The Difference Between a Degree and Experience

When entering the employment world, credentials in your field are normally essential. A university degree is almost always a prerequisite in getting past the first hurdle in a job or graduate scheme application. However, does that mean that your degree is the most important feature on your CV? There is evidence that this not necessarily the case. Experience can help promote your job profile in competitive fields.

The first thing to note is that the debate between education and experience is largely dependent on what type of job you are applying for. Vocational fields like construction will often value experience over qualifications. On the other hand, a degree from a top university will make you more employable simply on the basis of its reputation. Furthermore, there are fields in which having a degree will get you a higher starting salary from the get go. These include computer science, mathematics, architecture, health and the social sciences.

Research in the UK has shown that top employers tend to value work experience from graduates over their specific grades, with 58 per cent rating work experience as the most popular qualification. Within the Netherlands, work experience is very highly valued among Dutch employers. Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences also focus on real-world experience, with most offering at least 1 year of work experience prior to completion of the degree. This reflects the value of experience in the Dutch job market, especially for technical jobs.

In the education vs experience debate, there is not always a clear winner. In reality, it is often a mixture of both elements that will land you the job. With the current emphasis on academic achievement within university, students are often not very well equipped to enter the job market when they graduate. With competition among graduates being very high, work experience can help you get the edge over others. Internships are invaluable, and easy to apply for. A simple phone call or email can book you a place at an established company, and many offer places ranging from the summer to a full year. Your degree is important, but making the effort to get some extra-curricular experience will go a long way.

Adam Watson