Education Vs Experience: What are
Employers Really Looking For?
Which holds more value to an employer, education or experience? When you slide your resume across the desk and watch the hiring manager give it that first look over, what do you think they are looking for?
Are they searching for the candidate with the most formal education from the most reputable university? Or do you think they are looking for a job candidate who has worked in the field who can slip right into the position with less training?
This is a near impossible question to answer, since every hiring manager is looking for something different. There are some career fields where it is common for top level employees to work their way up from the bottom with little to no formal education beyond high school. Then there are many career fields that require industry-specific training, licenses and certification which make advanced education essential.
The level of the position being applied for can also make a difference here. A hiring manager trying to fill an entry level position with little to no responsibility may be far more lenient on both than they would be when filling a high level position of more importance to the company. The higher up you go, the more likely you will be expected to have at least a bachelor degree, if not a masters or PhD.
Know Your Industry
The first thing you have to do is learn about your chosen industry. If you find a lot of job listings for entry level positions that only require a high school diploma or GED, then you may be able to get a start in the field before going into higher education. If you notice that a lot of jobs require at least two years of experience but no degree, then you may want to focus on volunteering in the field or finding an internship where you can gain that experience. You can always go to school while you are working to improve your chances of advancement to higher positions in the future.
If you notice that most jobs in your chosen field require a higher degree, then it is best to head to school and get that needed education. You can find internships and other opportunities to gain on-the-job training in the field while you are getting that education.
How High Will You Go?
You may be able to get an entry level position today without a lot of education, but you have to ask yourself how far you want to go in your career. The more money you want to make and the mores prestigious you want your position to be, the more education and experience you will likely need to obtain.
If you want a long, successful career with satisfying financial rewards, you should plan to go back to school whether it is required to get your start or not. If a degree is not essential to land the best jobs, then you will stand apart from the competition and look more qualified. If you do end up needing an advanced degree, then you may have it under your belt when the best opportunities open up.
Education will never steer you wrong! On-the-job training is a great thing to have, but education may be required at some point along the way. The best tactic is to gain experience and education simultaneously. With a little of both, you should be able to move forward in your career.
