Degree VS. Experience (Atlanta: find a job, theatre, high school)

[Tishea]

I heard that in Atlanta they are really big on you having your degree VS. Experience. Is that true. As of today I am still in school, so I am wondering on if I am going to have a hard time getting a job since I don't have it.

[atlantagreg30127]

Well, this is the way I see it....

If I were in charge of hiring for a company (which I have been in the past): I would want to see a resume that shows me someone has had experience and some training in the skills that are needed for the job they're applying for. How many actual degrees (if any) they have would be irrelevant to me. I'm more interested in working experience and some formal training in the skill-set, but just because you went to school long enough to get a piece of paper doesn't mean you know as much as the guy who's been doing it for ten years who took a night class at community college for it.

Obviously there are exceptions like in the medical fields, etc., where you are required and need to have a certain level of formal training and degrees. This is a generic answer since a specific trade wasn't mentioned.

[Tishea]

Originally Posted by atlantagreg30127

Well, this is the way I see it....

If I were in charge of hiring for a company (which I have been in the past): I would want to see a resume that shows me someone has had experience and some training in the skills that are needed for the job they're applying for. How many actual degrees (if any) they have would be irrelevant to me. I'm more interested in working experience and some formal training in the skill-set, but just because you went to school long enough to get a piece of paper doesn't mean you know as much as the guy who's been doing it for ten years who took a night class at community college for it.

Obviously there are exceptions like in the medical fields, etc., where you are required and need to have a certain level of formal training and degrees. This is a generic answer since a specific trade wasn't mentioned.

Thanks for your response. I am in the accounting field. Accounts receivable. I have a certification in Make-up artistry but I just started that. I am just wondering on what career would accomodate me the most.

[atlantagreg30127]

Originally Posted by Tishea

Thanks for your response. I am in the accounting field. Accounts receivable. I have a certification in Make-up artistry but I just started that. I am just wondering on what career would accomodate me the most.

In Atlanta? Accounting.

[Tishea]

Originally Posted by atlantagreg30127

In Atlanta? Accounting.

So what does that mean? I don't have a chance?

Well what industry is hot in Atlanta?

[atlantagreg30127]

Originally Posted by Tishea

So what does that mean? I don't have a chance?

Well what industry is hot in Atlanta?

Well yes, you have a chance at getting an accounting job! I mean, you have experience in it, and it's a commonly needed position in many companies here, so your odds of getting an accounts type position would be decently good at least compared to some others.

Atlanta does have an arts community here (theatre, TV production, etc) but this isn't NYC, so while there's a "you never know" factor about getting a job in that field, it's not as sure of a bet as numbers (accounting). Sorry. Obviously don't give up your dream. TRY. Still, it's one of those, "don't give up your day job" type of things, too.

Of course, Atlanta's largest business was realty, but of course you know where that is across the board in the U.S. now (and strongly so here). The medical and education fields are still chugging along, but I'm not aware of any schools or hospitals that need make-up artists (though they do need accountants occasionally).

[Tishea]

Okay.. I really appreciate your response. As of today I still feel confident about coming.

[crux]

In addition to your degree, make sure your padding your experience with an internship during your junior/senior studies. Instead of settling for a mom-pop business, strive to support a fortune 500 or other reputable business if you can (dependent upon your degree and personal aspirations). Then start to consider certifications you could achieve shortly after graduation.

[Tishea]

Will do...Thanks for your advice.... I wonder how long it will take me to find a job?

[DPAT]

I don't know about Accounting in particular, but I've wondered the same thing (education vs. experience). In my experience, I've found it to be a generational issue. I'm young (25) - and for my peers, your degree(s) is/are important for getting your foot in the door. For the older generation... not so much. I know several directors and EVPs in cooperate with English degrees but a boat-load of experience who are only now going back to get Executive MBAs (maybe).

I think times are changing, and for my generation a big emphasis has been put on education. Bachelor's degrees today are what High School diplomas were 30 years ago.

All that said, experience is still important also. They want both... I guess that is where internships come in handy.