When searching for a new job/career or advancing your current one, which method of schooling would you consider?

6 Comments

1. Tshepo DitsebeFebruary 9,2022 at 8:31PM UTC

   I am in the same boat and I think I am pivoting towards a Masters but it depends on the industry. I am in Conservation and most jobs require a Masters. Maybe in your field MOOC classes to upskill will do. I hope you do get the answers you need.

2. AnonymousFebruary 9,2022 at 8:32PM UTC

   100% depends on the person, past experiences, and where they want to go.

   I think it takes research to know what the standard is that the majority of companies are looking for in candidates when it comes to having a degree or not. If most companies are looking for candidates with bachelors degrees it would probably help to have one but might not count one out completely. If the candidate already has a bachelors degree I think certification courses like EdX or other sponsored certifications can be helpful to keep up on knowledge of the field.

   Education and certification only go so far though. Yes, they often want to see that you have it in some form for many jobs but experience plays a large factor as well.

   For example, in my field I needed a Bachelors but Masters was often preferred. I finished my Masters in this career position. It was what was needed for me to keep my job. When I want to move up though, I am looking at certain certifications though EdX and other Universities on topics that I need a better understanding on as well as opportunities in my current place to put them into practice.

3. AnonymousFebruary 9,2022 at 9:55PM UTC

   It all depends on the role, the number of years working on a certain level (manager, director, VP), if your tenure has been industry specific, etc. Where you want your career to go.

   It's highly personal and specific to your goals.

4. Crystal Miller O'BrienFebruary 10,2022 at 2:24PM UTC

   I would only add to the other comments that you should definitely do your research, and before investing in an education program: make sure a degree/certificate from that program is well-respected by those in your field. Nothing is sadder to me than seeing how a school marketed a program to someone with limited resources for a degree/certificate that will not translate to improved job opportunities.

5. Barb HansenFebruary 10,2022 at 6:42PM UTC

   It depends on your job title and your industry.

   In my industry (digital startup in the industry/consumer space), I want to see experience (for non-entry level jobs) and I don't care where you get your education (for most jobs)

   You don't need a masters in computer science to be a people manager in my dev team - you need to be a great coder and a equally great people leader (both skills you can learned without a college degree).

   You don't need a bachelor's degree for any role that we hire (except for roles that require a degree to get professional licensing, like an accountant)

   For entry-level jobs, having any educational background be that a 4-year college, 2-year college, MOOC classes, and/or online certs.

6. Natalie MicaleFebruary 11,2022 at 4:22PM UTC

   Hi there! This is highly industry dependent, of course, but I will say that my clients’ career options definitely broaden once they get their master’s degree. The fields they currently work in range from manufacturing to non-profile work, to health care. Personally, I got a lot out of my graduate program. So, if it makes sense for your industry, and you’re on the fence about going back to school, I’m here to encourage you to give it a go!