Lacking a College Degree and Need a Next Step
I started working for an amazing company when I was 18 years old and have grown my career there (I'm 39 now). I started in a call center as a Customer Service Rep and now am a Director of Call Center Operations. I had to start working right out of high school to support my family and so I never went to college, and to get that first customer service job I didn't need a degree. It was also never required for me to earn a degree as I was promoted through the company.
Recently we went through a restructuring and we are reducing call center locations. My center is closing and my position was eliminated. I received a severance package, but the problem now is almost every job description I look at requires a college degree. At this point I don't feel like it matters, I have over 2 decades of work experience! But it is listed as a requirement on every job description for a Director role, a Manager role, and even a lot of individual contributor roles. Am I not going to be able to get a job?
Does a degree really matter?
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Feeling stuck on your next move in tech?
You’re not alone.
The industry shifts fast, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job on top of your actual one.
But staying relevant doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Here’s a simple, doable rhythm to follow (even with a full calendar):
✅ Quarterly: Scan open job listings—not just titles, but the skills and tools required. Use AI to spot patterns.
✅ Monthly: Talk to someone in a role you admire. Ask what they’re learning, noticing, and questioning.
✅ Ongoing: Skim global reports (like the WEF’s Future of Jobs) and follow a few sharp thinkers right here on LinkedIn.
✅ Repeat: Make this a habit, not a one-off. You’ll start to see the signals.
Then, check in on your fit using the IKIGAI model:
? What you love
? What you’re good at
? What the world needs
? What you can be paid for
From there? Close the gap with real upskilling.
The best programs offer:
✔️ Hands-on practice
✔️ Critical thinking challenges
✔️ Confidence in what you can do (not just what you know)
That’s why I often point folks to flexible, job-aligned platforms like Udacity—especially when time is tight and skill depth matters.
You don’t need perfect predictions.
Just a smart way to listen for what’s next.
? What’s one signal you’re seeing in your space right now?
#CareerDevelopment
#TechCareers
#Leadership
#Udacity
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Hi everyone,
I’m Mitali, a former Cognizant employee and a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas. I have experience in Salesforce, business analytics, and cloud technologies.
I’m currently seeking new opportunities in business analysis, CRM, or related roles. I’d be so grateful for any leads, advice, or referrals to help me get my foot in the door. If anyone has recommendations or knows of companies hiring, please feel free to connect or message me. Thank you in advance for your support!
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Job Search Myth: "If I apply to more jobs, I’ll get hired faster."
Quantity doesn’t beat quality. Sending out 100 generic resumes won’t open as many doors as 10 targeted, tailored applications.
Focus on roles that match your skills, customize your resume, and write a thoughtful cover letter. It’s not a numbers game; it’s a strategy game.
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Benefits for hourly employees?
I work as a recruiter for a relatively small employer (about 50 employees) The CEO asked me my opinion about not giving health, PTO, and holiday benefits to our hourly full-time employees in an effort to cut costs. She wants only salaried employees to have benefits.
I gave her my take on this and am curious about yours (pros and cons) especially those in HR.
Thanks.
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A friend asked me about strategies to level up her career....
A career isn’t something you just build; it’s something you grow into. If you, like my friend, are looking to level up your career, here are a few ideas that might help you move forward, feel more aligned, or simply reconnect with what drives you.
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Join us for a dynamic conversation exploring how forward-thinking employers can better support employees experiencing menopause and even perimenopause.
We’re sitting down with leaders at CVS Health® the first company in the country to receive the Menopause Friendly Accreditation from MiDOViA, an organization dedicated to supporting workplace menopause services, education, and advocacy.
FGB Live is happening on July 16 at 3 PM ET. Register today!
https://fairygodboss.com/events/gqPx49Yqf/creating-menopause-friendly-workplaces-through
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