Experience vs Education?

Lina

September 26,2022 at 7:39PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Experience vs Education?

I'm applying for jobs and finding I'm coming up against the same issue over and over again. I've got the experience they are looking for, but not the education (a BA vs MSW). Should I be applying for these jobs anyway? I obviously could not if I don't have a license, but if they are looking for the degree only, is it worth applying to?

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

3 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

3 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousSeptember 26,2022 at 8:24PM UTC
Still apply! A few companies are starting to back off the college degrees as a requirement, not all though (for obvious reasons).
Perhaps say somewhere in your application that you'd be willing to take the necessary training/ added education courses to further be considered for the role. Especially if the company offers paid training/education as a benefit, talk that up in your cover letter or interviews.
If there are any recruiters / career fairs where you can speak to someone regarding the role you're looking at, perhaps they can also give you a few pointers on how to help your resume stand out.
Whatever you do, do not get discouraged! Your role is out there for you, even if it means looking at jobs that are similar or adjacent to what exactly your looking for.
Good luck to you!
Marquisha ThomasSeptember 26,2022 at 9:15PM UTC
I agree with the other poster that mentioned to apply anyways. Some of the bigger companies are really starting to do more experienced-based backgrounds instead of education. There’s already the saturation of degrees out there, but experience really goes a long ways! And it never hurts to put yourself out there, because each time you learn from the interview and potential hiring process. And you never really will know until you do. Keep us posted…
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 27,2022 at 1:12AM UTC
So sometimes it depends. Is the MSW listed as a Requirement or Preferred?
If the company follows OFCCP guidelines, you must legally meet the Basic Requirements before they can legally consider you as a candidate.
If you're applying for positions that say it's required, just don't let it get to you if you're not being considered.