 50 list did not graduate from college.
Lately major employers such as Dell, IBM and Bank of America have dropped the college degree requirement for most jobs, with many smaller companies doing the same.
Some of the industries that have recently discovered the benefits of deleting that requirement include those in manufacturing, non-clinical health care, IT, education and certain levels of finance.
When recruiters and hiring managers do realize a disconnect between the skills needed and the level of education required, they need to ask themselves a few questions, such as:
“We know the specific skills needed for this position, but do we really need to require a four-year college education to accomplish our goals?”
And, “Isn’t a relevant community college degree or five years of job-related experience just as suitable?”
After some thought, the light goes on, the college degree requirement is deleted, and more practical criteria are added.
Dropping non-relevant education requirements allows hiring companies to cultivate a much wider variety of candidates and provide benefits that weren’t anticipated — like real-world experience, fine-tuned skills, and a more diverse workforce
What to look for instead of a degree? Equivalent work experience is at the top of my list.
Many individuals gain valuable skills and knowledge through hands-on experience in their fields. This can often sur what is learned in a traditional classroom setting.
Employers should recognize how this experience directly translates to job performance.
Here’s what else they should be looking for:
Associate degrees and certifications
- Community colleges and vocational schools offer associate degrees and certifications that are in high demand industries. These programs are often more focused and practical, providing students with the skills needed in their chosen field.
I believe that they’ll start the job with more relevant skills and are more productive much faster.
Academic accomplishments and volunteering
- Academic achievements outside of a four-year degree, such as specialized courses or extracurricular activities can showcase proven leadership abilities.
Soft skills
- Skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving are key indicators of job readiness. Job candidates need to highlight these soft skills on their resumes.
If not, hopefully they’ll shine brightly during the interview process.
Military experience
- This is especially important in San Diego. Veterans bring a wealth of experience, discipline, and leadership skills to the civilian workforce.
Their world experience can be incredibly valuable, and their focus, work ethic and adaptability are valued skills, even without a college degree.
By the way, college dropouts Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Steve Jobs weren’t able to check that box.
Blair is co-founder of Manpower Staffing and can be reached at [email protected].
