Two finalists for an open position: a seasoned worker with years of experience and a bachelor’s degree and a less experienced candidate who recently completed a master’s degree. Whom do you choose? “Experience absolutely matters. There is just no way around it,” says Terrica Richardson HR consultant for Wachovia Operations Center. Experience is important because this demonstrates that a person has worked in a professional setting. Working in a professional setting teaches a person about work ethics, as well as critical and analytical skills that cannot be learned in school, says Terrica.
Acquiring a degree seems especially important when the unemployment rate is so high. Many employers are now listing a bachelor’s degree as a requirement; it’s an easy way to help cut down hundreds of applications into a manageable pile. “Education is just a foot in the door, you can be trained for just about any job”, says Terrica. Everyone can not afford to invest in a full time traditional degree program right after high school. Lacking a college degree should not restrict your career choices. Many professionals start their careers in retail sales, customer service, or other positions that offer on-the-job training. Although a college degree program builds critical skills, few colleges and universities can fully prepare students for real-world challenges. Despite the substantial pressure to make good grades and to complete assignments on time, few college experiences can match the demands of a regular, full-time job.
A graduate degree may be an acceptable or even a good substitute for a few years of experience. But if the position calls for 10 years’ management experience and the candidate has a master’s degree, the degree is unlikely to be enough to make up for the experience deficit. Employers prefer college degrees because most often, they associate the following characteristics with people who have degrees (and more specifically, four-year degrees): a proven ability to analyze problems, conduct research and produce solutions, a proven ability to learn difficult subject matter, proof they are motivated and have drive, and more credible qualification.
A college education can really take an individual far in life. At the same time, however, some people are incredibly book smart but are clueless when they deal with the real world. So for those who think good grades will be enough to land them a decent job should think again. “Work experience and education are both needed to compete”, says Terrica. Terrica suggest for college students preparing to compete in the job market to consider an internship. Taking an internship may be a new graduate's best bet to gain hands-on learning in the workplace; or try part time job. Part-time work is a great way to gain experience and showcase skills to a potential employer who may not have the resources to extend a full-time offer right away. Employers need to know you have encompassed education and a good work ethic.