It’s a post-convocation day in your life, and you are seated on your bed looking dejected after receiving no interview invite from all 30 jobs you applied for. It’s even worse because you wonder why none of these companies are reaching out. After all, you graduated with a good GPA, maybe even at the top of your class, and to you, that should be enough, right? Well, not in today’s job world. According to a survey by ADP, “94% of employers find that skills-based hires outperform those hired based on degrees, certifications or years of experience.”
In today’s article, let’s explore why employers rate skills over degrees.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding the Difference Between Skills and Degrees
- Why Do Employers Prioritize Skills Over Degrees?
- How Can You Build Skills for the Job Market?
Introduction
In today’s job market, owing to its numerous dynamic changes, which can be traced to the introduction of technology, many employers focus on what a candidate has to offer, which is highly dependent on their skills. Gone are the days when employers would recruit candidates because they graduated at the top of their class. They are more interested in what you can do for the organization and how they can benefit from you. According to Kaomi Marketing in their article titled, The New Currency of the Job Market: Skills vs Certificates – Kaomi, they quoted that “the spotlight has shifted from the paper credentials of certificates and degrees to the robust display of skills”
Some time ago, the CEO and Founder of I-Train Africa mentioned in one of her videos, “I would rather employ a trainable secondary school graduate than the Best Graduating Student of a university with no skill, and no interest in learning”. This communicates that while degrees are great, they are not enough, especially in today’s job market, and choosing to settle for degrees only does nothing but limit the talent pool of candidates to choose from. Degrees are no longer the ticket to employment. Recently, have you heard of candidates without a degree for specific job roles being employed because of their skills? I bet you have.
Understanding the Difference Between Skills and Degrees
What Are Skills?
Skills are abilities and expertise that allow an individual to perform specific tasks effectively.
What Is a Degree?
A degree is an academic qualification a university or college awards after completing a formal education program. It proves a person’s theoretical knowledge and training in a specific field.
Why Do Employers Prioritize Skills Over Degrees?
1. There is a Growing Demand for Skills
In today’s job market, employers are choosing skills over degrees. Many recruiters now focus on a candidate’s ability to perform a job rather than just their academic qualifications. Why? Skills prove competence, and companies need employees who can deliver. Companies need employees who can deliver results immediately, and skills prove competence.
2. Practical Experience Over Theory
While most degree programs focus on theoretical knowledge rather than hands-on application, skills ensure that you have hands-on experience/practical knowledge. Employers are more interested in candidates who can solve real-world problems, not just those who can pass exams, because of course, some people only read to pass exams, and once they finish the exam, they forget everything they have read. But with skills, what you have learnt will most likely be a part of you till the end.
3. Degrees Do Not Always Guarantee Competence
Not all graduates have problem-solving skills that employers value. Some graduates lack value portfolios, case studies, and hands-on projects over just a degree.
How Can You Build Skills for the Job Market?
- Online Resources-
There are countless free and paid online resources where young people can learn skills, such as I-Train Africa Skilled for Work Academy, where you are equipped with employability skills necessary for the workplace.
- Internships and Volunteering
Gaining practical experience through internships, apprenticeships, or volunteering can make a huge difference. They help you build real-world experience and provide a strong resume booster.
As an unemployed youth trying to break into the job market, prioritize gaining practical skills. This article does not in any way condemn the acquisition of degrees, but degrees alone can never replace hands-on experience. Employers want doers, not just degree holders.
Then sign up for I-Train Africa Workplace Foundational Skills, a three-year tested curriculum and learning process that will equip you with employability skills regardless of your field of interest.
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