The question of Experience Vs. Education is a debate that often comes up in career discussions. The two different concepts are based on different aspects. Education is based on formal learning and fine print materials while experience is a broad concept. Experience relates to anything you can’t learn in a classroom.
Work experience
Work experience can be a great asset when applying for jobs. It can help you discover your strengths and weaknesses, and impress employers. It can also help you settle down and find a career path. In addition, it gives you valuable information and the ability to make decisions based on your experiences.
Education is important in many ways, and having a college degree is often a prerequisite for many positions. However, in many cases, companies are looking for someone who is flexible, adaptable, and responsive, and work experience can instill those qualities in an employee.
Education
Experience is an important asset for many people. However, it is not a substitute for education. Many employers prefer a candidate with a college degree. Experience is valuable and can lead to a higher salary. In some industries, employers will require at least a bachelor’s degree to hire someone for a mid-level role. These roles are often more lucrative than entry-level jobs. Regardless of the field you choose, education is still an asset that will enable you to move up the corporate ladder. For instance, school districts pay higher wages to teachers with advanced degrees than to those without.
Similarly, education can widen your peer network, but work experience allows you to learn from other people’s mistakes. This can prove very useful in planning your career and making life decisions. In fact, 58% of leading employers place an emphasis on work experience.
Academic degrees
The debate over the value of an academic degree is ongoing. With many notable self-made entrepreneurs and thought leaders skipping out on secondary education, some people wonder if a college degree is worth the investment. However, this debate has been ongoing for decades. As Charles Kilfoye, assistant vice president for learner success at Northeastern University, explains, “the question of whether a college degree is worth the investment is nothing new.”
A degree can prove you have the necessary skills and knowledge to do the job, but experience can give you the edge when it comes to career growth. While a degree may show potential employers you’ve been through the classroom, experience demonstrates you’ve been through real-world situations and gained important skills. Experience can even help you get a better job.
Industry certifications
Industry certifications are a good way to validate that you have met certain requirements. These certificates are usually issued by professional organizations or IT vendors and require periodic renewal. They provide a third-party endorsement of your knowledge, and are recognized throughout the country. But they’re not the same as education, and they are not a replacement for it.
Obtaining a certification can help you to increase your credibility among employers and improve your chances of finding a job. Most long-term certificates require at least one year of full-time study. According to a report from the Lumina Foundation, the most common sectors where people with short-term credentials are employed are health care, education, and government services.
Cost of obtaining a degree
The cost of obtaining a degree depends on the type of institution, location, and experience. It may be lower if you have financial aid. Tuition is a separate cost from living expenses, and the average student pays about $21,000 a year. However, the cost of attending a private institution is often much higher, with some institutions charging more than $30k per year for tuition.
Some colleges offer degree completion programs and allow a student to transfer up to 12 credits. However, it’s important to note that every exam is subject to an assessment fee. For example, the cost of CLEP exams starts at $89 each, and local test centers often charge a fee to proctor the test. Colleges also charge assessment fees per credit and course, and you should carefully compare costs before enrolling.
Value of earning a degree
The value of experience versus a degree often depends on the type of job you seek and the industry you’re applying for. In customer-facing and hands-on jobs, experience is usually more valuable. In more professional fields, however, a degree or industry-related certifications may be more important.
A recent Georgetown University study showed that the value of a college degree can outweigh job experience in some fields. For instance, educators with a bachelor’s degree or higher earn significantly more than those with only a basic education. In STEM fields, even 10 years of experience will not hold as much weight as an academic credential.
