What is the benefit of having a degree if it is not related to your career field?

[barbara2bba]

The reason I ask this is because I see many people getting a degree in Liberal Studies. I know that the Liberal Studies degree would be much faster for me to obtain, but it does not correlate with my career field (Information Technology). I have since changed toward MIS (Management Information Systems) which is a Business Degree.

I was just wondering what the benefit of attaining a non-related degree would be. At first I thought that having a 4 year degree would fulfill position requirements just to get to the interview, but I see now that many IT based positions require degree in related field or equivalent experience, and the same with management positions.

The BIGGEST benefit I can see is for military purposes, enlisted vs officer.

If I were not an experienced professional, I would definately opt for the specialized degree IF I knew exactly what I wanted to do. However, as an experienced professional, and the necessity of having a "bachelors" degree as an absolute requirement to get a job, I have opted to go with the faster degree to get in the door.

For example, since I have been a professional recruiter for 20+ years, I could apply for a position as a recruiter with a BS degree and the experience would count as the "specialty." However, if I don't get a masters in either business or HR, I will have no chance to get a higher C level position. I have seen jobs that are advertising for a bachelors in either business, HR, or equivalent and with a BS and the experience, I have the "equivalent".

I am pressed for time with my current situation, and any bachelors right now will at least get me an interview. No bachelors gets me "no interview". Since I have amazing accomplishments in my field, I feel confident that the BS will suffice.

In conclusion, the BS degree works for many, and it is all based on the persons' particular background, experience, desires, etc..... So, if I were an IT recruiter and I was looking for a manager with 10 + years of experience in management of over 20 FTE's, and the preference is an MIS degree, but someone with exactly the right experience, has the right personality and fit and management style that will fit the organization, but has a BS, I would still sell my candidate and submit.