is getting a job determined more so by one's innate personality then a university degree?

Question

Are uni degrees important or a waste of time?

Answer 1

I wouldn't say it was more one or the other. Instead, I would say that for many jobs, you would not even be considered if you did not have a college degree; your resume would go right into the reject pile. Once you have the basic credential, though, you have to compete against all the other college graduates, which means convincing them that you are the right person for the job, and since they have to work with you, they want someone with a personality they can tolerate. We just went through that at a higher level hiring faculty members. We wouldn't consider anyone who didn't have the Ph.D. or some of the other credentials we required, but in narrowing down our choices, we might end up taking someone we feel we can work well with and whom we think the students will like rather than some gloomy drudge who publishes somewhat more heavily.

Answer 2

I believe that a degree is important. However, where I live (in Michigan) where the economy isn't stellar ... I beat out 20 other people for my job (mostly with degrees) because I have experience and the right personality. I have friends with college degrees that cannot find a job or end up working retail. So, basically an education is important but so is experience!

Answer 3

Education and experience get you in the door. Your personality gets the job done and moves you ahead.. But you often need the degree just for the interview.

Answer 4

unfortunatly you have to have it ALL- the education as a formality which weeds out a bunch of applicants, the experience to prove you can handle having and keeping a job, and probably most importantly your personality- if it works with your employer or not will mostly determine wheater you get the job!

Answer 5

I agree with SarahBeara, education is important, but depending on where you live, experience can be the deciding factor.