Is a Degree More Important Than Real-World Experience? Seeking Advice from Seniors

Hi,

I am Pravin, and I was working with an MNC for the last three and a half years. At the time of joining, I was doing my graduation, and I was hired because of my computer skills.

After joining, due to curiosity and a willingness to learn, I took on every task as an opportunity for learning. Meanwhile, I mastered Time office, Payroll, Legal compliance of Trade Apprentices, Provident Fund, Contract Labor, Travel Administration, Canteen, Security, HK Administration, and recruitment of trainee technicians.

However, after three and a half years, I was fired because I didn't have a post-graduation degree. Now, I am enrolling in MPM.

I just want to know from seniors, is only a degree important? Does online experience not matter?

Waiting for your valuable reply!

Thank you.

Regards,
Pravin Badade

Hi Pravin,

Don't get disheartened. I know that you have a lot of experience, but at the end of the day, a degree also matters a lot. In today's scenario, all companies are looking for professionally qualified people.

It's really good that you have now applied for Post Graduation. After completing it, whenever you apply for a job, you will surely have an advantage with your previous experience along with your degree.

Wishing you the best of luck.

Thanks & Regards,
Ruchi

Hello Pravin,

I agree with Ruchi. You REALLY have a good BREADTH of exp. But quite often it becomes difficult for companies to differentiate between the breadth & depth of exp... this is where the addl degree [or the lack of it] comes into the picture. Like quite a few people have realized, recession is the best time to pursue additional education. Go ahead and do it... and you can be sure of getting a much better role after you complete it. Or maybe you can join some other job and pursue the PG thru evening/correspondence courses. All the BEST.

Rgds, TS

Dear Pravin,

Post Graduation is important to enter into good job. Now-a-days each and every organization wants highly qualified professional to reduce wastages. As you have rich experience but not a Professional Qualification to utilize it upto maximum.

Your experience is as similar to the knowledge and intelligence of the student but Post Graduation (Professional Qualification) play a role of Identity card to sit in the examination. No matter how much intelligent the student is, may be he/she will become the toper but Identity Card for sitting the examination is too much necessary.

Hope you understand – finish your Post Graduation and utilize your experience upto your level best

Regards

Pankaj Chandan

Hi guys! 😄

It's true one should have a PG qualification. But I have seen many people working as HR managers just on the basis of experience and capability. Experience cannot be a substitute for anything. I feel in the case of Pravin, the company would have asked him to go for a PG course while working with them. Even the companies help monetarily to employees for pursuing higher education. Firing an experienced, sincere, and performing employee just because he doesn't have the PG is foolishness, I feel.

Regards,

Rajeev Dixit
(Asst. Mgr - HR & Admin)

Hi Pravin,

I also agree with Rajeev; he is absolutely right. I personally feel that you should apply for a job in the HR field. Alongside, you can pursue correspondence and evening courses such as a P.G. diploma in HR, MBA in HRM, or MPM. After enrolling in these courses, you can mention in your resume that you are pursuing these qualifications, which will definitely enhance your job prospects.

Regards,
Pooja

Hi,

Why do companies look out for professional qualifications like an MBA, especially from a good business school, preferably full-time? I have previously led a region for a group company of HSBC. My reasoning is simple: experience matters, but the kind of exposure you receive in an MBA, if you truly apply yourself, is tremendous. Organizations seek individuals who can work across any function, and an MBA provides exposure to all functions. Having an MBA is not a guarantee for growth, but it can act as a catalyst for your development.

Once you reach a middle-level management position, you will be competing with highly qualified professionals. Therefore, having the right qualifications becomes crucial for your career progression.

Even if there wasn't a requirement for a degree, the fact is that there are a lot of people out there with whom you are competing who have a degree or even a master's degree, who have years of experience, and who might even have many certifications. You may have the experience, but experience plus education will trump your credentials.

Dear Parvin,

Qualification and experience are like our two eyes. If someone asks you which eye is more important, what will we answer? Both are interdependent and equally important.

Regards,
Sree

Hey, let me tell you. Please don't segregate like - Degree or experience?

It's the application of what you have learned that counts in work. Not everything you can gain from experience can be gained through books. Neither will what books help you with can be done away with when it comes to applying what we have learned at work or on the job.

I know many people who have a professional degree but are worth "nothing" when it comes to the application of that knowledge at work. I know people who have a professional degree and are really a great asset for the employer (they combine both books and logical thinking). I know people who don't have a professional degree but are exceptional and experts in their field. You see, experience has a wider reach within!

But when it comes to the job market - people with a professional degree and experience are pricey! Costly! And people with experience and no professional degree lack that advantage.

This is the time you can improve your skills. Two options: Apply for a full-time course or apply for a part-time and also work during the available free time! It will be very helpful.

Time is all yours, the decision is all yours. Life is all yours. We watch you play, we clap hands when you succeed, we pat when you need encouragement. CiteHR will be there to guide you!

Take care!