7 Leaders Weigh In - Should You Require Job Applicants to Have a College Degree?
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Many in Human Resources are pondering whether they should still make a college degree a minimum requirement for most professional jobs. The cost of higher education and the fact that technology is advancing so swiftly means that fewer people are earning the degree and organizations must upskill people continuously anyway. On the other hand, getting the degree is a demonstration of discipline and having knowledge of the basics in a major can help people hit the ground running. Thus, the debate rages on.
Recently, HR Exchange Network turned to Featured.com, formerly Terkel.io, to ask HR and business leaders to share their thoughts on the topic. Here are their responses:
Keep Insisting on a College Degree
"As an HR leader, I firmly advocate for continuing to require job applicants to possess a college degree. A college education reflects a candidate's commitment to learning, adaptability, and discipline—qualities crucial in today's dynamic work environment.
A college degree equips candidates with a strong foundational understanding of their chosen field, enabling them to build on theoretical knowledge and stay updated with evolving industry trends. Moreover, it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively—essential attributes for success in any role.
Furthermore, it acts as an effective initial screening tool when dealing with a large influx of applications. It helps HR identify candidates who have invested time and effort into their education and possess the dedication needed for long-term success in a professional setting."-Divvya Desai, HR, Naman HR
Seek Out the Capable
"With the job market evolving at such a quick pace, some are wondering if Human Resources should continue to insist on a four-year degree as a minimum qualification.
On the one hand, a college education might pave the way to better job prospects in a variety of sectors that need technical or niche expertise. It shows prospective employers that the applicant cared enough about their studies to see it through to completion despite obstacles.
But there are many who say that formal education isn't always the best determinant of success in the workplace. Numerous gifted people have polished their abilities through on-the-job training, independent study, or nontraditional educational channels, including online courses and credentials.
Capable people, especially those from underrepresented groups, may not be able to finish college for a variety of reasons, including financial constraints, personal situations, and a lack of access to a high-quality education."-Aleksandar Ginovski, Career Expert, Resume Expert and Product Manager, Enhancv
Look for the Soft Skills
"According to David Deming, a Harvard education researcher, jobs that required higher levels of social interaction grew by 12% between 1980 and 2012. This means that companies started asking for more 'soft skills' from their candidates and, in turn, required their applicants to have college degrees.
In 2017, researchers at Harvard Business School, in their report 'Dismissed by Degrees,' found that 60% of employers said no to qualified candidates just because they did not have a college diploma. One researcher found out that most of the job posts required a college degree for positions held by people who don't have them.
Not all jobs need a college graduate. In fact, if you're not hiring doctors, lawyers, teachers, or scientists, asking for a college diploma from your candidates can only narrow your hiring pool and make you miss out on fantastic candidates that have vast experience in their industries."-Gordana Sretenovic, Co-Founder, Workello ATS
Take a Turn Toward Meritocracy
"The necessity of a college degree has become a contentious issue in the recruitment world. Particularly in the UK, some degrees are watered down, offering less value to employers than in the past. However, the real crux of the matter lies in the industry.
In fields like digital marketing, the landscape evolves so quickly that formal education often needs help to keep pace. In this context, a degree doesn't necessarily equip a candidate with the up-to-date skills needed to excel. Phenomenal talents who lacked a formal degree but demonstrated exceptional capabilities have been hired.
Therefore, HR should focus more on skill and potential rather than degree status, ultimately reflecting a shift towards meritocracy."-Shane McEvoy, MD, Flycast Media
Embrace a Holistic Evaluation of Job Applicants
"Gone are the days of solely valuing college degrees. We've reached a new era that embraces diversity and recognizes that talent comes in all shapes and forms. While some roles may require specialized education, there's a growing recognition that focusing solely on college degrees can limit access to diverse talent and potentially overlook individuals with immense potential. There is a hard truth about soft skills and lived experience that HR needs to deep dive into.
Using a more holistic evaluation challenges biases, leverages practical proficiencies so that opportunity is extended even if the candidate doesn’t fit the conventional mold.
We need people who can perform and be able to pivot when faced with a problem. Those types of skills aren't listed on a resume. If we put an emphasis on evaluating candidates beyond their paperwork and look at their abilities, potential, and fit, we craft a dynamic, skilled workforce who can adapt and adopt at any moment, especially those that are crucial."-Khalilah "Ko" Olokunola, Chief People Strategist | Impact Architect, ReEngineering HR
Focusing on the Degree Is Anti-DEIB
"The college-degree requirement can inadvertently perpetuate inequality and hinder diversity within the workplace. It may exclude talented individuals who could not pursue higher education because of financial constraints or personal circumstances.
By focusing on skills, capabilities, and potential, rather than educational credentials alone, we can create opportunities for a wider range of candidates and foster a more inclusive work environment."-Adil Advani, Marketing Director, AnySoftwareTools
Ability to Learn Is More Important
"The problem is that a lot of the skills needed by employers are not taught in college. Employers should consider a candidate's ability to learn and create new knowledge, as well as their experience. This is especially true in the tech industry, where a lot of the work is experimental and requires a lot of creative thinking."-Matthew Ramirez, CEO, Paraphrasing Tool
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