Excelle

Often I see jobs posted that require some sort of college degree - be it bachlors or masters.  Yet, in reviewing the job, it does not necessarily warrant a college degree to do the job.  An intelligent, savvy, competent person who is worked in that industry for a number of years can perform the job often better than a person who just got the degree.  Note: Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Michael Dell, Paul Allen, Ty Warner and many other currently successful people do NOT have a college degree.  What is the value of the college degree? Is it truly relevant to every job? 

The theory behind hiring someone (entry level at least) that has a college degree is - you are "trainable".  I agree wholeheartedly that years of experience is often much more valuable than someone  with a degree, though companies (HR) will argue it's common ground they are seeking and an indication of character, committment, follow-through -- I don't understand it.  I've had interns right out of college who could not construct a sentence or focus on simple problem-solving.  I think from a hiring perspective the assumption is - they know what they're getting with a college grad, with or without the experience, and that saves them alot of headaches.  Go figure - I would take a hard look at the whole package, but that's just me.

I encourage women always - to get the degree, or - go finish up - it's a silly objection and regardless -- no one should let that stand as an obstacle in their career.

I also wonder if there is sexism involved with getting the job without the degree...most CEOs I found without a degree were men.  I have not found a women in a top key position without a degree.  Do women get evaluated/reviewed more critically than men when it comes to education? 

For me - I am now 51, had been the founder of a successful and profitable business for 16 years and with the downturn in the economy chose to close/sell the business.  Decided to join the workforce and get steady income.  I have over 20 years managerial and supervisory experience, am considered an expert in my field, and yet, without the degree am told I am not employable in a position other than "entry-level"!  Having no desire to return to school at this age (time & money), I am wondering what my options are besides "entry-level" and "entreupreunership."

Beeladee says ...

I also wonder if there is sexism involved with getting the job without the degree...most CEOs I found without a degree were men.  I have not found a women in a top key position without a degree.  Do women get evaluated/reviewed more critically than men when it comes to education? 

For me - I am now 51, had been the founder of a successful and profitable business for 16 years and with the downturn in the economy chose to close/sell the business.  Decided to join the workforce and get steady income.  I have over 20 years managerial and supervisory experience, am considered an expert in my field, and yet, without the degree am told I am not employable in a position other than "entry-level"!  Having no desire to return to school at this age (time & money), I am wondering what my options are besides "entry-level" and "entreupreunership."

I'd get out there and network within my industry - work your established relationships and contacts - ridiculous for anyone to even suggest you start over - what a waste of your talents and experience - good luck - keep at it.

I understand your frustration.  I have a B.F.A., six years in the Army, worked in law enforcement and just completed an A.A. in Paralegal Studies to start a new career.  I have been looking for a job for more than two years.  The interesting part is, I'm divorced and that seems to play a roll during MOST of my interviews.  To make ends meet, I worked as a Massage Therapist (thus I learned anatomy and physiology); however, due to the economy I am displaced.

I have been informed multiple times that I am, "over qualified," "too articulat," and so forth for all positions that I have applied for. [This spans from Walmart to law firms, including local and state agencies].  At one point during my paralegal training, I interviewed for a  voluntary internship at a local women's shelter, with the hopes of networking or beign hired for open positions.  The interviewer lost her composure, crumpled up my resume' and informed me that I lied to her because I held off my past expirences and skills on my resume.  She then accused me of trying to take her position, once she found out during the interview of my skills. Straight after I finished my paralegal training, I did a voluntary internship at a firm where I had to cut down my time to one month from the requested three, due to lack of funding on my part for gas and such.  However, they hired one of their clerks's family in my place once I was finished. 

I am confused as to why MOST of my interviewers ask or make statements about my family life, being divorced, my age verses my expirence (I do look 15 years younger).  These questions are either eluded to or directly asked with just about ever interview from government agencies to law firms.  Usually, these questions are asked shortly after their eyes pop out while reviewing my resume.  However, no one is willing to take advantage of my skills.  Even during my internship at the law firm, one of their clerks kept asking on a daily basis about my family life until I finally answered three weeks later.

I understand your frustration.

Do you think that finding that having no degree and being able to be hired for jobs which "require" a degree extends similarly to having a degree that's in a different field?

See, I DO have a degree but it is a rather inspecific liberal arts sort of degree ("Social Sciences") and I'm finding that perhaps the social services field is not for me.  Do you think having an entirely unrelated degree would be better or worse than having no degree?