Johnny C. Taylor Jr. is working on your HR questions as part of the USA Today series. Taylor is the world’s largest HR professional society and the president and CEO of the Human Resources Management Association, author of “Reset: A Guide to Leaders to Work in an Era of Trending Times.”
Do you have a question? Please send it here.
Question: I have been involved in program management for 14 years with three different organizations and have never completed a degree in this field. I was looking for new opportunities and came across a listing my degree as a requirement. Do I still need to apply because I meet or exceed all other criteria? – Jamie
Answer: It must be applied absolutely. If you’re interested in your work, go for it! Don’t let your degree requirements hinder you. Let me be clear: I’m not discounting the value of university education. It is essential in many ways. However, real-world experiences are often the best teachers, and employers are increasingly aware of this. If you meet and surpass other standards, you may be the person they are looking for.
Previously, most professional roles required a degree, but the recruitment landscape has changed. Employers are expanding their talent pool and finding that their degrees don’t automatically make someone the best candidate. There is momentum behind this idea. Two members of Congress recently introduced a bipartisan bill to ensure that workers without bachelor’s degrees consider fair employment. This trend is genuine and works in your favor.
This is how you can position yourself as a candidate for the top:
◾Adjust your resume and cover letter. Customize your resume and match it to your job description. Use the cover letter to share the lessons you’ve learned throughout your career.
◾Use transferable skills. Program management includes leadership, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and risk management. With 14 years of experience, you could be an expert in subjects in these fields. It highlights how your skills and outcomes are directly aligned with your role.
◾Ask the correct questions during the interview. If you are selected for an interview, don’t hesitate to ask your employment manager whether your degree is truly necessary or whether the relevant experience is important. If your degree is unnegotiable, consider whether you are willing to pursue it and ask if the company offers educational benefits to support that journey. Many employers provide financial support for continuing education.
Here is the bottom line: do not remove yourself from the running before you start. If this job is interested in you, apply it. Let the hiring team decide if you’re right. And if you’re told no, it’s not the end – it’s an opportunity to reassess and find a role and company that better aligns with your goals. Say yes until you say no and keep moving forward. You have this!
The opinions and opinions expressed in this column are the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of USA Today.
