Skills vs. Credentials
What’s More Valuable: Hands-On Experience or a Formal Degree?
Most of us are raised to believe that earning a college degree is our key to unlocking a rewarding, lifelong career. But as the cost of attending college continues to rise and innovation in industry outpaces the relevance of academia, some are reconsidering the question: Is hands-on experience more valuable than a formal degree?
Our graphic follows two paths — one focused on skills and the other on credentials — while paying special attention to the pros and cons of each.
While the results are far from conclusive, there are notable trends in skills vs. credentials. Choosing a formal degree will be more expensive, though it also comes with more certain employment, while focusing on hands-on experience can lead to more particular opportunities, as well as freedom from student debt. But regardless of the chosen course, continuing education is the only path to career advancement.
Get answers to your questions about college degrees at degreequery.com
SOURCES
https://www.naceweb.org
https://www.chicagotribune.com
https://www.forbes.com
https://www.fool.com
https://www.cnbc.com