In this day and age, many still wonder whether a college degree is a worthwhile investment. Which one will serve better in terms of staying employed and growing a career, experience, or education? This is an on-going conversation among students, professors, and job recruiters alike.
Academic Qualification
In this debate over education and experience, the industry in question makes quite a difference. Many high-level roles and certain professions require a solid education to qualify for the job. In fields such as accounting, healthcare, education, engineering, architecture, and law, academic qualification is a must.
When it comes to recent graduates, a degree is what serves as evidence of the acquired skills necessary for an entry-level job in the field. Still, involvement in internships or other work-related and extracurricular activities indicates initiative, maturity, and, sets candidates apart from other applicants.
That is why it’s important to include experiential opportunities in academic programs, so learners apply classroom skills to solve real-world problems in the real workplace.
At Bay Atlantic University, our programs are taught by faculty members who work directly in the field, meaning that students will get academic credentials while developing real-world skills that will help them when looking for a job.
Workplace Skills
Experience is valued since it indicates the candidate is familiar with the latest trends, technologies, and practices in a particular field. As much as specific hard skills are essential, certain soft skills relevant to all industries are needed for entry-level jobs. Interpersonal skills, communication skills, and adaptability are some of the qualities that employers look for in potential employees.
Considering that experience helps students identify their strengths and weaknesses, gain hands-on expertise, work well with others, and build the confidence needed to deal with real-life challenges, problem-solving opportunities needed to develop these particular skills in students should be integrated.
In addition, the BAU Career Services department offers a comprehensive range of services, including campus jobs, internship and job search strategies, career fairs, and anything career-related. At the same time, on-campus work opportunities are a great option to start gaining professional work experience.
However, suppose we’re talking about individuals who have obtained a degree many years ago. In that case, they need to show employers that they’ve continued learning, are up to date with industry trends, and have acquired new skills relevant for the position they are applying for. What helps in this aspect is pursuing a master’s degree or, at the least, participating in programs pertinent to their field.
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Education vs. Experience: Which is More Valuable?
Higher education serves as a route to find the right career and leverage the skills which professional exposure might not always guarantee. A degree shows that the candidate has been subject to analytical and logical thinking in an environment that also provides essential social and interpersonal skills.
Higher education is particularly valuable for people at the beginning of their careers. As you move along, job experience and acquiring new skills can take on added weight. Employers could favor someone with experience and no degree for specific jobs, but those individuals may struggle to advance professionally in the long run.
The ideal mix of education and experience can vary from field to field. Nevertheless, often it is challenging to get experience without a good education. After all, specific positions in certain industries require candidates to have substantial knowledge and understanding of the job’s technical concepts.
In the end, education and experience go hand-in-hand when it comes to advancing a person’s career. As the corporate landscape gets more and more competitive, employers are interested in acquiring talented candidates who have solid educational credentials and workplace skills and experience.
So, do you want to be one of them? If yes, your next step to achieving your goals can be by becoming part of Bay Atlantic University.