Okay, you know GetMeHiredKristi will always keep it real and transparent with you when it comes to landing a new role, especially in the tech space. We have all heard the breaking news of companies removing degree requirements due to the rising cost of tuition. Companies like Google, Walmart, IBM & Bank of America want to remove “unnecessary barriers” to career advancement. But what does this really mean and who does it really affect?

I want to start off by saying this isn’t the first time we heard about companies removing degrees. Back in 2019 when I was working as a contractor at big G (check out my LinkedIn page for more details) this same concept was announced and I immediately thought “YES I’m bout to get everybody and they mama on now” turns out, that wasn’t the case. A degree is being replaced with years of experience and I’m not sure everyone knows what that means. Depending on the type of role, technical or non-technical you will need to have 4-5 years of experience to replace the degree requirement plus whatever number of years are required for the role. See example in Microsoft Digital Sales Specialist job description below:

See how you need 4-9 years of experience without a degree but just 3 years with a degree. Now this is great for employees that have been in the workforce for years struggling to advance in their careers and have the opportunity to make more money but who is negatively impacted by this the most?

In my personal opinion entry level candidates will feel the burn of this new concept the most. Think about it, there are 2 candidates going up for a true entry level project manager role. Both have no industry experience, but one has a degree, and one doesn’t. Assuming all interview and assessment feedback is equal, who is the employer more likely to choose as their next hire?

I write this not to discourage you but to help you understand that regardless of the changes being made the playing field is never fair. I serve a community of entry and transferable skills level candidates and it is important to me that I help set you up for success in any situation. Please continue to network, tailor your resume, set up coffee chats & attend conferences so you can expand your reach of people you know. The market is slowly changing from WHAT YOU KNOW to WHO YOU KNOW and I’m here to help you navigate.

Ending on a good note, here is your #ENTRYLEVEL Job of the Day

And your #SideHustle of the Day

Research Project Wants to Pay You to Eat A&W!

GetMeHiredKristi! Okay I got you! Signing off.