Would dropping out of school for a while look bad to employers on a resume, even if the person had good reasons too, went back to school, got good grades, made good use of the time off, etc? Or does it usually look bad regardless, you think? I'm just wondering if anyone has had experience with this. There's a lot of hear-say, esp. of parents that say "don't drop out! it'll look bad!", especially for those going to grad school, but how's in real life and not just by parental fears? Thanks.
2007-03-16 08:48:42 · 14 answers · asked by Southern Girl 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
P.s. I know that things like this can vary from employer to employer, but I'm just asking in general.
2007-03-16 08:51:55 · update #1
Just going to add one more detail...I'm talking about if a person dropped out, but eventually did go back and completed their degree
2007-03-16 09:07:04 · update #2
I don't think so. I think it's more mature to realize that you are burned out on school and take a break. Why force yourself to finish if it means barely passing your classes? Test driving some jobs in the meantime is a perfectly legitimate thing to do and it might help you narrow down your choices when you return to school.
So, if an employer asks, you can say you liked school and you intend to finish, but you were feeling a little unsure of your ultimate career path so you decided to take a break and investigate some possible career avenues to see what is a great fit. Employers might actually like the fact you haven't finished because in their mind they can pay you less than someone who has the degree. So, go into it thinking it's a temporary learning experience.
2007-03-16 09:01:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes dropping out would look bad on your resume but the thing that worse is that lots of people who drop out of college to take time off never go back. Finish college then take time out.
An employer will ask about the time off.... Some people take time off to serve in the Peace Corps, etc. which is good but if you do not finish school then the good use that you made of your time will mean nothing... Good Luck
2007-03-16 08:56:02 · answer #2 · answered by M B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is how you handle it.
Under the Education section of your resume, you will still put XXXX (year started) to Current.
Then tell the potential employer that due to financial issues, you have to reduce your school to part time and work full time (or whatever you are doing).
Good luck to you and don't leave for long, or you may never go back, I learned that the hard way...
2007-03-16 09:04:02 · answer #3 · answered by Gem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dropping out of college never looks bad on a resume--unless you choose not to go back. If you want to drop out for a while to do other things, or if the pressure of it all is too much for you too handle, my advice would be for you to drop for a while. Take about six months off, but the important thing to remember is YOU WANT TO FINISH AND GET YOUR DEGREE!
2007-03-16 09:04:08 · answer #4 · answered by Nate 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Initially it might not look very good but if you have good reason and other good qualities like great references from previous jobs it will not matter so much. I did the same thing and I have a good job but I felt like I wanted more. So, after 2 years of being out of school I went back. It is hard b/c I am paying for it myself now and still working full time to do so but my grades are so much better and my drive is so much stronger!
2007-03-16 09:02:23 · answer #5 · answered by Amanda D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily. Many people drop out of college for a while, either for financial reasons, personal reasons, or whatever. Going back and finishing will show your future employers that you have motivation and determination. If you need to drop out for a while for whatever reason, do it. Then go back and finish. I don't think it will affect the decisions of future employers.
2007-03-16 08:58:08 · answer #6 · answered by Wildernessguy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not if the person completed college.
Else apply for positions where it doesn't matter as much. If in grad school get a master's it's only a form on the way to a doctorate.
2007-03-16 08:54:51 · answer #7 · answered by Wonka 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't get me wrong, having a college degree is great...but it only tells employers you are trainable...but can you actually perform the job? There's something to be said for having the experience.
I say, go for it. Take time off, as long as you keep gaining experience.
2007-03-16 10:36:36 · answer #8 · answered by hcwwur 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dropping out of college with relavant reasons will not look bad on your resume.
Sure it will somehow affect the first impression of your employer towards you but however, if the reason is acceptable, they will likely not judge you on the bad record. (Assuming that you have completed the course)
2007-03-16 08:54:18 · answer #9 · answered by dilucifer 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would not divulge the dates on your resume. Use the don't ask don't tell approach. Having dates on your resume will at times cost you a job (even though it's against the law). Some folks don't want people who are too old or young.
2007-03-16 09:16:46 · answer #10 · answered by jimponder 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋