Most college grads and employers agree a degree helps
employees advance in their jobs, but a recent Harris poll found that learning a
specific skill may be worth even more, with 72% of the respondents reporting
that specialized training is more valuable than a degree.
The survey,
conducted in June, showed that 63% of the respondents with jobs said learning a
new skill or receiving specialized training helped them advance or earn a
bigger paycheck. Just 45% said having a college or graduate degree was a factor,
followed by moving to a new company (38%) and networking with professionals
(34%).
The report also found that 74% of employees believe
their bosses value work experience and related skills more than an education
when comparing job candidates. In addition, 48% of employed college graduates
think their degree is not very relevant to their job and 80% report that they
have never been asked about their grade-point average in an interview.
“While education is still valued as one piece of the
puzzle for a successful career, we’re seeing a shift in the workplace in which
most employees feel gaining the latest skills relevant to their job and
industry is more valuable to help advance their careers, and they’re feeling
it’s what employers are truly seeking to really help move business forward,”
Rusty Rueff of Glassdoor said in an article for eCampus News.
