8 answers
Andrew
Student
Plano, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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In the business world, is a college degree worth more than earning a certification and work experience #Spring25?
Referring to Scrum, PMP or like certification where you can show you know how to do the work, even without a degree.
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8 answers
Shaun Collins
Project Management
11
Answers
San Mateo, California
Updated
Shaun’s Answer
Hi Andrew - the answer is all the above. But as a hiring manager for many years in a fortune 500 company, I can tell you it's very hard to get your foot in the door without the degree. The degree was almost always the first hurdle. Once you're in, many companies will pay for your PMP and other certifications, even higher education like the MBA (mine did). Get your business degree and get going. You'll be a star!
- Shaun
- Shaun
That great advice right from a hiring manager. Thanks for the input. That may be the way to go.
Andrew
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
658
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Andrew,
I think it depends a lot on the kind of business and how far you want to go. If your goal is to become a CEO/CFO or higher manager of a traditional company, you will need a degree. Skills will only get you so far.
In tech, some certificates and proven skills will do IF they look at you. If your competition also has skills and a degree, you might lose out. You'll need to network and build a name for yourself to make sure you'll get invited to interview and test.
If you start your own company, nobody cares.
College gives you more than just a degree and some skills. You learn critical thinking. You learn to learn. You do a lot of growing up during college, broaden your horizon, meet different people and build connections.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
I think it depends a lot on the kind of business and how far you want to go. If your goal is to become a CEO/CFO or higher manager of a traditional company, you will need a degree. Skills will only get you so far.
In tech, some certificates and proven skills will do IF they look at you. If your competition also has skills and a degree, you might lose out. You'll need to network and build a name for yourself to make sure you'll get invited to interview and test.
If you start your own company, nobody cares.
College gives you more than just a degree and some skills. You learn critical thinking. You learn to learn. You do a lot of growing up during college, broaden your horizon, meet different people and build connections.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
I definitely agree with you if you aspire a high position within an established corporation. College has enhanced my abilities in finance and marketing, but some requirements of a degree seem unnecessary. I appreciate your insight. Thank you for the response.
Andrew
You are very welcome!
Karin P.
If you are close to fulfilling the requirements to graduate, I would say go for it. It's something that you would have under your belt. If at any point in your career you come to the point where you need a degree, you have it.
Karin P.
Yes, I’m within a year of graduating. Just wondering if the degree in Business is any better than getting Scrum and PMP certifications.
I really enjoyed your feedback and agree wholeheartedly.
Andrew
Brian Dittman
Electrical Specialist
9
Answers
Kissimmee, Florida
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Phew!
This is a tough question my friend. As someone with a lot of certifications but no college degree (YET!) to back it up I feel like I am facing a lot obstacles when it comes to getting the promotions I seek. However, on the flip side my friends with the college degrees and few certifications are facing the same problems later on. It does seem like a degree carries more weight than a few certifications but in the end you want to make yourself as valuable as you can. A house isnt build with one support beam, it takes alot of parts for you to build a nice career. Get everything you can, and do everything you can to make yourself a more well rounded employee.
This is a tough question my friend. As someone with a lot of certifications but no college degree (YET!) to back it up I feel like I am facing a lot obstacles when it comes to getting the promotions I seek. However, on the flip side my friends with the college degrees and few certifications are facing the same problems later on. It does seem like a degree carries more weight than a few certifications but in the end you want to make yourself as valuable as you can. A house isnt build with one support beam, it takes alot of parts for you to build a nice career. Get everything you can, and do everything you can to make yourself a more well rounded employee.
Thank you. I can see how lacking either could hold you back.
Andrew
Patrick Wulteputte
Engineering Leader
4
Answers
Machelen, Flanders, Belgium
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
It’s understandable to question the value of a college degree versus real-world experience, especially in today’s fast-paced business environment. Both paths offer unique advantages, and the “better” choice truly depends on your personal goals, learning style, and career aspirations.
A college degree provides a broad foundation of knowledge, develops critical thinking skills, and often opens doors to entry-level positions in many industries. It demonstrates commitment and the ability to learn, which employers value.
Certifications and work experience, on the other hand, showcase specialized skills and practical knowledge directly applicable to specific roles. This path can lead to faster career progression within a particular field and demonstrates your ability to deliver tangible results.
Ultimately, the key is to identify your strengths and desired career path. Research industries and roles that interest you and evaluate the typical educational requirements. Don’t be afraid to network with professionals in those fields to gain insights and guidance.
Remember, learning is a lifelong journey, and there are multiple paths to success. Whether you choose a traditional degree or a combination of certifications and experience, focus on continuous learning and skill development to stay competitive and adaptable in the ever-evolving business world.
A college degree provides a broad foundation of knowledge, develops critical thinking skills, and often opens doors to entry-level positions in many industries. It demonstrates commitment and the ability to learn, which employers value.
Certifications and work experience, on the other hand, showcase specialized skills and practical knowledge directly applicable to specific roles. This path can lead to faster career progression within a particular field and demonstrates your ability to deliver tangible results.
Ultimately, the key is to identify your strengths and desired career path. Research industries and roles that interest you and evaluate the typical educational requirements. Don’t be afraid to network with professionals in those fields to gain insights and guidance.
Remember, learning is a lifelong journey, and there are multiple paths to success. Whether you choose a traditional degree or a combination of certifications and experience, focus on continuous learning and skill development to stay competitive and adaptable in the ever-evolving business world.
This is great feedback. I agree, constant learning is required in today’s constant changing environment.
Thank you for your response.
Andrew
Sivani Bhupathiraju
1
Answer
Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
Updated
Sivani’s Answer
In today's fast-paced business world, especially with the Spring25 mindset, a college degree isn't the only way to achieve success. While degrees are still important in some traditional fields, they take a lot of time and money. Instead, getting certifications and gaining hands-on work experience can lead you quickly into tech and business roles. In areas like software development, especially with tools like Spring Boot, employers look for real-world skills and practical know-how. They value problem-solving abilities over just having a formal education. Certifications show you're eager to learn and specialize, while experience shows you can get results. For many modern tech jobs, especially in agile or startup settings, having certifications and real project experience can be even more valuable than a traditional degree.
Thank you, Sivani for the advice.
Andrew
Elise Walbrun
Sales
3
Answers
Littleton, Colorado
Updated
Elise’s Answer
A college degree is a fantastic way to build important skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. It shows you can handle a variety of courses and learn how to think and adapt in different situations. While vocational training focuses on specific job skills, a college education teaches you how to learn and grow over time. This sets a strong foundation for any career. After college, you can still enhance your expertise through a Master's degree or certifications, but having a college degree is highly valued and opens many doors. Both paths are valuable, and each can lead to success!
Thank you. I can see your point about adaptability. However, the fact that many people work in fields outside their degree, seems to lessen the value of a degree.
Andrew
Ankita Pimple
Currently Student pursuing MS in Management Information System
43
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ankita’s Answer
Great question, and it's becoming more important, especially in project management.
Here's the simple truth:
A degree can open doors. It shows you're committed, have a broad knowledge base, and helps you get past HR filters at big companies.
Certifications like Scrum or PMP prove you have the skills to do the job. They're respected and show you're ready to work.
Work experience is the tie-breaker. When combined with a degree or certification, it proves you can deliver results.
So, what matters more?
It depends on the job and the company. Many startups or tech companies care more about your skills than your education. Traditional or corporate environments might still prioritize degrees.
Best combo?
A degree + certification + real experience (internships, projects, etc.). If you don't have all three, focus on showing your value with what you do have.
Here's the simple truth:
A degree can open doors. It shows you're committed, have a broad knowledge base, and helps you get past HR filters at big companies.
Certifications like Scrum or PMP prove you have the skills to do the job. They're respected and show you're ready to work.
Work experience is the tie-breaker. When combined with a degree or certification, it proves you can deliver results.
So, what matters more?
It depends on the job and the company. Many startups or tech companies care more about your skills than your education. Traditional or corporate environments might still prioritize degrees.
Best combo?
A degree + certification + real experience (internships, projects, etc.). If you don't have all three, focus on showing your value with what you do have.
I completely agree that degree with certain with experience is the best option. I also believe real world experience should be taken at a higher level than someone with just a degree who has learned the theory behind a subject.
I appreciate your insight and your response. Thank you.
Andrew
Taylor Puffer
Sales
1
Answer
Draper, Utah
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
That's a great question, and the answer really depends on the context—industry, role, and even the stage of your career.
I believe having a degree can serve as a valuable foundation and a reliable fallback option. It often opens doors and provides opportunities that may not be as accessible without one. That said, there are also many effective pathways to success that do not require a traditional degree, particularly when supplemented with practical experience and relevant certifications.
I believe having a degree can serve as a valuable foundation and a reliable fallback option. It often opens doors and provides opportunities that may not be as accessible without one. That said, there are also many effective pathways to success that do not require a traditional degree, particularly when supplemented with practical experience and relevant certifications.
Not to misquote you, but I agree there are many effective pathways to success, as long as someone is willing to take the steps that lead to the open door being offered.
Thank you
Andrew