Education VS Experience: Which do employers value more?
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03/08/2021
The ongoing debate between what employers prefer when choosing over education or experience is a tricky topic to settle. You may be questioning does it make sense to spend a lot of time and money getting a degree when you could be working, earning, and gaining experience and do employers value real work experience to ignore a lack of a degree on a resume. It is a complicated issue, and the answer hangs on who you are and who you ask to find out what is more important and a lot depends on your field and how far along you are in your career.
The question continually resurfaces throughout organisations and whether is a completely strategic discussion about an organisations policy involving a specific position or candidate, it can be a very personal and emotional issue. Some candidates might apply for a job that has little to do with their recent work experience, but their education could catch the employer’s eye and help them get the job, regardless of real-world experience.
Someone with experience but with no formal degree could be chosen for some jobs but may struggle to develop professionally. Whereas a graduate with good education and recent knowledge may be lost when it comes to dealing with real-world workplaces with no prior industry experience and have a hard time getting their first role.
As workplaces are getting more and more competitive. Employers are interested in securing skilled candidates with demonstrated experience and looking for a good fit for the team. That is why someone who has solid educational qualifications, as well as real world experience stands a better chance of being hired.
For employers, a degree means a person has been able to grasp a complex subject matter and be able to think analytically and logically. It also means the student has been exposed to a mentally encouraging environment. Employers think they will be able to move up the business and be trusted with responsibility rather than someone who can only perform tasks they are familiar with.
Employers will expect someone with a degree to bring everything they have learned and apply their skills to solve workplace problems but employers value real world experience just as much. They want to know that their employee can put their education to use on the job- and not just being able to pass a test. There is nothing wrong with requiring a four-year degree if that’s what the job requires. But, if that requirement is based on a “that’s how it’s always been” mentality, or a personal bias, companies are probably missing out on a large pool of job candidates.
If you are doubting whether you should put education or experience first on your resume. The answer is: it depends. If your education is recent and most relevant to the job, it’s best to put this at the top of your resume. However, if your experience is more appropriate and recent, it is better to put that first.
The real answer to which is more valuable is that employers value both education and experience equally. Job seeker should be looking to build skills in any areas they might be lacking, to round out their resume and progress in their carer. You can be working at an organisation and wanting to move up to a more senior role, but find you’re not able to due to specific educational background that’s required. Having a combination of both education and experience not only helps you stand out from the crowd, but you have a much higher chance in getting to role you want!