Your college degree doesn’t determine your career direction. If you’ve been part of a particular workforce for a long period of time, you may learn that your education background has almost nothing to do with your employability rate in the job market. But then again, even if you are one of the most talented employees in your organization and you plan to look for another career, you may be considered to work in another position. But, you may be overlooked if there are other applicants who have the right educational background.
Education Is Not the Only Qualification
Remember that unless the educational background of the applicant is highly specialized or technical, employers normally don’t make their decision based upon a candidate’s training alone. If you have the right skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of the job, you will have a better chance of being considered. Having the right education is a formality unless you are applying for a more specialized position such as teaching, management, and administration among others.
It’s Not as Important as You Think
You also need to bear in mind that there are plenty of employees in different industries that perform exceptionally well even when they have a degree that does not directly coincide with their job. Most employers are concerned with specialized courses and training programs instead of focusing on a specific type of degree. This is because of the rapid technological developments that have led to a lot of employers believing that there are no degree programs that will fully prepare applicants for the specific duties associated with their job description. Employers know that they will still have to train employees so that they can adapt to the system of the organization. Therefore, the specific educational training the candidate possesses is not normally as important as the candidate’s related experience.
Consider Additional Courses
But if you are worried that your college degree is not suitable for the new career you want to pursue, job experts suggest that you enroll in course work that will coincide with your new career direction. Obtaining additional training can help develop your skills and will allow you to easily adapt to different work environments because you will have the proficiency to perform new jobs responsibly. Consequently, listing the number of specialized training programs and supplemental courses you have taken can appear more impressive than your regular college degree.
Employers today are more concerned about how you will perform in your job than the amount of degrees you hold. Even if you do not have the right college degree but you have ample experience in that particular field, there is no reason why you can’t choose to pursue a new career direction.
Do you have experience working in a career that didn’t coincide with your degree? Comment and share your experience below! If you need help tailoring your resume and cover letter to a job you don’t have education in, contact Candace for assistance!