Feb 10 2013: I have a hard time with this question. I'm 37 years old, was a single mom for 12 years. I didn't graduate high school, instead I got my GED. I've gone to community college off and on over the years. I've got over 13 years experience in my field and I have a 6 figure income. A year ago I was looking to relocate and was searching for jobs. All the jobs I chose to apply for had a requirement of a 4 years degree or 5-7 years experience in lieu of the degree. I come to the table with 13+ years experience and I'm certified in my area of expertise. After every interview, the feedback was that I didn't have enough experience. I know my skills, abilities, and experience, I know how much my managers have appreciated me, I'm not making the salary I am now because I don't have the experience and drive or that I'm not a great asset to the team. The only thing I can attribute my rejections to is that I don't have a degree. (Which I'm currently finishing up now)
To answer your questions. As an employer, I wouldn't go based on degree alone. If the candidate has a solid work history, experience and knowledge to back it up then I would consider them for the position.
As a high school graduate, knowing what I know now and have experienced, I would get my degree as soon as I completed high school. That one piece of paper helps open doors that experience alone can not open.
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A comment on Conversation: What's a degree worth?
To answer your questions. As an employer, I wouldn't go based on degree alone. If the candidate has a solid work history, experience and knowledge to back it up then I would consider them for the position.
As a high school graduate, knowing what I know now and have experienced, I would get my degree as soon as I completed high school. That one piece of paper helps open doors that experience alone can not open.