Degrees, Smarts and Talent Win
Thursday November 10, 2005
Sometimes employees wonder why I am so adamant about a Bachelor's degree requirement for almost all professional jobs we fill. The reasons are complex, yet very simple. In my experience with jobs in companies, degreed employees are more promotable and much more likely to progress in their careers. A job that pays $25 - $30,000 or more is just a starting point for people usually just out of school ...
Non-degreed employees, who fill a position such as these, lose out to the competition when they want to progress their careers. Their competitors completed a four year degree, have some work experience or worked their way through college, and usually, have a record of clubs, sports, or philanthropic participation or leadership. Even the hardest working employee has a lot of competition for that next job. Why? Because I am seeking the smartest, most talented people I can find that are excited about growing a career, learning and developing, and making an impact. They've already invested in their development and want the employer to help going forward. Why would I settle for less than this?
Take my free email class about How to Recruit and Hire the Best.
Non-degreed employees, who fill a position such as these, lose out to the competition when they want to progress their careers. Their competitors completed a four year degree, have some work experience or worked their way through college, and usually, have a record of clubs, sports, or philanthropic participation or leadership. Even the hardest working employee has a lot of competition for that next job. Why? Because I am seeking the smartest, most talented people I can find that are excited about growing a career, learning and developing, and making an impact. They've already invested in their development and want the employer to help going forward. Why would I settle for less than this?
Take my free email class about How to Recruit and Hire the Best.
Comments
I ran a search for Why HRs are requiring college degrees. Your article came up.
After having worked my way up in several occupations over the years, AND having over twenty years of various levels of supervisory experience, I find that you did not explain exactly why you (as an HR) require a college degree.
Your statement of folks working their way through college could also be applicable to working ones way through the fire-fight that is the military, Or the infighting on ANY plant operation, etc.
I have, many times, had some wet behind the ears kid just out of college tell me they knew what they were doing. Only later, AFTER they had really blown it (and cost the corporation a lot of funds) did they come out and admit they really weren’t sure of what they were doing.
I suppose I could understand it if, because YOU worked so hard for your degree, that you figured anyone that had invested that kind of time deserved a break.
I would appreciate it if you could take the time to answer EXACTLY why you would hire a college graduate over someone that had been in the job, moving up steadily to supervision.
I may sit down and write a white paper on the topic so a lot of other folks that were too busy earning a living and/or staying alive to get a degree.
You will of course receive credit for any of your answer that I use.
Thank you.