Degree vs Experience

Oldernotwiser

Experience and no degree are fine when you're already in a job but I've worked with several people in this situation who've lost their jobs and often employers just don't want to know.

People would be well advised to get the relevant qualification whilst working, even if they didn't need it to get their current job, otherwise you're building your career on sand!

ferien_uk

Jastons wrote: »

I am due to graduate in a months time (hoping for a 2:1 in Computer Science) but I have never done a proper days work in my life (I am 21). Almost all of the jobs vacancies that I have looked at expect you to have some sort of experience, even graduate positions.

I looked into a vacancy last week working on a IT help desk for the NHS, providing my final exam results are good my qualifications would be better than those requested in the advertisement but because I don't have 2 years relevant experience I wouldn't even get a look in.

I was in a similar situation when I graduated. Now I regret not participating more in societies, doing some volunteering, having a part time job etc whilst I was at uni.

They should teach things like interview/ work skills alongside your degree, and make the class mandatory. I know that there is access to these courses anyway, but when you're a student you just think you can get a degree and then you're sorted.

alyth

Interesting thread! I walked out of my PA's job yesterday because of a bullying boss and am going to do an access course then go to uni to study English for 4 years. I have 20 years' experience as a PA working for some quite high powered guys over the years, and I've also done a lot of writing over the years, but in order for me to progress my journalism or writing career then I feel (personally for me) then I need a degree - I've started with the OU but due to the pressures of the job I was in I couldn't face studying at night.

I intend to throw myself into uni life, with societies, volunteer work, etc as this is my dream and you only have one life and I intend to make the most of it!

elf06

I am currently trying to change my job to something I have absoloutly no experience in and after applying for and not getting a job just before Christmas I decided to do something about it. I looked into studying at home (full time single mum, part time employed) and found the course I wanted then once I had started I wrote to a local business and asked if I could do some voluntary work with them. Its only one day a week but I really hope that the next time a job comes up (either there or elsewhere) I can prove that I am serious by showing that I am studying and working voluntarily to gain experience. I know this may not be an option for everyone but I guess you have to prove your dedication in any way you can

alyth

good on you elf, you should be so proud of yourself. It's back to following your dreams I guess, I have a dream of standing up on the stage getting my degree, it's going to be tough for me, I'm nearly 40 and live on my own but I'm financially secure thanks to ex so don't have to worry about money, I'm hoping that if I study hard (and I will) and take part in the voluntary work and societies then by the time I graduate I will be 44 but still in theory able to work for 25 years or so, Walt Disney once said if you can dream it you can do it, with determination and guts and hard sweat and tears you will always get to where you want to be - I hope!

TottalyLost

angle wrote: »

Hi, I've been having a debate with my husband about degrees/experience.

I am having one of those with myself almost every day - for the past 3 years.

He doesn't have a degree, but does have at least 15 years working experience (more I think).

I do not have adegree either but have about 10 years experience in my field.

He's considering leaving his job as he's unhappy, but doesn't think he stands a chance of getting another job as he doesn't have a degree.

Looking at the job adverts I tend to have the same thoughts - had 12 interviews in last year and only 1 resulted in a job offer (which was later witheld due to "unsatisfactory references" from someone who was the very reason I wanted to leave my job). Each and every time I was told that "someone was better qualified". Now, as I am in touch with places where I went for interviews and very often deal with people who got "my" job - that is shocking... as more often then not I seem them struggling with the most basic things, things I can do with my eyes closed and hands tied... Hmmmm But.. they all had a degree - what is funny, very often not even in a related field but something completely unrelated to the job, just "a" degree.

I completely disagree.

Sorry but he has reasons to think this way and to worry.And I completely feel for him. I have a lot of qualifications/certifications etc relating to my job that can be applied to the field as a whole not just in my particular workplace but still - I do nto have "a" degree so :

1) Can not move on somewhere else
2) Can not move up in my current place

What does everyone else think?

I personally think that I may actually do a degree now - full time is not an option but as I live in London it will be wither Birkbeck
https://www.birkbeck.ac.uk - which is excellent for adults and provides part time degrees
or external like http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/

The first one needs 2-3 evenings per week attendance, the second one is compeletly self study and exams but but belong to London Uni so their diplomas are recognised everywhere.

I personally do not believe in Open University as I know (from expeience) that people with their Diplomas are not seen at the same level.....

Thanks.

All the best

snowqueen555

at the moment, i am getting a lot more replies based upon my retail experience then my degree. I have recieved two graduate interviews in 6 months of looking and applying

elf06

Alyth - thanks for your support. I had totaly guilt pangs at first because it meant finding childcare another day a week for my son which now means he goes to some sort of childcare Monday all day, Tuesday for 4 hours, Wednesday all day and Friday all day BUT I had to weigh it up and finally decided that this was the right thing to do. If I an successful (and believe me I dont give up easily) then I will have more time to spend with him in the long run which surely is more important?? (Trying once again to convince myself)
As for your situation - I say go for it!! I dont think age is important as you will have the experience and the paper to back it up

surreysaver

I find that anyone who enters my workplace with a degree soon finds themselves crashing down to real life with a thud when they realise they do not actually know anything, after trying to boss everyone around.

angle

alyth wrote: »

Interesting thread!

Thank you. I'm finding it interesting.

Good luck with your course!