Does anyone know what employers are looking for in a candidate?

Question

I have an associates degree. However, the interviewers want to know why I earned my associates degree in liberal arts and didn't go to a 4 year college to earn my bachelors degree. So, am I missing something? Is it necessary to have a bachelors degree and experience or just experience? I thought the employers don't look at education

Answer 1

You thought incorrectly, Obi-Wan. Employers do look at education; in fact, it is impossible to obtain certain jobs without it. Many firms require a bachelor's degree for any sort of managerial or technical role. If your undergrad work had been more targeted to a particular profession (an associate's in Finance or Business, say), you might have more possibilities open to you. Sadly, no one places the appropriate value on the liberal arts these days.

Answer 2

Tsk tsk tsk...it depends on what kind of job you want. Many, MANY, employers look at education. More and more employers require some sort of degree. The fact that you have an associates is a great start. However, the fact that you are not in school (if you are not) and don't have your 4yr, sometimes says you don't have ambition.

Now, there is a way to handle this well. First, explain why you didnt continue your education. Was it lack of funds? Was it lack of support, or are you still trying to decide what you want to major in? Do you have a family you need to support? Was there a major life change? Do you just not want a four year degree?

Understand this, in today's world, without a BA, do not expect a management job. Not to start with at least. You will probably get an admin job, or entry level. Try to find someone who does tuition reimbursement (very popular) and go back and finish your degree (at this point, it is considered unfinished) so you can move up if you want!

Good luck!

Answer 3

First, an associate degree is not a full-fledged undergraduate degree.
The employers usually look for in a candidate the ability to carry out the tasks for which he/she is employed. That in some cases may require a degree.