How important is a degree nowadays?

Entirely depends on the field you are interested in. Now people can prove talent by many means other than a college degree!

Very good question.. As more an more people attend college, the demand for college requirements goes up. For example, you may have been able to work at a chemical plant with a high school or diploma in the past, but now you have to have at least a certificate in process technology. So, it would be wise to obtain what ever degree is required for the career you desire and at the same time try to gain work experience in your area of study. Do an internship, take a related part time job, join societies and associations related to your career or major and make good grades. Good luck!

A degree is still very important to find a good professional job as this is still normally requirement for an employer to find you. It honestly depends on the line of work that you are going into as to what type of degree you need to get. However, it shows a lot of employers that you are the type of person that once you start something you finish it and see it through until you complete it in the end. So it is a great first impression to get you a chance at an interview and get you in door. While in school. I would suggest doing an internship to get feel for what you want to get into to ensure you like it plus it will give you experience and you will be able to put it on your resume. If you have that degree and experience it makes your resume that much more. Also, get involved in activities and clubs in college to show your a team player. Good luck!

More employers are now requesting employees to have significant training in whatever the career is. I know in certain cities that the police force is requiring officers to have a criminal justice degree. A degree will more than likely get you a higher pay and will qualify you more (than others) for a job.

Research the job/career that you are interested in and find the best path . Sometimes you may not need a degree, you may seek some type of trade or training in order to receive a certification. Either way, you will best to qualify for the job. GOod luck.

I agree with Jill, a degree these days is seen as more of an entry level qualification, many jobs won't hire without it whether it's actually needed for the job or not. I'm in IT, when I started it was unusual for someone to actually have a degree in Information Technology, Computer Science/Studies/Engineering or equivalent, the main way in was to learn at home and prove yourself on the job. Now it's almost impossible to get an entry level position without some form of further (post-high school) education. It does depend to some degree on what career you are aiming at, there are still a very few that you'd be better off doing a lower level of study combined with work experience, but if you go that route you need to also consider that a lack of degree may hold you back later in life if you want to change to a different career. I know of several companies that will not allow you to advance beyond a certain level if you don't have at least an undergraduate degree, so anyone without will be stuck at the level below that regardless of how good they are at the job.

It really depends on what you want to do. Look at job postings for your dream job and see what the requirements are. More and more I am seeing a college degree being a requirement, but it really does depend on the position. Even if a degree is required, do not put relevant experience aside. Get an internship, or 5! Be active in relevant organizations and even volunteer to get relevant experience. Many recruiters tell us the perfect candidate is the well-rounded one. The one with experience, grades/education, and active in the community.

Hi Gonzalo!

That's a great question. I would say that different fields and jobs value degrees differently. It looks like you received a lot of great advice above in regards to your question, but I wanted to emphasize that in my eyes, while a degree is a prerequisite for many job opportunities, it is not the only factor to success. I've had a number of jobs and internships and have learned a tremendous amount from each one regarding technical skills and industry knowledge, but have also learned the importance of soft skills in the workplace and developing your personal style of working. Whether you decide to pursue a degree or take another avenue, I would suggest challenging yourself in the workplace and gain experience in different fields or jobs. You will quickly learn what you do and don't like, something that's more easily learned outside of the classroom, and you will be able to develop your business acumen skills and style in which you work. I value these items just as high as a degree, as developing your own unique skills and finding the right job fit will ultimately lead you to a plentiful and fulfilling career. I wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors.

Take Care,
Billy

I am an advocate of education. A degree does not mean they will teach you how to be a professional in your field, you will learn that as you work. The reasons why education or a degree are important can be any of the following:

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  It helps you become independent when it comes to acquiring knowledge. It teaches you how to learn anything on your own.

  
  


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  It sets the foundation for all the concepts you will need to develop in your field, this is very important.

  
  


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  It allows you to build your first network! It will introduce you to the peers that you might contact in the future for career advice or help. Your college friends become your professional network later on. I got my first job thanks to a recommendation from a friend I had in college. If I have learned anything so far is that having a team makes anything easier to achieve.

  
  


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  It allows you to attend professional events such as career fairs, where you can meet and network with professionals in your field that can educate you about any question you might have about a career path.

  
  


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  It allows you to explore knowledge! During youth you have to try and not be afraid to fail, because opportunities are always there but if you never take a chance, you will never know.

  
  

College opened so many doors for me and it keeps on doing that.

Now, to show the other side of the coin, there are people who do not have the means or the opportunity to get a degree. My wife is an example, but she is one of the most amazing professionals I know. So do not be discouraged if you do not have the opportunity to get a degree, it does not mean that you cannot achieve your dream career.

Good luck!

Depending on the field of study you want to pursue, a degree may be the cost of entry, unfortunately. That said, however, I'm a firm believer that experience, enthusiasm and a strong work ethnic have a strong place. Getting your foot through the door sometimes makes all the difference. Engage in internships, volunteer in formal settings and if you can't afford the costs of a formal education, research whether you can get training or certification in your field. I know several people that have become successful entrepreneurs and professionals, and you'd never guess they didn't have a degree. Above all, I would urge you to do a lot of research. There may be positions within the larger field you are interested in that could be a good fit, but don't necessarily require a degree.

Having a college degree today is more important than it has ever been, the price of admission for most good careers. It is now the equivalent of a high school degree way back when I graduated college. It is harder and harder to get a good job without getting a college degree. One question people ask about college is if it is worth the cost. That depends on where you go to school and what you major in. One suggestion is to start out in a community college and transfer to a 4 year school after you graduate. It is much cheaper to get through school that way. Also, pick your major wisely. make sure you major on something that is valued in the marketplace. If you major in something not in demand in the business world (art history, for example) your chances of getting a good job go down significantly.