on checking the box.....

[rebel100]

I'm finally moving to fill the position left when I was promoted at work. I have 8 applicants so far. The position requires experience in the field and states a preference for a college degree.

Of 8 applicants 5 have little or no college, 1 holds an associates, and 2 hold Masters from State schools. Particularly interesting is the experience that accompanies the two with Masters, they have been more places and done more things than the others. Only one of the little or no education group has significant and meaningful experience that compares, and he got most of it while in the military.

With all that said, at least two from the little to no pile have very specific experience which might yet make them a good fit.

My quick take away is that higher education has a correlation with better jobs and more experience....but I wonder if it's the degree or the people.

Just food for thought....keep studying, it seems worthwhile!

[cookderosa]

Good question, I'm in agreement with your take. In my opinion, the "type" that likes to accomplish goals continues to find opportunities to accomplish goals.

[sanantone]

These days, professionals often choose to go back to school for graduate degrees. They're no longer just for people going straight from undergraduate programs looking to be in academia/research or be healthcare providers. Especially if you're looking for people in the healthcare management or emergency management field, I think it's more likely that you'll find that applicants with graduate degrees earned them after gaining professional experience. The MBA, MPA, master's in healthcare administration, and similar programs really are meant for people who are already in the field.

[OfficerA]

Mind if I ask what field in the military they're in (for the ones that have the background)? I'm seriously considering cross-training, as there's only one more office I care to learn in my job before it stagnates, as well as having zero certifications until I make the appropriate rank within the next 8 years or so.

[Lindagerr]

Interesting point, but my question would add the age factor. Until I finished my BA in 2010 I had a wide range of experience ( over 30 years) in many fields of laboratory science, I was also over 50 years old. So would the lack of degree, the amount of experience or the age have been a determining factor? I always wanted to get that degree but the opportunity was not there when I was younger.