Education or Experience: Who Has the Edge in a Job Search?

Education or Experience: Who Has the Edge in a Job Search?

Education Vs. Experience: what are employers really looking for? Which holds more value to an employer?

Over the years, many strong cases have been made supporting each side of this debate. Factors like rising costs of education and shrinking job markets have created a fluctuation in opinions along the way.

Of course, there are some professions that absolutely require some sort of professional accreditation or license. Putting aside those professions that absolutely must have a degree, this is still a valid debate.

There are two clear sides here, each one valid. On the one hand, you have the argument that an education is required if a young person is to have any kind of future. Good jobs are hard to come by and the competition is fierce. On the other hand, many believe there is no better school than on-the-job training. Actually doing something in real life will never be matched by hearing about it or simulating it, and the weeks of job placement at the end of the study semester cannot compete with actual job experience.

Lets take a closer look at the logistics.

Pursuing post secondary education requires that you know what you want to do. There is a significant time and financial commitment attached to higher learning, and of course no guarantees of employment, or happiness. Youll be wasting a lot of time and money if you decide in four years that youve made the wrong career choice. You could also be investing in a declining industry.

On the flip side, you could get a job in a chosen field and take advantage of the opportunity to observe and learn, gain experience, and see if youre compatible. In the four years that a peer spends in college, you can try out several career avenues and quite possibly find your true calling.

Following the study years, a graduate typically has to start in an entry level position anyway, right, so are they really any farther ahead than the uneducated counterpart with four years of experience? Some would say no, the graduate is already four years behind and carrying a massive student debt.

However, in a competitive job market, an education often edges out the applicant who didnt study the profession – but not always. Assuming both candidates have equal experience levels, the applicant who cared enough to invest in his future by going to school is often viewed as a safer choice than the drifter who wasnt stable enough to set goals and see them through.

Thats a pessimistic outlook, but the job market can be that harsh. Employers can be very unforgiving when looking to narrow down applicants.

In the end, getting an education is not something that one would ever look back on with regret, but not getting an education might be.

Education or Experience: Who Has the Edge in a Job Search?